Engine runs and starts but 1&3 not Firing

I'm stumped, I bought this bike for 100$ (1984 Kawasaki KZ550 LTD) from a friend, he had no idea if it ran, what was wrong with it, so I took the chance.

None the less, I changed the oil, cleaned the carbs (for a bike parked for over 15 years, they weren't as bad as I expected!), they are not PERFECTLY sync'd, but good enough to be able to make her run. Cleaned out the air filter, changed the battery, the plugs and finally checked if they all did spark. All 4 make a nice perfect blue spark.

So heres where i'm stumped ; With full Choke on, the bike starts easily enough, but only piston 2 & 4 make it run. I tried to let it warm up to see if 1 & 3 would kick in, no go. The headers for 2 & 4 are very hot (well, normal heat for a header) and 1 & 3 are cold, like they never even fired.

I didn't get to do a compression check yet, I just ordered today a tester.

If anybody has an idea what would be my issue, it'd appreciated!

P.S. : Carbs are all working and opening fine.

Are you positive you have the spark plug wires connected correctly? One coil should be attached to cylinders 1 & 4; the other coil should be attached to cylinders 2 & 3. Ed

I just triple checked what you told me, they are infact all correctly connected. The coil to the right control 1 & 4 and the coil to the left controls 2 & 3, unless it's vice versa but by the length of the wires it seems to make sense. Thanks for the suggestion though!

If you have a sprk on all 4 its likely the timing is out of sync does it have points or electronic ignition?

If you mean Electric start, yes it does. No kickstart. Not too sure what you mean by points, not very knowledgable in the correct terms, specially in english!

Check your timing. #1 and #4 are most likely the same coil if not timed properly they wont fire even if they have spark and fuel.

Alright the timing it is, can I check the timing with the engine still in the chassis or will I need to take out the engine? I've never done timing work so I might just bring it to a shop. Thanks for the help guys.

I guess the timing goes off by itself eventually? The bike was running 15 years ago then it was parked for 15 years. Just wondering, thanks so much guys.

Yep without a manual and some past expierience your best bet is to take it in. timing is an important issue it should be fairly inexpensive to have checked. good luck

Could help diagnosis if test to see whether 1 & 3 kick in with help of starting fluid.

Good Fortune!

Starting fluid? Down the cylinders i'm guessing or through the air box?

Airbox, but have a halon fire extinguisher ready.

Im pretty sure your best bet is to take it in to the shop bud ,I would hate to see you get in to deep and cost yourself a headache but if you do want to tackle it find a good manual to explain the procedure and guide you through. It is not really hard but you need a timing light and the understanding of what your doing and trying to accomplish with the light There are some good youtube vids to help you as well..

daren1093251 wrote: Alright the timing it is, can I check the timing with the engine still in the chassis or will I need to take out the engine? I've never done timing work so I might just bring it to a shop. Thanks for the help guys.

I guess the timing goes off by itself eventually? The bike was running 15 years ago then it was parked for 15 years. Just wondering, thanks so much guys.