Motorcycle Repair: Engine running on three cylinders, float bowls, running on three

Question
I've got a Kawasaki 2001 ZX600J with less than 3,000 miles. It gets ridden maybe once a month, usually less. It's always stored with a full tank. The last few times when starting, it ran on three cylinders for a few seconds and then cleaned up. The last time I started it, it only ran on three and never four. Even after warming up and riding around the block it still only ran on three. I assumed that a plug had fouled and checked them. They were all clean and dry, no fouling at all. I checked to see if all the carbs were getting fuel and all the float bowls were full.(I just opened up the drain valves.)I checked to see if the fuel cut valves on each carb were working and I could hear each solenoid click when the key was turned on. If a plug wasn't getting any spark, wouldn't it be at least wet when it was checked? Any ideas? Thank you very much for your time.

Robert Dunn

Answer
Hi Robert,

Sorry for the long delay in responding. My PC has been down for several days.

I suspect the carburetors have some varnishing going on and preventing the engine from running properly.

The carbs will need inspected and thoroughly cleaned, then synchronized.

The plug would not be wet if fuel was not being delivered into the cylinder.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively