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Ignition timing? can't figure this damn thing out
- ghunt81
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A few people have suggested that it sounds like the ignition timing is off. I've played with the timing a little bit but I honestly have no clue what I'm doing.
I have yet to have anyone tell me which direction on the stator advances & retards timing. Which one is clockwise, which one is counter clockwise?
Second, what in the blue hell do the marks on the advancer mean? There are two small marks about 1/16" apart, then a bit to the right of those is a mark labeled "F", and another mark labeled "T." I don't even know what they mean.
I don't know anything about points, and I'm feeling pretty lost (and pretty frustrated) with this thing, and I've missed out on some prime riding weather.
Can anybody help me out here or am I just gonna have to go to a mechanic?
1978 Kawasaki KZ750 Twin- Coil mod, Dyna coil, 7mm copper core wires
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- Royal1MC
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- Is it just me, or is it just great to be on a KZ
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*1980 Z1-R (current))
*1978 KZ1000 LTD w/ Z1-R frnt end (sold)
*1977 KZ650 B1 (sold)
Los Angeles, CA
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- OKC_Kent
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www.armbell.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3248&mforum=kz400
When you rebuilt the carbs how did you set the float level?
Oklahoma City, OK
78 KZ650 B2 82,000+ miles
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- ghunt81
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And, I didn't set the float level. I didn't know that was a requirement. I thought you just put new jets and needles and such in the carbs and you were good to go.
I really don't have any experience with carbs either.
1978 Kawasaki KZ750 Twin- Coil mod, Dyna coil, 7mm copper core wires
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- Patton
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... To set it like they say, with the points opening just as "F" is passing the timing marker, I had to have the stator turned as far counterclockwise as it would go....
Perhaps the advancer unit is stuck in the fully advanced position. It is supposed to operate freely as the weights overcome the springs via centrifugal force with increasing engine rpm. Maybe a spring has weakened or broken, but the remedy might be to disassemble, clean, and lube the advancer unit. Be careful to reassemble it in the correct position and not 180 degrees off.
Good Luck!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- Old Man Rock
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Seems like a worthy tool to have especially if this is what your service manual is providing you in timing your bike and in the regards to where you're frustrated and truly not knowing what your doing regarding the timing.
Look at the bonus side of purchasing this meter, you can also use this on your car tune ups...
OMR
1976 KZ900-A4
MTC 1075cc.
Camshafts: Kawi GPZ-1100 .375 lift
Head: P&P via Larry Cavanaugh
ZX636 suspension
MIKUNI, RS-34'S...
Kerker 4-1, 1.5" comp baffle.
Dyna-S E.I.
Earls 10 row Oil Cooler
Acewell 2802 Series Speedo/Tach
Innovate LC1 Wideband 02 AFR meter
Phoenix, Az
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- BSKZ650
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I volt ohm meter is needed to be able to check to make sure the charging system is working and also check voltage at the coils, both of which can cause a symptom you are seeing.
77 kz650, owned for over 25 years
77 ltd1000, current rider
76 kz900, just waiting
73 z1,, gonna restore this one
piglet, leggero harley davidson
SR, Ride captian, S.E.Texas Patriot Guard Riders.. AKA KawaBob
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- wiredgeorge
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Not sure what the points gap should be but I am sure it is in that online manual somewhere.
wiredgeorge Motorcycle Carburetors
Mico TX
www.wgcarbs.com
Too many bikes to list!
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- shighley
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\'74 Z1-A, Bought new, worn out 3 times, being ridden now
\'83 XVZ12TK, was daily driver until frame broke
\'78 KZ650SR-D1A, Son's bike, I'm the wrench (He's young)!
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- ghunt81
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Also, I haven't tried to set it while the bike was running (didn't know that was safe) but I have had a timing light hooked up, every time I shoot it the "F" mark is off to the right of the timing pointer.
Plus the bike will generally only run for maybe 30-40 seconds at a time, which makes it really hard to actually set the timing.
Points gap according to the manual I have is .3-.4mm. I have it set at .35.
1978 Kawasaki KZ750 Twin- Coil mod, Dyna coil, 7mm copper core wires
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- wiredgeorge
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Sorry about the bad info on the points gap stuff... I haven't had a points outfitted bike for MANY years. I thought points gap was set at TDC but I guess it is at the F mark as well. Kind of makes sense.
wiredgeorge Motorcycle Carburetors
Mico TX
www.wgcarbs.com
Too many bikes to list!
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- ghunt81
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Oh yeah I forgot to mention the points and condenser are both new too.
Anyway I can't get it to even run good enough to really run it to 3000 RPM, because the longer I hold the throttle open, the worse it starts to sputter due to the rich condition.
I really think this is a carb problem and not timing related.
I've read about this clear plastic tube test, and I searched and saw what people were talking about, but how do I measure the level and what level do the floats in this thing need to be set at?
1978 Kawasaki KZ750 Twin- Coil mod, Dyna coil, 7mm copper core wires
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