not running on 2 or 3 - what do i do?? (2000 kz100

Hey guys,

Just picked up this z1000 that's been in a garage for 3 years, and I'm at my wits end. Really hoping someone knows what I'm going through here.

Its only firing on 1 and 4 - NOT on 2 and 3.

I've pulled the carbs and cleaned them, so unless i missed something, its getting fuel ok. I can pull the sp plugs on 2/3 and see fuel residue, so I suspect its electrical.
What colors should the coil 1 and coil 2 wires be? The left side has red and green; the right side has red and black. the diagram shows the opposite; coil 1 with a black wire and coil 2 with a green wire. Does this mean my coils are wired wrong? If so, why would the bike start right up and run on 2 cyls (1 and 4)? I've never owned anything with a quad carb setup, and I've never seen another z1k, so I don't know if my wires are crossed.

Most of these bikes run two coils. 1 set runs to 1/4 cylinders and the other to 2/3. Take the plug wires and switch #1 to#2 and #2 to #1 #3 to #4 and #4 to #3 and if #2 and #3 fire and 1 and 4 dont, its a bad coil. someone may correct me if Im wrong for that year of bike or with a wiring diagram.

I can't remember the coil order but I do know I yanked the plugs on my 2000 z1000 with same issue turned the motor over a few times with plugs out..

I put new plugs in a ran perfect instantly.

Now is the best time before taking old plugs to clean around old plugs for dirt and debris and blow it out of there..

Also I go with stock plugs sometimes I've had issue with specialty plugs and the amount of amps/voltage to have them run consistent ..

try switching the power input wires from 1-4 with 2-3then do the same with plug wires ,then see if you have fire on 2-3.
that should help decide if its a coil or ignition problem.

z1000sandiego wrote: Hey guys,

Just picked up this z1000 that's been in a garage for 3 years, and I'm at my wits end. Really hoping someone knows what I'm going through here.

Its only firing on 1 and 4 - NOT on 2 and 3.

I've pulled the carbs and cleaned them, so unless i missed something, its getting fuel ok. I can pull the sp plugs on 2/3 and see fuel residue, so I suspect its electrical.
What colors should the coil 1 and coil 2 wires be? The left side has red and green; the right side has red and black. the diagram shows the opposite; coil 1 with a black wire and coil 2 with a green wire. Does this mean my coils are wired wrong? If so, why would the bike start right up and run on 2 cyls (1 and 4)? I've never owned anything with a quad carb setup, and I've never seen another z1k, so I don't know if my wires are crossed.

When the coil primary leads are reversed, it will backfire through the carburetors when you try to start it, IF both coils are functioning.

I had the same problem. I put in new plugs and the bike fired up on all 4.

candyskateboards wrote: I had the same problem. I put in new plugs and the bike fired up on all 4.

Agreed the cheapest fix.. I can't remember but no way 1 coil runs 1 and 4 I never remember such a stretch.. More like 1/3 and 2/4.. Plugs are so cheap and easy why not try .. Most original coils have the cylinder numbers on leads as well as yellow paint on carb settings..

F1schumie wrote:

candyskateboards wrote: I had the same problem. I put in new plugs and the bike fired up on all 4.

Agreed the cheapest fix.. I can't remember but no way 1 coil runs 1 and 4 I never remember such a stretch.. More like 1/3 and 2/4.. Plugs are so cheap and easy why not try .. Most original coils have the cylinder numbers on leads as well as yellow paint on carb settings..

1/4 2/3

Actually, 1 coil fires cylinders 1 & 4, the other coil fires cylinders 2 & 3. Very standard configuration for inline 4s.