1980 kz550, running rough

Hello Everybody,

I have a 1980 kz550 and I am having trouble figuring out the problems it is having. It takes a while for it to start up, and you have to run it on choke for quite a while before you can turn it off. After a while when it is warmed up, you can rev it up and it responds well. The only thing is when you give it full throttle quickly it stalls out. Also, I tried to take it for a ride, and under load it starts backfiring like crazy and topped out at about 55. I looked at the points and they look pretty beat up so I got those ordered. Anything else that you guys might suggest taking a look at?

Thanks,
Nick

Have the valves been checked for clearances? How's the compression? Tried a new set of sparkplugs? All vacuum caps/plugs installed on the carb holders? Original ignition coils,sparkplug wires & sparkplug caps?

Ever cleaned the carbs? What type of gas being used? Any rust in the tank/carb float bowls?

Yeah, if the bike is new to you, then everything is suspect. Start at the beginning and you may save a lot of time and maybe a little money.

First is compression test and valve lash inspection.

Here is a page about valve timing and a very important warning about valve cover installation. If it's not followed, the life of the motor can be severly shortened.

home.comcast.net/~loudgpz/GPZweb/CamsKZZ...KZZXZR550500400.html

There is a manual in my signature. I suggest reading the tune-up section.

Yeah the carbs have been boiled, no new parts because I was told they did not need it. I think my first couple steps are going to be valve clearance check and compression check. Then try to sync up the carbs and throw my points on and see what happens. Thanks for the grocery list, I am going to start picking through it. Its damn hard to find time, I'm waiting for some parts for my 81 Yamaha XJ550 at this moment also.