QuestionI just got off the phone with my in-laws, and they suggested that I give the bike a jumkp since they were able to hear the sound of my startup. I hooked my car up to it and then it started. I'm wondering if the situation is that I might need a new battery because it wasn't starting right away when i started it.
Or could this be the source of the more serious problem?
John
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Followup To
Question -
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Chris,
I checked to see if fuel is getting into the engine via the spark plug passageway, and after dipping the towel at least 2 inches into the engine, it was still dry. So As I can only assume, there is no fuel getting into the engine. The manual does not address this issue so I was wondering if you have any pointers?
Thanks
John
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Followup To
Question -
Hey Chris,
I just recently picked up a 1978 kawasaki kz650. The first day i got it, it was running fine but since it had been sitting in the garage for a couple of years, i thought that i would take off the carbs and give them a good cleaning. mow that i have done that I have since re installed them and now the bike will not start... did i miss something? Gas is getting into the basins of the carbs and the bike has a priming mechanism attached to the tank. it just doesn't seem like the engine is firing.
Answer -
Hi John.
First thing that you want to do is get the repair manual, if you haven't already done so.
Then check is to see if gas is getting from the float bowls to the cylinders. Pull one of the spark plugs, place a paper towel over the spark plug hole and try to start the bike. If the paper towel is wet with fuel, then fuel is getting through. However, I suspect that another problem that you have is with the tank and the fuel line. Since the bike was sitting for so long, you quite likely need to replace the fuel line and reseal the tank. This will prevent re-contamination of the fuel system (including the carbs) from "varnish", which is what you get when old fuel sits and evaporates in the fuel system. It gums up everything.
After that, check the ignition system for spark. Spray some automotive starting fluid into the air intakes and start the bike. If it fires, then the problem is either fuel or compression. If it doesn't fire, then the problem is spark. Check the ignition system for shorts and bad components at that time.
Also check to see if all of the carbs are pulling together. This will need to be done "static".
To do that you slowly turn the throttle and see if all of the carb actuator arms move at the same time. If one or more moves ahead or behind the rest, then adjust it with the synchronizer screws til they all pull together.
Fine tune it with the help of a Carbstyx or similar carb synchronizer tool after the bike is running.
Start with all of that and let me know what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON
Answer -
Hi John.
Well, the fact that you are not getting fuel into the cylinder means one or more of a few things.
1) The carbs still have a blockage in them. (minor problem)
2) The intake valves are not opening. (serious problem)
3) The fuel line is blocked either internally or in the tank at the filter in the tank.
4) The vacuum line to the fuel valve from the manifold is either leaking or blocked. (minor problem)
5) The fuel valve is no longer working properly. (minor problem requires rebuild or replacement)
Check those and let me know what you find.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON
AnswerHi John.
The battery should be checked with a hygrometer. If you have even one bad cel, then the battery is bad. That would explain the inability to start without a jump.
If it is a new battery (less than 6 months old), then it is a symptom of a larger problem; either charging system or a short in the system.
If the batery has all of it's cells good and is showing a full charge, then the problem could be in the starter motor. Perhaps it needs greasing or the contacts need cleaning, which can be done by lightly sanding them with some 1000 grit sandpaper). There is also the possibility of a minor short in the starter system or ignition system or failing ignition coils.
Check those and see what you find. Don't go and replace the battery until you have checked it with a hygrometer.
Good luck and ride safe.
FALCON
