[tkateryniuk]

Hello, I have a infrequently used 2009 CFR 230 F that has began to require half choke to idle correctly. If the choke is turned off the engine will idle but if you apply throttle it would sputter, and approach stall. I followed the service manual instructions and removed and disassembly the carburetor, carefully cleaned it thoroughly, (although it looked bran new inside), put in new gas, ensured a proper flow to the carburetor, and reinstalled. The behavior of idling at half choke and sputter at no choke returned. I repeated the cleaning procedure a number of times and now it appears that the bike is not firing and flooding, as the new spark plug I installed as I began this work is wet with fuel when I remove it. It appears to have stock jetting and a tamper proof item. Any suggestions would sure be appreciated.

[Leardriver]

You are describing the classic signs of a plugged pilot jet. It needs extra gas to idle, which it gets from the choke or enrichment circuit, and when you give it gas, it starts to transition into the midrange circuit controlled by the needle, and will sputter and run.

Cleaning a pilot is inviting brain damage, when you can buy a new one for dirt cheap. Just replace it.

This time of year, as people are recommissioning their bikes that have sat in storage for the winter, we see many of these inquiries. You can thank ethanol for the sludge that builds up inside a jet.