Yet another carb problem

[4DoorSi]

So, my bike didn't run right basically all summer.  Idle bounces a bit and never drops down to where it should.  Thanks to Ducati of MPLS's winterization seminar, I've come to the conclusion that it's probably dirty carbs.  I've never drained them before storing for the winter.  I always just threw some sta-bil in and assumed I was good to go.

So, Yesterday I removed the carbs from the bike (no easy task, at least not for me).  I found a couple of obvious problems and I'm wondering if that's all that's wrong, and I can avoid the entire tear down/put back together process.

First, I found a plastic piece that was cracked.  It's on the side of the carb.  Picture to follow.  Next, I have a plug missing on the front of the same carb.  again, picture to follow.

Could these be what is causing my problems?  Where can I get replacement parts (cheap)?

edit: pics posted

http://imgur.com/a/7wdsQ

[ducpainter]

this thread is useless without pics.

[koko64]

Dont worry about the rubber plug, it covers one of the holes for the carb warming kit.

Any cracked or worn components need to be replaced. I dont know if anyone has had any luck epoxy glue repairing plastic parts. If its not exposed to fuel then there is a chance. I would rather replace with fresh parts.

It's time for a carb overhaul I guess. Check your needle jets/emulsion tubes for ovality and clean everything with carb cleaner. Consider a jet kit if you dont have one. Check the diaphrams for tears and holes. Check the floats for holes.

I dont have an original parts source outside the dealer, but someone else most likely will.

[bond0087]

The rubber cover that is missing is no problem at all.  The cracked plastic might be, although I can't see the extent to which it's cracked.  If memory serves, underneath that cover is a diaphragm and a spring.  If the crack is letting pressure through, that's a problem, because the diaphragm relies on that pressure to operate correctly. 

So it would probably be worth looking into a replacement cover, but it'd be silly not to just go ahead and take the carbs apart, clean, and re-assemble them at this point.  Personally, I'd throw some epoxy/JB Weld on that cover's crack (on the outside, of course) and see how it works, at least while I was waiting for the replacement.

It sounds like you haven't taken a set of carbs apart before (because if you had, you'd probably already be done by now).  Trust me, the hardest part about cleaning/re-assembling the carbs is getting the nerve to do it and removing the carbs from the bike.  Seeing as you've already done that, it's all downhill from there.  It shouldn't take more than a few hours.  Make sure that you keep everything organized and you'll be fine.  I like to use a plastic organizer box like this to keep everything neat and separated, but whatever system works for you is fine.

Make sure to check your main diaphragms for holes/tears by holding them up to the light, and look for any other common problems.  Might as well get a jet kit while you're at it too! Good luck!