how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

[Ramjam]

Hi all
I't s spring, so time to fire the old bird up and piss off the neighbours i think. But i can't get any gasoline into the carbs, regardless of the setting of the petrol tap.
Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!

thanks
MJ in Beirut

[Suzukidave]

You should be getting the gas to the carbs with the petcock set on Prime .

[Ramjam]

and if it's not getting there? then what is the likely cause? floats stuck?

[Suzukidave]

If you can pop off the fuel line , on prime gas should flow out the line . If it doesnt .. check out the petcock as it may be blocked .

[Ramjam]

how long will it need to prime? there is gas there alright but after 30 minutes the bike runs badly for 10 seconds and then dies.

[Suzukidave]

The carbs should prime within 30 seconds .

[2strokelove]

I've had the float valves stick closed. Tap the bowls with a rubber mallet just a tad to loosen up.

[yeadon_m]

as advised, if fuel comes from the petcock on prime and the pipe pulled off, then try undoing any cooperative float bowl drain screws as you prime. Fuel should gush out and if not, the float valves or floats are indeed stuck. If percussive maintenance won't address this, take off the carbs. If not float bowl drain screws will undo, probably take the carbs off anyway.
Was it running OK when laid up last?
Mike