78 KZ 650 won't start after exhaust/pod mod

Picked up a 78 KZ650 about 2 months ago, all stock with the exception of dyna2 coils. The bike started without problems either kick or electric start.

So I tore the bike apart (mainly body parts) carbs were very clean. I added pods and a mac (I think it's a mac, came with the pair of bikes I bought) 4-1 exhaust. Now the muffler isn't on but I do have a rag covered for restriction. The bike cranks and ALMOST wants to turn over but can't quiet get it to go. A few questions I have are:

1. On my petcock it so scratched and old I can't tell what is what. Only thing i can make it PR (prime) at the 3 o clock position. This is where I have the fuel set when trying to start (seems to be the one that almost gets it to kick over)

2. Do I need to rejet? if so to what, I'm in south texas so roughly about 700-1000ft above sea level.

3. Do I need to add the muffler for more restriction?

Yes the plugs are good, I have about 1.5 gallons of gas in it, plug wires are good.

Another issue I have is that i tightend the shit out to the chain and it's still hitting the center stand. Currently i have a bout 1" of play in it. (stock sprockets)

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If you need pics let me know.

Thanks,
M20

Mine20 wrote: Picked up a 78 KZ650 about 2 months ago, all stock with the exception of dyna2 coils. The bike started without problems either kick or electric start.

So I tore the bike apart (mainly body parts) carbs were very clean. I added pods and a mac (I think it's a mac, came with the pair of bikes I bought) 4-1 exhaust. Now the muffler isn't on but I do have a rag covered for restriction. The bike cranks and ALMOST wants to turn over but can't quiet get it to go. A few questions I have are:

1. On my petcock it so scratched and old I can't tell what is what. Only thing i can make it PR (prime) at the 3 o clock position. This is where I have the fuel set when trying to start (seems to be the one that almost gets it to kick over)

2. Do I need to rejet? if so to what, I'm in south texas so roughly about 700-1000ft above sea level.

3. Do I need to add the muffler for more restriction?

Yes the plugs are good, I have about 1.5 gallons of gas in it, plug wires are good.

Another issue I have is that i tightend the shit out to the chain and it's still hitting the center stand. Currently i have a bout 1" of play in it. (stock sprockets)

Any help/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If you need pics let me know.

Thanks,
M20

Is it still got the old gas in it? I would flush tyhe tank/petcock, install inline filters and flush the carbs down through the bowls.

Make sure the timing advancer is working, it can make it really hard to start.

Yes, I would put on a muffler.

Sounds like you need a chain and sprockets.

Mine20 wrote: ...78 KZ650...all stock with the exception of dyna2 coils. The bike started without problems either kick or electric start...added...4-1 exhaust..muffler isn't on...chain...hitting the center stand....

Un-deployed center stand likely rests against a stop pad on underside of muffler to prevent contact with chain.

Without the muffler installed, the center stand keeps rising until it hits the chain.

Good Fortune!

I suggest you put it back the way it was when it ran well.

Well, I'm not getting a spark after all. When I move the run/off switch from Run to Off I get a spark. From Off to Run no spark. While cranking, again no spark. Looks like i'll be chasing wiring gremlins this weekend. . .

I needed to go back to basics. . . plugs were wasted. Video posted in my build thread of it started up.