Basket case ‘81 440

Good morning!  Earlier this week I bought an “almost” running 1981 KZ440 belt. This is going south quickly as I only have the tank and carbs and already found holes in the tank under the body filler, and a bolt in the carbs where the pilot jet should be, the carbs are also missing one of the mounting rails and the brass needles, drain screws, etc. look like they have been torqued down using a large breaker bar. 

Jet kits, drain plug screws and a set of carb mounting rails (thanks EBay!) are all in route. I hope to have a trailer next weekend to get the rest of it. 

I wanted a project, looks like I got one!

I will start a post on my progress soon. 

Bruce

Welcome to KZRider
Have fun with that project 
Dave

I might have some carb cores if you are in need.  They are missing parts, but the bodies seem okay.

And remember, there is much more to rebuilding a set of carbs, than installing aftermarket "carb kits" in them.  All the internal passages need a deep cleaning, after breaking down the set and removing all the soft plastic parts.

Good luck.

PS: when posting photos here, be sure to click "insert all" before posting.  That puts the image into your text, instead of linking a tiny thumbnail image.

Thanks for the welcome and advice. 

My plan was to ensure I can get the new pilot jet to screw in and seat correctly, then do a full teardown. I am hoping I can “borrow” the ultrasonic at work for an initial clean. 

Thanks again!

Welcome Bruce.

Welcome from GA. It sounds like the previous owner was a good example of the "DPO". 

That is funny. 

My understanding is he bought the bike from a friend.  The PO never got it running and now it is my turn!  Parts start showing up today…

BruceinOH wrote:

That is funny. 

My understanding is he bought the bike from a friend.  The PO never got it running and now it is my turn!  Parts start showing up today…

It happens. My KZ400 came with an airbox built out of PVC pipe with a lawn mower air filter.

ThatGPzGuy wrote:

BruceinOH wrote:

That is funny. 

My understanding is he bought the bike from a friend.  The PO never got it running and now it is my turn!  Parts start showing up today…

It happens. My KZ400 came with an airbox built out of PVC pipe with a lawn mower air filter.

I wonder how many minutes of r&d went into that contraption?