bike sat for few years, now won't start....

[myrz350jp]

Non-mechanic here.
My RZ sat in the garage for few years.
I emptied the gas, but kept other fluids in.
I changed the plugs and put new battery.
Put back the gas and checked all fluids being good.
I tried kick starting it but it won't start.
I'd like to hear the engine purr before it gets too cold to ride.
Any thoughts on what I may need to do is highly appreciated, thank you!!

[brrrappp]

If a 2-stroke has Spark, Compression, and fuel....it will run.
Did you check to see if you getting spark?
It ran before storage so, for now, I will assume you have enough compression.
Did you drain the carbs before you stored the bike?
The single most common issue with a gas powered machine being stored is a clogged fuel system.
If gas was left in the carburetor float bowls when you stored the bike, it has probably turned to varnish by now. If that's the case, remove and disassemble the carbs for a good cleaning.
Also check to make sure fuel is flowing from the tank to the carbs, clogged fuel petcocks are common as well.

[Forzfed]

I would do what Brrrappp says. You could have some plugged orfices in the carb.

[sedsberg]

Maybe a stupid question but... You didn't put the same gas back in?

[evan_calgary]

Almost always carb related. Usually pilots. If the float bowls were not run dry before storage you are looking @ varnish in there. Not a giant job. Take em out for a clean. As above, you've not got a lot to go wrong if just sitting. Sometimes some starter fluid is a nice kick but doesn't fix clogged jets.

[Sh00bs]

sounds like the carbs need to be cleaned. mains, pilots, emulsion tubes.

also turn your petcock to PRI and ensure you ahve clean fuel coming out and the petcock isnt clogged

[evan_calgary]

PILOTS. It is always the pilots. The smallest holes and biggest impact @ start.

[RuZty]

As ShOObs said, turn the petcock to prime to fill the carbs if you haven't already done so. Also check the vacuum line from the carbs to the petcock is connected at both ends. Open the airbox and make sure the filter hasn't disintegrated or become bedding in a mouse hotel. Start with the simple things, like stated previously spark, air and gas, which one is missing? If you have fuel to the carbs and spark, and the intake isn't blocked then tear the carbs apart for a good cleaning. They probably need it anyway but might as well check off the easiest stuff first, especially if you aren't planning ride it again before next summer at the earliest.

[brrrappp]

This thread sounds of an echo......echo.....echo......echo......echo

[RuZty]

This thread sounds of an echo......echo.....echo......echo......echo

Sorry, I originally quoted your advice as a sound plan, must have backspaced too far while retyping.
Anyway, no bad advice so far, apply as time and desire permit.

[Hooligan]

It is not good enough to "run the float bowls dry." That still leaves a bunch of fuel in the bowls. Even opening up the drain screws leaves fuel in the bowls and the entire inside of the carb is wet with fuel residue that will dry and harden. The only way to prevent this is to remove the float bowls and spray the inside of the carb with carb cleaner. Then replace the bowls.

[myrz350jp]

Thanks to all for sound advice. As we are getting warmer here in MI, I'll restart my work and hope to get the bike running this month. I'll post the update in the coming weeks, thanks!

[Smoker]

This thread sounds of an echo......echo.....echo......echo......echo

That's because every person that's owned an RZ long enough has dealt with this problem over, and over....

[two-stroke-brit]

Also check the kill switch is not stopping the motor from firing up too.

[myrz350jp]

Thank you all for your insights and suggestions.
I finally got my RZ engine to purr for few minutes.
Just took off the air filer, sprayed some starter fluid into the carbs, and vroom, she yelled!
It's been yeeeears since she purred but she sounded just like she did when she was last started, thank goodness!
I still do have coolant spitting out from bleed nipple, and everyone tells me I have to do a water pump rebuild.
I have to first drain the tranny oil and coolant. Then, take off the kick starter, and start working on it.
I found a banshee water pump rebuild on YouTube which looks similar with most helpful procedures, so I hope to
start this weekend. Once I'm done, I then have to think about one more project for my gas tank...but for now
I'll first have to finish this water pump rebuild. I'll post some pics once I start working on it.