Help with my 81' kz440

I'm sixteen and this is my second bike from the 80's (first was a Yamaha Xj 550) and usually I'm pretty good about figuring stuff out for myself but this time I'm stumped. Okay so here it is I can get my 440 to start and run pretty smooth for about five minutes every day, then when it starts to warm up it just bogs down and won't start usually until the next day. The left plug is also usually very wet and black. And the oil light is ALWAYS on. Could this problem be from lack of oil? It's got in about 2.0l but the PO took off the center stand. Any ideas or helpful tips? Thanks

The oil light always on could be low oil pressure from insufficient oil.
Or it could be a defective oil pressure switch.

The bike must be level, perpendicular to the garage floor when checking the oil. Without a center stand some guys place blocking under the side stand until nearly level without having the bike fall over, while others sit on the bike & use a mirror. Without the main stand & if using blocking, have a trusted helper hold the bike firmly in place while you check the oil. I would install a center stand.

With a new oil filter, the engine oil capacity is around 3.1 qts on the KZ440. Insufficient oil or low oil pressure can cause engine damage. If the bike has a lot of miles, it's possible that the oil screen is clogged --- cleaning it is probably a bit of a job as you have to remove the oil pan & oil strainer cover.

Bad coil.
Steve

Thanks for the response guys! I'll be changing the oil today and adding the PROPER amount of oil, plus I got a coil for 20$ off eBay I'll keep ya posted

You know the Emgo coils aren't that much more and are new. Used coils are a crap shoot. Good luck.
Steve

How do the Emgo compare to the OEM?

They seem to work just as well, plus you can get ones at the proper OHM's.
Steve

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind. I had no idea they made coils.

The 81 440 should have electronic ignition, so the Emgo 4.0 ohm coils for points ignition may not be suitable. They'll probably work, but the spark might not be the best or they may have a shorter life span or something. ??? Dynatek probably knows what Dyna coil is best for the 81 440 --- I guess the green 3.0 ohm coil.

For the 750-4 I think the best match to the stock electronic ignition would be the grey Dyna 2.2 ohm coils, but the green 3.0 ohm coils can be used, which are what I installed on my 81 650. same ignition.

Hey guys quick update... After a very long day and many burnt/crushed fingers and an oil change I've got her running. It's VERY ruff at first with much shuddering I can only assume is from a missfire. That's with the choke. Should a carb sync be my next move? And if so do you guys know any good videos I should follow?

A thorough cleaning of the carbs is a must, sync is a fine tunning thing. The bike should be running relatively well before you do a sync. The pilot system on those carbs is often the Culprit. There are different versions but by 81, there should be 2 plastic plugs you have to remove to clean the pilot jets.

I did a really good carb cleaning and did take out those plastic bits. The rubber around them was a bit chewed up though. Could that be the problem? And I went to start her up again this morning and nothing. Could be a combination of cold weather (I'm in Wisconsin) and the battery not charging while the bike is running