Non-running 77 kz650 B

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationHello Kzrider, I'm a first time poster to this forum so I'm sorry if I repeat a question that has already been answered.

So I have a 77 kz650b that is currently not running. I have not tested the engine compression with a compression tester but am currently in the process of deciding which one to buy. I'm looking at just cheap ones on ebay. Will either of these work for the kz650 (sorry, by now you should have guessed I'm new to working on motorcycles).


OR



So that should cover compression for now. The engine turns over fine with the kick start.

So the left header pipe on the exhaust needs to be replaced. I found a posting for header pipes for a 79 kz650? Do you know if these will fit into a 77 kz650b?


I've read of people being able to start the engine without the exhaust? Is this true? For now, I'm just trying to get any sign of fire at all.

I know this is the engine section but I'll talk about the other portions also. This bike stock has an airbox but the seller lost it so I bought pods for it. I've cleaned and rejetted the carbs for the pods and am pretty sure I did that correctly. Not sure if this is an issue I need to address? How do I check for vacuum leaks?

So electrical, this bike has the points system. I calibrated the points but am unsure I did it correctly. Are there any guides I can refer to? I've already been to kz650.info and I understand how to set the gap but I don't fully understand how to set the timing correctly? I do have a spark when I hit the electric start though? Does a spark mean that the electrical system is in good condition? ie. the coils are good? wires are good?

I believe that covers all the portions of getting a non-running bike running? Is there something I'm missing? I siphon new fuel manually for now so there is no issue with the fuel not getting into the carbs.

Thanks,
Tom

Welcome Tom.

As for a compression tester, you'll want one with a 14 mm attachment. That's the size of the spark plug hole thread.

Header pipes will swap between the early model 650s, '77~'79, B&C models.
'78 & '79 D model headers are diffferent, as they cross over.

To check for vacuum leaks and air leaks once the carbs are mounted, run the engine and spray carb cleaner around the carb manifolds.
If the RPMs change, either race up or stumble, there's a good chance there's a leak. Try not to spray the carb cleaner into the air filters though.

If your getting a good blue spark on all 4 cylinders, then the electrical and coils should be OK.
Just might need to confirm that you have the coils wired properly, so that your getting spark at the right time, as you can wire the coils backwards, having 1&4 fire when it should be 2&3 firing.

Check that all 4 carbs are getting fuel by opening the drain screw on the bottom of each carb, one at a time, just a little to see if gas drips out.

Some more info on timing here:

forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=7966.0
forums.kz650.info/index.php?topic=7890.msg71106#msg71106





img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/...%20items/Timing1.jpg
img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/...%20items/Timing2.jpg
img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/...%20items/Timing3.jpg




img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/...items/TimingCly1.jpg
img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/...items/TimingCly2.jpg


img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/...actBreakerPoints.jpg




img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/.../TimingAdvancer1.jpg
img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/rstnick/.../TimingAdvancer2.jpg

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationrstnick, my links don't even work! I'm so sorry.

So you're saying these pipes would be too large for my 77?

Since I'm buying really just a chinese generic product, it doesn't really say anything exactly about the sizes but will this one work for the compression tester based on the pictures?

The adapter to the far right looks like a 14 mm?

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configuration

thoshi64 wrote: rstnick, my links don't even work! I'm so sorry.

So you're saying these pipes would be too large for my 77?

Do you know of any other models that will be able to substitute in the header pipe including out of brand so like maybe the CB's? I ask because it is kind of slim pickings on the specific 77-78 header pipe.

Since I'm buying really just a chinese generic product, it doesn't really say anything exactly about the sizes but will this one work for the compression tester based on the pictures?

The adapter to the far right looks like a 14 mm?

The pipes might be ok.
I've never had the stock system for a '78, as my bike came with a 4>1 when I bought it.

The B&C models up to 1980 did have a loose header pipe on each side, and the second header pipe was/is attached to the muffler I believe.
Those look to be the two loose headers from a B&C.

D header pipes will have different bends in them:



Not sure if that compression tester has the 14mm adapter.
Looks like it does, but does not list it in the specs.
You could probably ask the seller.

Don't know if Honda, or other brands fit. Doubt it.

An exhaust from any Kawasaki 650 & 750 4 cylinder could fit though.
Even the GPz750 exhausts could be made to work.
The front header spacing is the same with the 650 & 750s, just the rear muffler mount/s may need to have a bracket made.

Hey there, I am new to these bikes but I have been working on engines for quite a wile and I was just going to say that if you really want to test your piston rings and valves properly then you should get a leak down tester instead of a compression tester, it will tell you where your loosing compression and how much. They usually cost between 50 and 100 bucks but it can save you from changing your whole top end when you may just have a leaky valve, good luck!

No eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configurationNo eBay APP ID and/or Cert ID defined in Kunena configuration

thoshi64 wrote: rstnick, my links don't even work! I'm so sorry.

So you're saying these pipes would be too large for my 77?


Since I'm buying really just a chinese generic product, it doesn't really say anything exactly about the sizes but will this one work for the compression tester based on the pictures?



The adapter to the far right looks like a 14 mm?

Not a bad price on the compression gauge. Another options would be to go to Autozone (if you have them in your area). They have a tool loan program. You can borrow a compression gauge from them. They charge your credit card the price of the tool in case you don't take it back. But once you take the tool back, the refund the charge no questions asked. This is an actual loan program they offer. So when they give you the gauge, it will be used one they use as the loaner. They have a sorts of other tools, like pullers and so forth. Great program, have used it a couple of times.

Oh sweet, there is an autozone near my place actually! This is my first project bike but I know as soon as I get this one up and running, I'm going to want to work on other project bikes so I might as well buy one. Thanks for the tip in case the one I buy is a dud!

I know you can jump start motorcycles using other motorcycles and cars but can you jump start a motorcycle using a motorcycle batter charger? My specific charger has options for 12v 2a, 12v 6a, and 6v 6a charging.

An update so far, I've ordered all the necessary parts and hope they will work! I'll keep you guys updated or if I have any further questions.

Do not jump start the bike from a running vehicle or from a charger. If the battery is discharged, disconnect it from the bike and charge it using low amperage (2 amps or less) charger then put it back in the bike. If the battery is bad replace it. Ed

AutoZone will also load-test the battery (for free).
Should be serviced and charged overnight before the load-test.

Walmart may also provide load-test service.

Both places sell new batteries.

Good Fortune!