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Carb Shooting Flames! Wicked!
- KZJAT
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- loudhvx
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Do a compression test. Check the valve clearance. Then check ignition timing. (especially the advance using a strobe.) Then start twiddling with the carbs.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
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- 550A2
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- keep the shiny side up
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Do a compression test. Check the valve clearance. Then check ignition timing. (especially the advance using a strobe.) Then start twiddling with the carbs.
yep......when you have fire out of the carbs, that means the spark plug is trying to spark while the intake valve is partially open....usually that is a sign of either the ignition timing is too advanced...or the valve timing is off and the valve isnt closing at the right time....
also if it is a twin, swap the plug wires for shits and giggles....
Id hope it is an ignition problem if i were you...much easier to fix...
Good luck man.
82 Honda ATC 200-sold
82 Yamaha Virago 920-sold
82 Yamaha YZ250j-kept
80 Suzuki GS 550-sold
82 Kawasaki KZ550 A2-ride all the time
79 Kawasaki KZ650 C-sold
73 Kawasaki Z1 900E-paid $200, sold $6000
86 Yamaha Radian YX600-new project
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- nwoods29379
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- KZJAT
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Another beginner question:
Is there an easier way to move the timing slightly with the points plate?
Again, thank you all for your input.
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- loudhvx
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Absolutely.Well the cam timing would make perfect sense, since i did take that apart as well. Suppose I'll check that first this weekend before messing with anything else.
KZJAT wrote:
You can't move the valve timing with the timing plate.Another beginner question:
Is there an easier way to move the timing slightly with the points plate?
Again, thank you all for your input.
The ignition timing can be altered by rotating the timing plate or by altering the gap at the points, however, altering the point gap also alters dwell and will affect running. Rotating the plate is the best way.
If the points have a pit, the other side usually has a bump. In order for the timing to be stable, the bump has to be completely filed flat. Even then, it won't be as good as new points, but should work ok.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- Russ Jackson
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1976 KZ 900 B1 29 smoothbores, Kerker, Lester Mags
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- loudhvx
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1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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- larrycavan
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On 440's there was a plastic extension on the airbox, under the seat. Without that, they were tempermental.
So it's eithe full air box or you'll have to rejet the carbs. Best bet is full air box.
Larry C
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- nads.com
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- KZJAT
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I started with the cam timing which involved ripping the
top off and checking the marks. It was spot on. Guess that's not the issue. Then Went to home depot's plumbing section to fashion some airbox boots, they fit quite well actually with a little wiggling.
Here's how it ran:
Started up rather fine with choke fully on and a 1/4 throttle. Let it rev for a little bit then gave the carbs more air, revved it a little more then backed off to see how the idle was. Couldn't hold an idle so stayed on the throttle. Started to notice it couldn't keep chugging without more and more throttle until I had it fully throttled. Then struggled, then died. Waited a little bit then tried to start it multiple times with no luck at all. Maybe the airbox is starving the bike now. Will keep trying until i get bored or give up for today.
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- loudhvx
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Verify that you indeed have good fuel flow to both carbs. Sounds like they may be running out of gas. This can be the filter mentioned above, or the petcock is clogged, or the tank vent (in the gas cap) is clogged. And of course make sure you have about 1/2 gallon or so gas in the tank. You may have to be on the reserve if it's less than about 3/4 of a gallon.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.
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