1980 KZ1000 Classic with Fuel Injection that Stalls

New member of Zrider and KZ1000 Classic. Just purchased the bike with running problem. I was hoping someone could help me figure out which part is bad.

It seems to me that I am getting way too much fuel causing the engine to flood. I have heard that I may need a new computer, airflow meter, or cold start sensor. I tried to disconnect (also ground it) the cold start sensor and had the same result. If I shut off the fuel supply it seems the bike runs great until the fuel runs out. Could it be that my fuel pump is pushing too much fuel?

Does anyone live in Metro Atlanta that might be able to help me solve this problem? Perhaps you have the same bike.

Thanks,
David

Hello, ddowns, and Welcome to the site!
We're glad you're here.

Have always admired the beautiful
1980 KZ1000 Classic. :woohoo:
Will defer the specifics of fuel
injection to better informed
members. But do know that owners
often elect to replace the injection
system with carbs.

Good luck!

It would kill me to replace the fuel injection with carbs. This bike is original with only 11k miles. What does it cost to convert the bike to carbs?

Update: Today I replaced the battery and noticed hours later that the injectors are still hot (with ignition off) and the computer was hot as well. Obviously, the injectors are wide open and the only way I can cool them off is to disconnect the battery. Any thoughts on what is causing this problem?

Thanks,
David

Actually, if you have the option, park the bike while you spend time on eBay...you can, at times, get very lucky with used FI equipment from the early FI Kawasakis. The obvious trouble/snag being is that the seller may be foisting non-functional FI components on eBay. Despite that, I have seen complete FI systems for your bike go for very reasonable money on eBay...and there is a member in Atlanta (Duck would be his moniker)... send him a private message (PM)

ddowns wrote:

It would kill me to replace the
fuel injection with carbs. This bike
is original with only 11k miles.
What does it cost to convert the bike to carbs?

Update: Today I replaced the battery
and noticed hours later that the injectors
are still hot (with ignition off) and
the computer was hot as well. Obviously,
the injectors are wide open and the only
way I can cool them off is to disconnect
the battery. Any thoughts on what is
causing this problem?

Thanks,
David

Just guessing, but it seems the wiring
diagram could help identify the electrical
component (such as the ignition switch
or related wiring) allowing continued
voltage to injectors and computer with
ignition turned off. If don't already
have, would obtain FSM.

Meanwhile, there's a small "Search Forum"
box toward top of the page. Typing in
"KZ1000 Classic" will return many
informative earlier threads. Typing
in "KZ1000 Classic fuel injection" will
return fewer earlier threads.

Concur with desire to keep
original, if feasible.

Good Luck!

In the green ribbon at top of page, point to KZ Information, click on Filebase, click on 1980, click on KZ1000G.

A link to the wiring diagram appears -- I couldn't get it to download , but maybe it will download for you.

Good Luck!

First of all welcome to the forum, always good to have another Classic owner here. Kawasaki did print a service manual supplement for that bike to go with the normal 1000 shop manual. I was trying to buy one last week on ebay but was outbid I think it was like 27 pages long. I can't add too much wisdom as far as troubleshooting your problem. Even though I own a 1000 G thus far I haven't had any problems with it. I don't know where you are located but the guys at Redline Cycles in Il. are pretty familiar with the FI systems on these bikes. They own a couple in their private collection and might be able to give you some help on what to check. Here is a link to their website www.redlinecycle.com/

And since nobody else has said it yet We Need Pics!!

Thanks for the information. I spoke to Redline and they will test my parts if I can't find someone local. Pics will come soon.

David

First thing that is suspect on those bikes is the injectors themselves. Having one or more that doesn't close all the way, thereby constantly leaking, isn't uncommon. The problem is, those are the hardest to find good. And there isn't an easy swap for them, either. Here's what I did:

I've bored out the injector port to accept the ubiquitous Ford 19#er, then made fuel blocks for the top of the injector:


Then converting FI control to MegaSquirt.

If you want to check it out, remove everything from the throttle plates on upstream, then hotwire your fuel pump to 12 volts and see if you have dribble/spray in your intake runners. If you have a leaker, you'll find it this way.

Speaking from past experience the F I on these bikes was junk when it left the factory and only got worse later if you insist on keeping it gather all the spare parts you can and carry them with you where ever you go.Or replace them with carbs(it will run better)and just keep all the fuelie stuff in case ya ever wanna sell it.

I think it is time to remove the factory fuel injection system and store it in a box for the next owner. The next step is to find a set of carbs or investigate the MicroSquirt fuel injection system. Has anyone installed a complete MicroSquirt FI system on a KZ1000 Classic or other model? I read an article about this system being installed on a 1980 Z1000 Classic which was written by Sid Young and the "Z" Owners Community. See attached article:

Oops, can't attach a PDF file. Instead, here is a link to his website.

z900.piczo.com/?cr=5