Basket case ‘81 440

  • BruceinOH
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Basket case ‘81 440

28 Mar 2024 06:54
#897007
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

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  • Street Fighter LTD
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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

28 Mar 2024 07:36
#897010
Welcome to KZRider
Have fun with that project 
Dave

Original owner 78 1000 LTD
Mr Turbo Race Kit, MTC 1075 Turbo pistons by PitStop Performance , Falicon Ultra Lite Super Crank, APE everything. Les Holt @ PDM's Billet Goodies . Frame by Chuck Kurzawa @ Logghe Chassis . Deep sump 5qt oil pan. RIP Bill Hahn

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  • Nessism
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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

28 Mar 2024 07:43
#897012
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.
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread
The following user(s) said Thank You: Street Fighter LTD

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  • BruceinOH
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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

28 Mar 2024 08:06
#897016
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!

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  • rstnick
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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

29 Mar 2024 16:50
#897062
Welcome Bruce.
[img
Rob
CANADA

Need a key for your Kawasaki? PM me

1978 KZ650 C2, 130K kms, Delkevic ex, EI, CVK32, PMC easy clutch, ATK fork brace, steering damper, braced swingarm, ZRX shocks, 18" Z1R front wheel.
2000 ZRX1100
2011 Ninja 250R - Wife's
2005 z750s (aka GPz750)
1978 KZ1000 project

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  • ThatGPzGuy
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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

30 Mar 2024 05:29
#897068
Welcome from GA. It sounds like the previous owner was a good example of the "DPO". 
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"

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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

30 Mar 2024 06:06
#897071
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…

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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

01 Apr 2024 05:00
#897127
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.
Jim
North GA
2016 Yamaha FJR1300ES
1982 GPz750 R1
1974 Kawasaki H1
1976 Kawasaki KZ400
1979 Yamaha XS650 cafe'
2001 KZ1000P
2001 Yamaha YZ426
1981 Honda XR200 stroked in an '89 CR125 chassis
1965 Mustang
1967 Triumph GT6
1976 Bronco
"If you didn't build it, it's not really yours"

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  • TexasKZ
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Re: Basket case ‘81 440

01 Apr 2024 05:53
#897130
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?
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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