carb issues

[dilligaf]

i just got a 400ex with a 440 kit,cam,k+n filter and t4 pipe.
my problem is it will not idle (just dies) and backfires on decel.
seems to run hot but i'm not sure.
plug is black.
also fuel spills out the over flow when it's not running.
where should i start with fixing this?.
i was told it was over jetted? by the guy i got it from but who knows.
any help whould be great thanks.

[storms400ex]

take off carb, clean the needle and seat area, then see what size main jet and pilot jet, and come back on here with what you have for jets. Pull plug and see what color the plug is.

[mcgrath]

Originally posted by storms400ex
take off carb, clean the needle and seat area, then see what size main jet and pilot jet, and come back on here with what you have for jets. Pull plug and see what color the plug is.
X2

Clean the carb and see how it runs. Sounds like a lean pilot...but if the pilot is dirty that could fix it. Also you definately have a needle seat issue, thats where the leak is coming from but it could have several causes. First step is always to clean it and go from there.

[dilligaf]

well the carb was nasty inside.
all kinds of crud and crap in there lol.
float was hanging up in a couple of spots(the flooding issue) looked like they use a pair of vice grips on the pin that holds the float..
idle needle was toasted (the idle issue).
idle adjustment cable was broke and needle was all messed up.
the valves were way out of adjustment.
need to fine tune everything now and give her a good cleaning from end to end and put it up for sale.
thanks guys.