Starting Issues

When I attempt to start my bike, I can get it to turn over, but when I release the starter, the bike sputters and dies. All withing about 2 seconds of releasing the starter. My wife has helped me try and start it as she has a Harley....but so far to no avail. Anyone have any ideas? I am thinking about pulling the Spark Plugs and takinga look at them.

Thanks


Also, I bought the bike off of a guy who bought it 2 yrs ago for parts. So he only started it a few times in those 2 yrs.



Matt

1981 KZ550 LTD

One thing that I used to do that hurt my starting efforts with my 750 is twist the throttle to "help" start it. I can't see what carbs you have, but if you have a carb that doesn't have accelerator pumps, you need to keep the throttle closed to create the vacuum required to draw fuel through the pilot circuit.

Who knows, might help.

Good Luck

Sorry, I am still learning about that. I know that I do have the Res, On, Pri fuel toggle. So I know I have to have it in Pri for starting. But other than that, I am still getting there. I will take some more pics today and post them on my profile.

Do you use the choke?

I would also suggest using the choke.Kawis are notoriously cold natured and I use the choke even on a warm day when the engine is cold or mine sputters and dies as well.Might also pull the fuel valve out and be sure it isnt gunked up, and definitely replace the plugs if the bike has been sitiing up that long. May end up cleaning the carbs as well.bj

Yes I use the choke. But still to no avail

Being a Newbie, can I get the spark plugs at any auto store or do I need to go to a ATV / Bike store?

I didn't find the plugs around here at Pep Boys, a bike shop will have them.

The starting problem sounds like a fuel issue. If the bike sat for a couple of years, the carbs are probably gunked up with oxidized gas.

well i will try the spark plugs and some sea foam. I know the flasher needs replacing, ohm'ing out at about 3 -4. Book says should read 0.

Getting anything started after a long sit is very difficult.

Use a car battery, to let the starter have as much juice as it wants. NO, this will not blow anything despite what idiots say. As long as its 12Volts,(same as bikes system) its fine.

new plugs is never a bad idea. Before you put them in, make sure your getting spark by connecting them to the wire then holding the plug against the engine/ground. When you crank, you should see a nice blueish white spark on every revolution of the engine. Do this for all the wires.

Make sure oil is correct level.

Then pour about 1 tablespoon of gas into each cylinder and replace plug quickly.

Fire it up with full choke, NO THROTTLE, and turn the idle control knob on the carbs in a full turn.

If the bike fires (which it will, if you have spark and timing is correct) it will either keep running, or run a few revs, then die.

If it revs then dies, that means your carbs are all gunked up in the pilot/low speed circuits and need a real good cleaning.

Dont worry if the bike revs up loud and keeps running. It will do that for about 5-7 seconds on full choke, then the it will start to come back down, thats when you start to manipulate the choke a bit to get the idle where you want it. Once the bike reaches full temp, and the choke is off all the way, then you can set the main idle screw to wherever you want it.

GL!

Replaced the spark plugs, poured gas into the cylinders like you said. The bike starts to catch and dies out a second or so after I release the starter. Carbs?

Since the bike sat for a long time I would suspect the pilot jets to be clogged. This is a rather common problem with long term sitting.