BBs in my engine?!?!

I know they aren't but what could it be? This is a 82 KZ750 twin. I'm having starting issues (separate problem)so when I crank the starter it doesn't fire, and when I let off I hear something that sounds like BBs rolling around inside the left engine cover.

What can I expect to find once I pop that side cover? The only engine I've ever opened up was in a EX500 so I'm not familiar with this one.

I'm not real familiar with that bike but sounds like it may be a Starter/Starter Clutch issue. Is the motor actually turning over or is it just the starter making noise?

Well the lack of start is a fuel delivery issue. It turns over fine and a shot of starting fluid fires it right up. It just won't stay running or start without help.

The rattle noise is audible after everything has stopped turning. Sounds like when you gently swirl an empty spray paint can.

Thanks for the diagram. So there shouldn't be oil behind that cover right?

The 750 twin starter clutches are notorious for causing problems.

The starting is at least sorted now. The vacuum line had come off the petcock and it wasn't getting fuel. Fired right up without assistance once I reconnected it.

Now to find that rattle. I had the sprocket cover off while hunting for a oil leak in that area. Did notice the clutch rod was worn at the seal and had a little bend in it too.


If it is the starter clutch and I leave it to get worse what could happen?

If any of the three bolts #92001 back out far enough that can lock your engine up. I was lucky mine locked up while kick starting it instead of rolling down the road.
I replaced all the bolts, springs, caps and rollers. Part #'s 92122,92043,92081. I got what I needed from z1 enterprises.
If you BB sound is being caused by loose starter clutch parts that could damage the stator also.

I'm at work now and IT folks have the site blocked but I believe kz750.com or kz750twin.com is the site I used when I fixed my 76 twin starter clutch. AIRC good pics on how to do it right the first time.
Might be info in the file base here also.

osage wrote: If any of the three bolts #92001 back out far enough that can lock your engine up. I was lucky mine locked up while kick starting it instead of rolling down the road.

That actually has happened. :ohmy:

Thanks guys, I'll open it up and have a look.

Welcome damarble, what you will find when you do:


The bolt that holds the rotor in is left hand thread


When reinstalling, use medium thread lock compound


The rear axle can be used for rotor removal


Starter clutch on back of rotor


parts of starter disassembled
Broken spring was my problem, three years since and no problems.

Good luck,
Jim

Thanks Rainmain, those pics are incredibly helpful. I bet I have a broken spring too. I should probably tear it apart when I get home, I placed an order with ronayers last night and I might still have time to modify it.

I'm lucky enough to get to remove the cover behind the sprocket too, the seal around the clutch rod is toast and leaks bad. Or at least that's what I'm planning for. The rod itself has wear grooves at the seal too, but I'm assuming the seal is damaged from the grooves. New rod on order as well.