81 kz550 ltd- wont stay running

Hey boys. I need some help. its my first bike and I love getting dirty fixing it up but i have come to a wall!! Its runs but wont stay running. It starts with full choke, and revs up to around 3000rpms but when i crack the choke it dies... Any suggestions ? Please

Are all cylinders firing? I beleive that is a four so rev it up for a minute and check if all pipes are getting hot, be careful tho, they get really hot really fast.

If not then you will need to check for spark and if you have that then move on to a compression test. Check for airleaks around the carb boots and carbs.

Also, you didn't mention if the carbs were cleaned or not. If the bike sat for any length of time then it should be cleaned thoroughly.

Get a spray bottle full of water,it's better than touching the pipes and getting burned when checking which cylinder is running. Water flashes to steam at 212 F.

How long have you had her, and has she ever run smooth? I would go into the carbs and make sure the jets are clean and float level is right, and also the petcock, make sure the fuel flows.
Also make sure all the other stuff is right, like a clean air filter and airbox, new sparkplugs, etc

I just got her and she didnt run. Cleaned the carbs tho and changed the spark plugs. Thanks for the help! Keep it coming! Im new at this

it sounds to me like you missed the pilot circuits when you cleaned your carbs you will have to go in and do it again they will be plugged pull the pilot jets and try to get them clear then attack the actual passages themselfs.

hmmmgood wrote:

I just got her and she didnt run. Cleaned the carbs tho and changed the spark plugs. Thanks for the help! Keep it coming! Im new at this

How long was she sitting before you picked it up?

You should definately check the timing advancer to make sure it is not stuck open.