82 750 Spectre won't start

I replaced my spark plugs, battery, fuel, and replaced the air filter. It ran, but was erratic in the idle and would heat up and rev up on its own. I deleted the "EPA vacuum paraphernelia" (as advised by Patton) and removed the air filter (soaked in fuel since I left the gas valve open for 2 nights). The oil was contaminated so I changed that and the oil filter. Also, I removed the plugs and cleaned them, tested them for spark and put them back in. The bike seems like it wants to start, will barely start with starter fluid, but will not turn over on its own. Any ideas as to why this thing won't start up?

You may have answered your own question - you removed the air filter. Also, since fuel was contaminating the oil etc. did you figure out why? Leaving the petcock on should not cause fuel to leak past the carbs unless something is wrong with them. Ed

SpectreRob750 wrote: I replaced my spark plugs, battery, fuel, and replaced the air filter. It ran, but was erratic in the idle and would heat up and rev up on its own. I deleted the "EPA vacuum paraphernelia" (as advised by Patton) and removed the air filter (soaked in fuel since I left the gas valve open for 2 nights). The oil was contaminated so I changed that and the oil filter. Also, I removed the plugs and cleaned them, tested them for spark and put them back in. The bike seems like it wants to start, will barely start with starter fluid, but will not turn over on its own. Any ideas as to why this thing won't start up?

It's likely that excessive fuel was for whatever reason being allowed past the float valves, evidenced by air filter soaked in fuel and fuel-contaminated oil. Has this been corrected?

Good Fortune!

I am unsure if the issues has been corrected, I thought that this resulted from the petcock being left open. I guess I will have to remove the carbs again and check the floats?

I would not remove the carbs. First I would do the clear tube test to see what the fuel level is set at - instructions can be found on this site by doing a search for "clear tube." If fuel level is too high or otherwise off you can drop the bowls and adjust float tangs. If the fuel level is set ok, I would drop the fuel bowls and clean the float valves. This can be done without removing the carbs. Clean the float valve needles and orifices with a non-abrasive cleaner (carb cleaner works well) and a Q-tip. While you have the bowl off make sure the overflow tubes are clear and not cracked. Ed