Low Vacuum readings on both Carbs, dies!

[whitestroke]

Idles very low and dies when slowing down then starts right back up and if I turn up idle finger adjuster it will hang at 3k rpm when slowing down
I put a vacuum gauge on each carb today and there only sucking 5 pounds or whatever you call it at idle. I'm thinking a valve adjustment may be needed before I pull carbs?* I've sprayed around the rubber intake hoses with starting fluid and no change in idle. Air filter is new. 03 ninja 250

[Triple Jim]

Those symptoms do point to valves that aren't fully closing. https://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do..._the_valves%3F

Welcome to the board, whitestroke!

[ducatiman]

Screw and locknut adjusters are in your favor, no cam removal necessary.

Total mileage on bike coupled with past history could further confirm the need for a check, no?

[DannoXYZ]

Greetings & Salutations!!

Compression test to confirm valves aren't sealing. Then do valve-clearance measurements. Be sure to use torque-wrench to tighten locknut on adjusters so you don't break rockers.

[whitestroke]

Thanks everyone for confirming my valve adjustment needed. A little info. on bike I inherited from my cousin. It's sat in his garage for 10 years, since he crashed it. Right side damage broken handlebar, bent in brake peddle, missing turn signals, right side fairing damage and front brake had no fluid in reservoir/leaks out, rear brake half the baking plate worn off/pads gone. Most likely reason he crashed. Anyway he survived. Oh, and not registered since 2013. No telling how long it was laying on it's side, as the cases were full of old gas. Wondering if oil in cases drained out through valves and is creating problems? Anyway I went on my first long ride 1.5 hours. Before that I had only went on a few 10 minute rides. The more and harder I rode, the more I had to turn down the idle. It quit dyeing: clapping: when coming to a stop. I did give it a 4X dose of Techron. I'll see what it does tomorrow when it's cold and report back.

[Triple Jim]

The valve clearances increase as these engines warm up, so the symptoms of valves not fully closing are worst at startup. Finicky starting and unstable idle speed are the first signs that it's past time to check the valves. If you keep running like that you risk eroding the valve sealing surfaces and making a lot more work for yourself.

[whitestroke]

The next day, I did ride when cold, well 70degrees. Still had problems idling.
Saw the sticky on valve adjustment. Will a 20 year old bike not need a valve cover gasket? Spark plug gaskets? Do I have to have a longer then standard size 6" feeler gauge? Anything besides I should be aware of or possibly need? I hate to start a project and then have to wait for parts.

[Triple Jim]

My 2005 did not need a new valve cover gasket.