need a little help on a vacuum issue

[jus.daniel]

i'm new to bikes and got an issue im uncertain of how to fix.. i bought a 96 kat that didnt run.. the plugs were fouled and the carbs all gummed up so i changed the plugs, got the carbs cleaned, new o-rings, adjusted the floats and bench sync'd the carbs.. got them back on the bike and fired it up.. it smells like its running rich.. cant sync the carbs any farther cuz the vacuum is all over the dial.. the only way to get a slight idea of what its pulling is by pinching off the hose a little.. it will stabalize within 2 inches.. its idles decent but requires a slight bit of choke to get started alot times.. it seems to stumble under the inital throttle but runs better the higher you get in the rpms.. ive been racking my brains tryin to figure this out and the fumes are killin me.. someone told me the valves could need adjusted but it doesnt backfire any at all.. any ideas on what could be goin on is appreciated, thanks

[Black_peter]

Valve and back fire not related,
Not backfiring matches what you think about it being rich.

The vacuum is "all over the place" you mean on your gauges?
Do you have the restrictions in place? Or if you're using gauges do they have dampers?
You need to tell us what the FA screws are set at.

[bob393]

Valve and back fire not related,
Not backfiring matches what you think about it being rich.

The vacuum is "all over the place" you mean on your gauges?
Do you have the restrictions in place? Or if you're using gauges do they have dampers?
You need to tell us what the FA screws are set at.

I'm betting restrictors on the lines also.
On my home made one I used a spring clamp and it made all the difference!

[GregS]

If you don't have the damping restrictors, go to a local aquarium supply store and buy air control valves as used on the "bubblers" and some filter systems.

[jus.daniel]

The F/A screws are about 2 - 3/4 turns out and no dampeners, i'll go get some and give that a try