79 sr650 cluelessness

I'm a newb with a bike that hasn't run in years. I've taken the carbs apart and I think things look fine and decent. Questions...

1) is there a no-brainer dummy proof checklist I can go over somewhere?

2) do I need to reseal the bottom caps for the float resivoirs or just tighten back up with current gaskets that look ok. Someone previously had put some red gasket seal over the old gaskets.

Thx. I don't even know what I'm asking!

No sealer is needed on those gaskets. If the gaskets leak replace them.
Ed

Thx

I would install new float bowl gaskets. Z1Enterprises.com should have them. Be sure to get the correct gaskets, as there are slight differences depending upon the model/year. Carefully scrape off any red goo from the mating surfaces.

Verify that all of the carb passages are unobstructed. You could use carb spray &/or compressed air - wear goggles.

There is more to cleaning the carbs than just pulling the float bowls. You need to make sure all the internal passages are open. At minimum, I'd pull the pilot jets and hold them up to the light to make sure the tiny orifice is not plugged. As for the float bowl gaskets, if they are not torn I'd reuse them.

Last time I looked, there were some good tutorials in the file base. There is a link on the home page of the forum.

Oops, the link is in the nav bar at the top of every screen.

I sprayed and blew things out pretty well. I want to see how it sputters once I get spark. Then if I need to, I'll go back in. Thx for the help and insight.