Too many priming kicks to start

[KNUCK]

Dripping raw fuel sure sounds flooded to me also. The only time I ever want to see dripping fuel on a motorcycle is on my Triumph when I use the tickler!!!

[T. Cotten]

That's exactly how mine always started before. I still see gas start to drip after 3 kicks with choke all the way closed, switch to choke down 1 or to clicks and it won't start. Only with 12 more priming kicks will it start.
Seems like the fuel isn't being drawn into the cylinders for some reason...

Please understand, Chieftain,..

Dripping raw fuel is proof of 'flooding', and excessive kicking is then required to clear the puddles for properly atomized fuel.

If all things are in order for a cold start, I would try kicking it once choked, twice choke off with full open throttle, and then with the key on, throttle cracked.

I suspect Fours might pull less volume with each kicker revolution, tiny pistons and all...

....Cotten

[Iacovos]

Had similar issue with a friend’s 64 FLH
The ignition timing needed adjustment
Also checked the float bowl of carb which was within specs
After adjusting the timing its again a 3 primer and 1 kick start

[Chieftain404]

defiantly not flooding, 12 primer kicks starts it right up every time on the 1st kick with the key on. Any less and nothing happens. I tried 3 primer kicks the 1st morning, 5 the next and so on until I found the magic number of 12. The Problem is, I don't want to wear out my kicker or my leg...

[T. Cotten]

Dripping gas means it is flooded, Folks!

Fumes start motors, not raw fuel.

(Raw fuel can ignite, of course, outside of the motor, and it ain't pretty.)

Closing the choke to prime is proper, but leaving it shut a couple of clicks after starting should only be useful in cold weather.

....Cotten
PS: Just for clarity,...
The M441 Linkert had an idle needle lift lever, but earlier Four 1" models were Scheblers without a lift lever, so the use of the choke detente was basically "off-on")

[duffeycycles]

Check the plug gap & strength of spark.What plugs are you running?

[Chieftain404]

That's exactly how mine always started before. I still see gas start to drip after 3 kicks with choke all the way closed, switch to choke down 1 or to clicks and it won't start. Only with 12 more priming kicks will it start.
Seems like the fuel isn't being drawn into the cylinders for some reason...

[D.A.Bagin]

When I prime mine it may take 3-4 kicks choke fully closed. A little gas usually drips out when opened. Open all the way and then down 1-2 clicks. Fires right up. Make sure choke plate fully closes.

[Chieftain404]

Wanted to see if anyone can shed some light on this interesting change: last summer my 441 started every morning with 4 priming kicks. This year, with no new work done on the bike, it takes a minimum of 12 priming kicks to start it in the mornings. After that it start fine all day and runs perfect. What could be making it so hard to prime when cold? Thanks in advance