Thanks guys, I am checking everything mentioned now. The more I look at it the more I think it is a float problem. I am going to go back through everything now though.

 

Okay, so I pulled it off soaked it, etc as suggested. Then I set the float and installed the carb back on the bike. It fired up and still ran like crap only this time the carb backfired a big flame then it ran few about 20 seconds and cut off. I noticed when I was turning the throttle there was not any gas getting shot into the carb. I pulled the bowl off and the bowl was completely empty, no fuel at all where as the last few times i pulled it off there was a little fuel in it.

 

If the bowl was empty, and the fuel was on, you have a problem with the float and float needle. The needle opens to allow fuel to flow when the float drops (as fuel is being used). Make sure these two pieces are assembled correctly, and there isn't anything blocking the orifice that the float needle controls.

 

Did you run the bike before you started cleaning the carb? You said it has been sitting for a year. Too many variables for anyone here to really diagnose it. Is the fuel in the tank from a year ago?

 

My sons 01 883 had sat up over a year, I was cleaning the carb with spray, put it back together and got the flame backfire thru carb, come to find out that a part had fallen out while spraying, #11 in this diagram,,,may want to check yours, fired right up after putting part back in,,,good luck,,
http://dmstudios.net/misc/27004-88A_diagram.pdf

 

Wow I didnt even know that part existed, I think I am definitely missing part #11 on the diagram. I will go back into the carb tomorrow to find out.

And for others show have asked. The bike has been sitting for at least 6 months. I swapped out the gas with new gas and ran the cleaner through the carb before even trying to start it because I knew from previous experience it was not going to start with that bad gas and junk in the carb from sitting.

 

You don't need to "go back into the carb" to check this (needle jet), you can see it by looking into the carb throat. It will be sticking up through the bottom of the throat and the slide needle will be going through it.

Just as common as the needle jet missing, is it getting reinstalled upside down. The big end of the needle jet goes up into the throat.

 

Also, FWIW, the proper method of carb re-build is remove from bike and layout your pieces in order (as you take them off). Carbs are like puzzles and all it takes is one incorrect/missing piece to mess things up. When you cleaned your on bike, could've damaged delicate parts (springs, screens, gaskets, etc.)...could require another rebuild to get things right. Hope you get your resolved and now you're ready for next time. Good luck!

 

,,,and forgot to mention, check the vacuum hose from top rear of carb to petcock, (if you have the vacuum assisted one),,,,that little hose may need replaced or is bent to where it's not working, make sure carb is snug into the motor gasket too,,,good luck