timing trouble

I have an 81 kz305 that won't start. I checked everything I knew how and it all checked out. Good spark, compression, and the carb operates properly. So my friend who is a more advanced mechanic than me took a look and said I messed up the timing. So next time I can get it into the shop I'm going to attempt to set the timing. Never worked on a bike in this much detail so kinda worried about screwing something up. has any body done this, or have any helpful hints? I'll mostly be guessing here

If your problem is timing, it will certainly show symptoms when you tried to start it. Your timing may be off, but you have another problem that's keeping the bike from starting.

Are the spark plugs wet with fuel? No? Then you have a fuel problem.


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Its getting fuel. is it possible that the timing is so far off that it'll keep it from starting? I haven't been able to find any fuse box or anything on this bike either. But its all chopped up and custom now so maybe it doesnt have one

I believe the 81 305 is electronic ignition and the timing is not adjustable. Has the bike been sitting for a long period with gas in the carbs?

No. it was running then I replaced the stator cover and accidentally rotated the engine. It is electronic ignition but I was adjusting valve timing.

Like Baldy110 said, electronic ignition is not adjustable on the KZ models.

But if it was, if everything else was good, but the timing was way off, it probably wouldn't start, but it would make itself known. It would backfire through the carbs, afterfire through the exhaust, kickback while trying to start it, or some combination of the three.

How were you adjusting valve timing?

SeabeeDan wrote: No. it was running then I replaced the stator cover and accidentally rotated the engine. It is electronic ignition but I was adjusting valve timing.

I respectfully suggest you double check the ignition to verify what type you have. The 1981 and 1982 KZ305 models came with points, so if yours is electronic a previous owner installed it. If that is the case, you may want to try to see if it is aftermarket or possibly a unit from a 1987 or 1988 KZ305 (or other model KZ) as this info could come in handy for future reference. Ed

I'm far from an expert on these bikes, but my buddy was explaining that there is an adjustment under the cover on the right hand side

I know that the ignition isn't stock on my bike. I believe its from a different kz. Wires run from the stator cover to two coils on either side of the bike then to the plugs. I thought if it had points it would look like a distributor for a car. But like I said I'm no expert, and I love to learn. So please correct me if I'm wrong

It won't look like a car distributor. The points will be under an engine cover. The link below has the manual for your bike. Take a look at it and you'll find everything you need to know about the ignition and a whole bunch of other good stuff. Ed

www.mediafire.com/view/blzzn71mzzj/Kawas...-+Service+Manual.pdf

Awesome. I'll read through that right now. if I have any more questions I'll post em here. And I'll keep you posted

Just checked the timing and its good. This thing is giving me head aches. I can't think of any thing else that it could be