No spark when Kickstarting kz400

Hey guys!

Thanks for all the help today, and all the answers. I have a new problem now though. When Kickstarting there is no spark to the spark plugs. There is plenty of fuel going there, as we can smell the fuel on the two spark plugs. As we take them off and try and kickstart though, there is no spark to be seen from the spark plugs.

Assuming battery is fully charged; key is "ON"; kill switch is in "RUN" position, and you have power at the coil.

If all that is true when was the last time the points and condenser were replaced? Ed

Yes, all of those are good.

Where are the points on the '78 kz400, and where is the condenser?

Thanks for the help!

It would appear by your question that you do not have a KZ400 manual. Not good. Working on a KZ without the manual can only lead to despair and poverty. :laugh: You really need to get a Kawasaki Service Manual for your bike. eBay usually has them; be sure to get one for your exact year and model as there are differences.

In the mean time, you should be able to find most if not all info you need here:

www.kz400.com/WorkshopManFrameset-5.html

Ed

No snap to the points, just got this thing today so I'm going to assume it's been years since the coil, spark plugs, condenser, or the points have been changed. Replace all of these?

The coil may be fine, but for sure replace the plugs, points, and condenser. When replacing the points be sure to set the gap first then set the timing. You should be able to find instructions in the link I provided, just read it carefully to be sure you fully understand it and ask questions if something is confusing. Ed

Ok. Will do tomorrow. Thank you for the help, ED!!!

At the risk of asking a dumb question, did you ground the plug to the engine when checking for spark? If you don't, it won't spark no matter what.

Yes we grounded the spark. Thanks for the thought though! New spark plugs. Going to order condensed and points to see if that makes a difference.

In that manual Ed gave you a link to, there's a procedure for testing the coils. You just use a multimeter and run a couple of basic tests on it for resistance and to make sure you're getting adequate voltage.

The manual also includes procedures for inspecting your points and setting your point gap. You might try those procedures before you buy parts. Not that there's anything wrong with new points and condenser. That's a good idea anyway. But you might just need to adjust what you've got.

Ok sounds good. Will try that tomorrow. I know the people we got it from said that they got it running a couple of years ago. Will keep trying these things. Thanks for the help!