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KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 07 Dec 2014 12:23 #655566

  • jsantana
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Helping a buddy out with his 1978 KZ650 c2. It's been sitting at his dads garage since March and he recently picked it up and brought it over. It's got a healthy spark, new battery, replaced the petcock, and we rebuilt the carbs with z1enterprise kits. It does start at random. When it doesn't, it males this grinding sound. I'm assuming its a slipping starter clutch. Am I correct to think so? If so, should I just be purchasing a S.C. kit from z1? I wasn't able to find the entire assembly.

This is what I found but not sure if that's all that is needed.
www.z1enterprises.com/ItemDetails.aspx?i...f1300&item=ZKA22-004

All input and advice appreciated.

Thanks!

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Last edit: by jsantana.

KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 07 Dec 2014 12:30 #655568

  • 650ed
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Before you go any further you need to hook up the air box to the carbs and make sure there's a filter in the airbox.
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 07 Dec 2014 12:34 #655569

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There's a k&n filter in the air box and the box hoses hooked up shortly after we shot the clip. The grinding sound is what we're looking to get diagnosed.

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KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 07 Dec 2014 12:45 #655570

  • !Seymore
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Hard to tell with only a 6sec clip... but the starter clutch is a known weak point in the 650.
C.
79' KZ650-D2 [fsm] (Max)
83' KZ750-F1 LTD [clymers] (Kay)
82' KZ1100-D1 Specter (another project)
78' KZ650-B2a (J&H, A Project)
91' KZ1000-P (P = parts)

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KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 07 Dec 2014 13:22 #655571

  • LineArtist
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What happens when you kick start it? Do think you already have your answer... Starter clutch slipping
'79 KZ650B3 (stock)
'79 KZ650B3 (parts bike)
'06 HD 883R

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KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 07 Dec 2014 13:35 #655572

  • Nessism
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I do believe your starter clutch is suspect. Poor starting is often traced back to knuckleheads that don't adjust the valves. Engine doesn't start easily because the valves are hanging open, followed by the owner grinding on the starter mercilessly, tearing up the starter clutch.

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Last edit: by Nessism.

KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 08 Dec 2014 09:21 #655641

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The bike turns over with the kick start and will start at random. The electric start has the same outcome but when it doesn't start it makes that nasty grinding sound coming from the lower left side of the engine. After reading through other threads I can only conclude that the starter clutch is the culprit.

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KZ650 C2 inconsistent starts 08 Dec 2014 09:23 #655642

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That makes a lot of sense. My kz650c never gave me many problems but the previous owner treated it like his baby. My buddy's kz has gone through quite a few owners and they've all kind of half-assed everything it seems. The more I dig, the more little issues im finding. Good winter project though! :)

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