Finally Heard It Run

Well i finally got the ole kz1000 shafty running. Its still blowing out the carbs sometimes when trying to start Im not sure what that is. I figured it would run lean because of the pods on it but i pulled a plug and it was black. That usually means that its too rich right?
I can't get it to stay running without choke either. The timing was retarded just a little but i advanced it.
Sometimes on start up it'll make a clang sound then blow smoke out the carbs. Im hoping this isn't the valves hitting the piston but when its running it sounds good. No noise from the top end or bottom end.
I know the carbs need adjusting but if that's not my only problem and you can understand this post id appreciate any help.
Oh and i guess i need to do a compression check also.
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Oh i forgot to mention that after i shut it off it still has white smoke coming out the exhaust. Usually just the right side but sometimes both.

Have you checked the voltage to the coils versus battery voltage? Have you looked at the spark on all 4 plugs? Should be a fat blue spark. Old or new coils, wires plugs? Needing the choke to run probably means dirty/clogged idle circuit in 1 or more, or all, carbs. Have you thoroughly cleaned the carbs and verified all circuits are clear? What carbs do you have?

Alan

Haven't checked voltage at coils yet. I am running a Dyna S ignition with new coils and wires. The spark looks good. I cleaned the carbs and checked all passages and they all flow well.
Am i correct that a black plug is a sign of rich fuel mixture?

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Im not sure of the carb type. I have a factory service manual for a 1979 KZ1000E-1 Shaft that says they had VM28SS carbs but my bike is a 1980 KZ1000E-2Shaft. Im not sure if they changed the carbs for those year models.

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Have you checked your float levels with the clear tube method?

Here is a spark plug reference guide for you.

Haven't got a chance to check the float level yet. I do need to do that. It may very well be the cause of my problems.
I have the pilot air screw out 1 1/2 turns too. Is that not enough or is that ok?

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If it only runs on choke then the carbs are still clogged and dirty.

Well i haven't got them tuned just yet anyway (just bench synched) so i guess it wouldn't hurt anything to pull them back off and clean them again just to make sure.
Have any of you guys had the engine make a metallic clang noise while trying to start? It kinda sounds bad so Im a little afraid of what it might be. Im hoping it is because it is running rich and trying to push the unburnt fuel through the valves. That's not good but its better than having a piston slapping a valve i guess.

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I think checking your plug color when you need the choke to idle, you haven't ran the bike hard, or not doing a plug chop, probably isn't that useful. You can't do any tuning if you're on the choke, so you need to address that by cleaning the carbs. Can you get it off the choke by running the throttle stop up higher? And if so, at what rpm will it idle? Doubt the air screws are your problem as you should be able to compensate for misadjustment with the throttle stop, unless maybe the screw tips are bunged up. Mine idles about the same between 1/4 and 1 1/2 turns, but setting them correctly makes a difference on throttle response.

Is the clanging sound when the starter is turning over prior to starting? Could be the starter clutch slipping.

Alan

The clanging is when cranking it over. Sometimes it will stop turning over and kinda skip backward that's when it makes the noise. Its usually accompanied by a backfire through the carbs.

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ChopFinger123 wrote: Well i finally got the ole kz1000 shafty running. Its still blowing out the carbs sometimes when trying to start Im not sure what that is. I figured it would run lean because of the pods on it but i pulled a plug and it was black. That usually means that its too rich right?
I can't get it to stay running without choke either. The timing was retarded just a little but i advanced it.
Sometimes on start up it'll make a clang sound then blow smoke out the carbs. Im hoping this isn't the valves hitting the piston but when its running it sounds good. No noise from the top end or bottom end.
I know the carbs need adjusting but if that's not my only problem and you can understand this post id appreciate any help.
Oh and i guess i need to do a compression check also.
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Compression, fuel spark.

1) always check compression and valve lash, valve clearance tightens up over time
causing the valves to leak

2) sounds like your pilot jets are clogged



.