Motorcycle Repair: Ignition timing or replacing, kz 1000, sense of humer

Question
I just rebuilt my kawasaki 78 kz 1000 and am surprised it is running at all! Clymer Manual isnt as complete as I would like.(my first engine rebuild) Now it is running but, isnt running well at all, New points and condensers installed and adjusted by guessing. Also it smells as if it is running rich too, black smoke and sounds better w/choke, I bought rebuilt carbs from Redline in Skokie, Ill. they specialize in old Kawasakis. So tell me what too do next please.

Answer
Hi Don,

I like your sense of humer. : )

You're right about the manuals. They get you in the park, but lack important details. The factory manuals are worth the extra cash and the manufacturers know it.

You need to check cylinder compression. Rent or borrow the compression tester from the local AutoZone or other car parts store. May require a deposit to borrow.

If compression is low (less than 100 psi) in any cylinder, or there is about 10% difference bewteen any cylinders, do a leak-down test. This test requires leak-down tool and air compressor. These tests determine the condition of the engine (combustion chamber sealing properties).

Set ignition breaker point gap by dwell if possible. This tool is electronic and should be available at the parts house, too. Set the dwell meter knob to 4 cylinders. Connect Positive + lead to one set of points, the Negative - lead to an engine bolt/ground. Start the engine, read the meter and adjust that set of points to a dwell reading bewtween 50-54%. Repeat for other set.

Check timing with inductive timing light. Should see the "F" mark align with the timing mark thru the peep slot. Raise rpm's and check timing advance. You should see the "!!" double lines (advance marks) align with timing mark thru the peep slot. Recheck dwell.

Spark Plugs
Plugs could be fouled by excessive choke, excessive service fuel levels, air-fuel screws too rich, restricted air flow, or ignition. Clean or replace plugs and try restaring. Try to use choke sparingly. Do not re-apply choke after using it and turning choke off, or after engine starts without it.

Synchronize the carburetors.

Look at the plugs and describe their appearance. My email is: mshively1@woh.rr.com

We'll go from there.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively