Starts then cuts out

This machine is running too lean ( insufficient fuel getting to the cylinder ) things that make it run too lean are.
Blocked fuel filter in the fuel tank.
Cracked or split fuel pipe.
Incorrect settings on the carb.
Dirt or blockage in the carb
Diaphragm's hardened in the carb
Things you can do yourself, hook the pipe out of the fuel tank and replace the filter on the end, if you are not mechanically minded you will need somebody to service the carb, and re set it for you.

The tap bit that fits into yr fingers when turning it OFF and ON, should have a longer pointier end and a shorter blunt or more rounded end to it. With the Pointier end "DOWN" or at "6 o'clock" = petrol is ON and bike will run. With the Pointier end "up" or at "12 o'clock" = petrol is now reserve (1 to 3 litres left in tank, depends on the bike make etc) about 3.5 Litres on a VStar1100. With the Pointier end "VERTICAL" or at "9 o'clock" = petrol is OFF and bike will not run, petrol to motor is blocked.

What you are saying is the engine runs when there is a good supply of petrol by top feeding the carbs but not when fed from the tank.
That suggests the supply from the tank is restricted in some way.

with 2 stroke engines there is 3 things that you need petrol air and spark if you have them the bike will run you say you have cleaned the carb have you checked the air box the filter could be blocked restricting the amount of air in also have you checked the spark plug remove it and see if you get a spark place the plug onto the engine so thats its touching some metal and try and strart the bike you should get a nice fat spark if you dont then replace the plug if you do have a look at it is it oily and black if so the the air screw on the carb needs turning 1/2 a turn inwards if its white then 1/2 turn out if it looks ok the check for compression place your finger over the hole in the engine where the plug came out and try and start the bike your finger should be pulled gently into the hole if not then the piston ring has either cracked or snapped and will need replacing
if all this is ok spray some easy start into the air box and kick the bke over it should start if it does then a new carb might be needed

hope this helps

John

Ride the bike 20 or so miles on open road. Stop and remove plug to inspect. 'Are they black or white ?


Black =rich white=lean

you need ajust the floats in the bole to let more fuel in

If the odd substance was at the bottom of the float bowl it was water. If it were oil it would have mixed with the gas and you would not have seen it. Drain the carb into a cup to remove any additional water from the carb and petrol tank. When no more water comes from the tank you should be okay to start the bike. Clean air filter? Water gets into the tank via condensation in the tank.

check fuel tank vent,fuel filter,float bowl vent

if you turn a motorbike tank into reserve..
the patrol wont go to a little filter.. soo.. thats the splutter and so..