Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question - Hi Chris
The idle never comes back down. I adjusted the pilot screws. Is that how you adjust the idle? It made no difference. Any other suggestions?
Chris, When I start my 1983 Kawasaki LTD 750, even with out touching the throttle, the engine races up. It doesn't red line but it comes close. I just bought the motorcycle and got it running by removing and cleaning the carbs. The previous owner said the last time he had it running, it had this problem. Do you have any suggestions for why it is doing this and/or how to stop it from doing this? The throttle is in correct working order.
Answer -
Hi Ray.
Does the idle ever come back down? If not adjust it down. If it does, go down on it's own, then check and see if the choke is stuck partly or completely closed in one or more carbs.
Let me know what happens and we can proceed from there.
Good luck.
FALCON
AnswerHi Ray.
You really need the repair manual. The first rule of fixing a machine is that if you are not sure what it does, then do not adjust it. It will only make your job harder in the end. I fear that that is what you have done in this case. Take it as a lesson and move forward.
The idle screw (there is only one) is under the carbs, protruding from them. The pilot screws adjust the mixture, which, if changed, will adversely affect the engine's operation.
To fix it;
1) Turn all of the pilot screws in to the stops.
CRITICAL NOTE: NOT TIGHT, JUST TILL THEY MAKE CONTACT.
2) Back all 4 of the pilot screws out 4 full turns. No more, no less.
3) Run the bike a bit. Ride it for about 5 miles or so and check the spark plugs (Here is one of the many ways where the manual comes in handy). Match what the plugs look like against the pictures in the manual of the various states of plug conditions. If they are running rich, then turn them in half a turn (to start with). If they are running lean, back them out half a turn. Clean the plugs and reinstall them. Repeat the ride.
CRITICAL NOTE: TURN ALL PILOT SCREWS EXACTLY THE SAME DIRECTION AND # OF TURNS AS EACH OTHER.
4) Check the plugs again. If further adjustment needs to be made you can increase or reduce the partial turns that you use (example 1/4 or 1/8 turn instead of 1/2 or full turn, etc) for fine tuning the mixture. Again, turn all pilot screws exacly the same direction and # or partial turns. Then repeat steps 3 and 4 till the plugs are running clean.
Please note that this will, most likely, be an all day project, so clear you day to do it. And don't do it rushed, or you will mess it up. Trust me on that one.
Let me know what happens.
Good luck.
FALCON
