XJ550 doesn't start - no fuel?

hello folks - newb here.

Just got new (rebuilt) carbs on my '83 XJ550 the other day. Got them installed, so far so good.
My tank is still at the shop, so I figured I'd try to fire it up with a testing tank. I checked that the fuel was getting to the bowls (backed out the drain screws a bit, saw a little gas come out), but it seems like gas is not getting to the cylinders - the thing doesn't start. The testing tank's petcock doesn't have a place to hook up the second line (vacuum?).

Am I not doing something right or do I _have_ to have the XJ's petcock and both lines hooked up?
The folks at the bike shop said that the carbs were "ready to bolt on", but who knows.... Is there a way to test fuel flow through the carbs? Do they need to be primed somehow?

:-(

thanks...

-vlad

 

Let's see...what's the most obvious thing?

How about the kill switch?

You never know.

Z

 

nope!!! WOW. I squirted some gasoline right into the cylinders, turned it over, and the bitch fired up! A 24-year old bike, with 7800 miles... Nobody told me that it sounds like a crotch rocket!

Now I just need new tires, chain, front brakes, some minor electrical work....
I guess I'll be riding it this summer after all.

WOOHOO!

 

It'll be good summer for you.

Your starter should be disabled if the kill switch is in the off position...or is that part of the electrical work you mentioned?.

Good luck.

 

Excellent stereomind...glad you got her fired up. It's a great feeling when that happens, isn't it.

And, you're right bosozuko. I should have gone with my first choice, which was just a dash of starting fluid for a breath of life. ;-)

Have fun!!

Z