Starting Problems

I have a problem with my 79 kz650. She doesn't want to start without cranking the motor over for several seconds with full choke. It acts like its not getting enough fuel to start. I have been running the bike for the last month now after a complete restoration. It has been running fine I finally got all the right valve shims in place. The only thing I changed right before this started was the no. 1 piston intake shim. It runs great once started but still does not want to start after running a while. I took it on a road trip 1:30 each way with no problems except the starting.
I don't like running the starter that long so I try to kick it as much as I can to start. Like I said this is after a complete rebuild and I am still working out the bugs nothing serious just little things.

Sounds like you need to get a new ignition system. The Dyna S has been used on several older Kawasaki's with great success. See them at www.dynaonline.com

The website that "wired George" runs has information about a relay modification that will also improve the combustion process in your engine by bypassing the corrosion in the wiring.

His website with the diagrams and parts is www.wgcarbs.com
He also runs a carb rebuilding service for motorcycles out of Texas and does wonderful things to the carbs.

I am running a brand new Dyna Ignition system with electronic ignition, dyna coils.
I have also gone through the entire wiring harness and replaced any questionable wires or connectors. She runs great after starting. I just don't understand why its hard to start.

I havent looked on the break down, but dosent that year have the vacum petcock? you need to start it in the prime location, then change to on.
I may be all wet here but what else is new

Like the man said maybe vacuum petcock problems may be the answer.

For four cycle engines to run/operate you need 1.Fuel 2.Air 3.Compression and 4.Ignition. Any one of these four go missing and it will not operate.

If not already doing ---

When cranking with choke on, do not touch the throttle. The choke circuit is designed to operate with the throttle slides in the full down position.

Would also use strobe-type timing light to check ignition timing and proper operation of the advancer as rpm is varied.

Good Luck!

tag for later reference...

I did some work on the bike last night, the petcock is working great in all positions. Timing is set with a dial advance timing light. advance is working properly
In order to start the bike I have to give some throttle or it will just keep cranking. Spark is good. I am going to clearance the shims again to see if I missed something. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
I also vacuum tested each carb, they are all set equally. I starting to wonder if my cylinders are leaking too much?

Still not sure your ignition wiring is good. Can you do the following simple test. With ignition switch on:

1) Measure the voltage across the battery terminals.
2) Measure the voltabe across the battery (-) terminal and the Coil (+) input.
3) What are the readings?

This will tell you what your ignition wire, connector and switch losses are.

Best of success.

bubbap wrote:

I did some work on the bike last night, the petcock is working great in all positions. Timing is set with a dial advance timing light. advance is working properly
In order to start the bike I have to give some throttle or it will just keep cranking. Spark is good. I am going to clearance the shims again to see if I missed something. Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
I also vacuum tested each carb, they are all set equally. I starting to wonder if my cylinders are leaking too much?

Carb enrichener circuit may have blockage and need cleaning.

Voltage across battery is 12.18 at the coils it is 9.15 each.

Sounds like a cosiderable voltage drop through the wiring,and the "Wire George" relay mdification will help.

Go to www.wgcarbs.com for the info.