I have an 86 honda nighthawk 450cc. the choke has to be pulled most of the way out to run. i am an HVAC tech, not afraid to tear things apart, but know very little about automotive carburators. where do i start?

Tear down the Carbs as far as possible without damaging the brass jets, etc. The jets may be hard to remove, and if so, leave them installed for the next step. Boil the carbs in water for 30-45 minutes. Do Not use Chem-Dip or any other dunking solution as you will risk permanent damage to unavailable plastic and rubber parts. After the first boiling you should be able to remove stuck jets and plugs. Boil a second time with all threaded pieces removed from the body. Clean tiny metal parts with Brake Cleaner and/or compressed air. Do Not clean the jets with metal drill bits or picks as you will destroy the jet size. Pilot and Main Jets can still be purchased from Honda Dealers. **Unlike earlier years, the 85 and 86 carbs have only 2 jets, (1 pilot jet, 1 main) so Do Not put a rubber plug over them if included in a rebuild gasket kit, as this will block fuel for idle. (Earlier carbs had 3 jets - 1 main, 1 pilot open, 1 pilot plugged)**

That carb is probly dirty as a pair of dentures--it needs takin apart soaked in solvent and meticulus assembly-somethin ur good at but buy a clymer manual for insurance