Good point. I got another reminder of that putting the engine back in. I had rejetted the carbs for some mods I'd done and squirted out the pilot jets and other passageways also (but didn't remove the pilots). The carbs had been sitting since last fall after running stabile through the bike. So I get it all together and it runs (delight!) but won't accept any gas or run without the choke. Again, first thought it what vacuum tube have I forgotten, or part of the ignition not working, or the cam timing etc etc. But after calmly thinking and worrying I figured it had to be either the needle, or pilot ciruit. Checked the plugs and they were as clean as new. Removed everything, and sure enough both pilots were plugged! Took quite a while of blasting them to get them clean. If I would have just removed them when I rejetted to be sure I would have saved myself hours. live and (re)learn these simple lessons.

anyway, thanks for the info - this board is amazing and it seems to be a cool mix of some new SH users and those who would rather mod and tinker than simply go out and buy the latest/greatest (me included).

bill