I think I need to replace the "rotating cylinder" (dunno what to call it) that actually conveys the engine rotation to the ignition, so that'll help alot in finding parts.
Kawasaki shows it as "21148-1016 ADVANCER" and shows the 81 as having electronic ignition.
It also shows the 81 (and 82) KZ550A as having a drum rear brake.
The best (and fastest) way to fix your bike is to use a structured troubleshooting approach (and the Factory Service Manual makes is a lot easier).
(1)Check/adjust/repair the ignition.
(a) Check the advancer with a timing light, it should be ~10 degrees (at the F mark) BTDC when idling and advance to 35-40 degrees (usually between a couple of lines on the advancer) at 3500-4000 rpm.
(b) Check the primary and secondary resistance of the coils (with the plug wires (or plug caps) removed. Should be 2-3.5 ohms on the primary (little wires) side and 16k-20k ohms on the secondary (between the spark plug wires) side.
(c) Check to see if you have 12 volts at each coil with the ignition switch turned on.
(d) Check the spark plug cap resistance, should be no more than 5k ohms.
(2) Check/adjust the valve lash to ensure the clearance is within specs (I don't know the specs for the 550).
(3) Do a compression check (Throttle held wide open or carbs removed), best to check when the motor is warm, but cold will work.
Post the results of your checks here, and if it still runs like crap after all the above is up to snuff, then we (someone other than me) will go on to the carbs.
Post edited by: steell, at: 2006/06/04 13:40