won't start will turn over but only backfires

[ianb26]

Hi guys I'm newbie here I have just bought a zx400 l9 been running sweet not a problem never missed a beat but I parked it in garage on a Saturday when was running fine came to start it Monday to show my nephew and the thing would not start it just turned over and back fired I presume it must have fuel there for it to be dumping it out the exhaust, I've had my mate look at it an he started by replacing sparkys (no luck) then cleaned the carb right out got rid of all the rubbish and blew it throu with an air line put it all back together and still no luck I am a little confused with the fuel switch I don't understand what way it has to go? Also I have only passed my full bike test today and I can't ride it which sucks any help please

[CaNsA]

Are you using the choke?
Are you twisting the throttle while hitting the starter?

[ianb26]

Ive been trying to start while choke is on half way and quater revs but still nothing

[RedexRobB]

iirc theres an 'on' stamped intot he knob, that should be lined up with the little arrow on the fairing which i think is pointing backwards.

[CaNsA]

Try choke off, tiny bit of throttle.

Also, deffo got fuel getting to the carbs?
How full is the tank?

[ianb26]

hi guys thanks for the replys i drained fuel and put in fresh and heated up the sparkys a little and boom started up first time havet had a prob since thanks again