I have a 2012 Savage. 13k original miles. (I am 2nd owner, purchaced w/ 300 mi, so I can attest that Mikuni carb and exhaust are original and unaltered.) Always ran great until a couple of days ago. A couple of minutes after a fuel fillup, started to stall. Wouldn't get past idle. Re-started a few times, ran great again, went on my journey. (Attributed to load of bad fuel?) When time to return from my trip (50 mi), wouldn't start or run past idle again. Smelled raw fuel. Saw some coming from air filter. Dried it, re-examined OK, went on my way no problems. Of course I suspect carb problems. Stuck or leaky float? Dirty or damaged needles/jets? Ordered a carb re-build kit from DENNISKIRK.COM ("PARTS UNLIMITED" # 1003-1386). My research tells me that I need a JIS screwdriver for the float bowl screws (5mm-0.80 x 16mm Pan head bolts) because this screw driver makes a better "bite" into these Japanese designed screw heads, not rouding them off. I want to order JIS screwdriver(s). My question is, what size would I need? Am I better off ordering a set of various sizes for elsewhere on the bike? Gunk to clean parts? Any suggestions for my re-build? I'm more of a rider than a tinkerer, and haven't done this before (except on a BRIGGS/STRATTON lawn mower enjine.) Also, I will have a friend who has done this before helping me. Thanx all, OldTimahRider

Dynojet kits do not work well with our carb/engine and they charge way too much.
Should have asked here first, just $30 for genuine Mikuni jets that do work.
Check your petcock, set it on prime and see if it works for you without leaking through the carb.  
Also, check to see if you have fuel in the oil.  It can happen when the petcock starts failing.  If its bad get a Yamaha Raptor petcock, they don't fail.  Part #'s are listed on this site.

OldTimahRider wrote on 07/28/20 at 07:38:38:



If it is the petcock, when you ride use the prime position and when not turn it off, or it will leak more.  

Had my bowl off over the weekend just to check it.

Somebody mentioned a plastic float but mine is brass, 2014.

As suggested by others in this forum, I would like to purchace a service manual for my 2012 LS650. I came up with 2 possibilities:

(From SUZUKI site, digital download for $16.95) - says SUZUKI SERVICE MANUAL FOR LS650 SAVAGE 1986-2009 (mine is a 2012)

(From BARNES/NOBLE, hard copy for $36.95) - says CLYMER MAINT/TROUBLE/REPAIR for LS650 SAVAGE (1986-1988, 1995-2004) and (2005-2015)

Could I please get some input/recomendations on these two choices?

thanx, OldTimahRider

Clymers has at least one mistake,, I THINK it says to turn the engine the wrong way when youre doin the cam chanin stuff,, NOt sure,, BUt I know Clymers has at least one misteake,,

I ran the "prime and cap test" for my carb problem. Ran great as always for about 3 miles, then failed again. (Couldn't get past minimal throttle openeing; no fuel in vac line or in oil; no leaking of fuel anywhere.) Not sure if I can rule out petcock problem or not, or is carb suspect?

If I twist throttle, mostly backfires with minimal throttle. Quits and dies with more throttle