new problem with an old bike

80 xj550
Used to have to start it with choke on full, then as soon as it started, reduce choke till it warmed up a minute, then it would idle normally. After bike got warm, it wanted to idle high. Didnt find any intake leaks, so figgered dirty carb, which I was planning on cleaning when the snow sticks on the ground. Two weeks ago, got stuck in traffic, first time ever, had to switch to reserve. Bike got hot sittin in traffic. Was running sea foam with the gas to try and clean the carbs some. Nowhave to start the bike with no choke and the throttle half way open. Pulled the plugs at work today at lunch time and discoverd that #1 & #4 were wet with gas. Runs fine after being started, no lack of power, still idle creeps up when it warms up. But need to start it with 1/2 throttle and no choke, and then add choke after it starts, till it warms up. Dont see any puddles of gas from it flowin thru the petcock with it shut off, and dont smell any gas either. Just pulled the hose off the petcock, no gas comin out, so not leakin thru there. So are we talkin dirty carbs here, or ????

 

Could be you had some blockage in the pilot jets. I've never run Sea Foam so can't comment on it, but if it cleans carbs and jets like GumOut, then you might have unblocked something. Sounds like you are running less lean than before, anyway. It might still be advisable to go through the carbs after the snow sticks.