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1978 KZ650 starter jet and starting issues
- RTZ
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I just picked up a 1978 KZ650 that had been sitting for eight years. The guy I got it from said it was having issues starting before he parked it. He bought carb kits but never installed them. I installed the carb kits (new jets, needles etc) but the bike is still having starting issues. Once it runs for a bit it starts fine but it takes a long time to start when its cooled. - Any thoughts???
In addition, when I was working on the carbs I found a jet screwed in above (or behind) the starter jet. A replacement jet did not come with the carb kit and the jet is not shown or labeled in the manual. Is this jet required? Could it be the reason for the starting issue? The jet is screwed in right on top of the starter jet...
Thank you
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- Patton
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Hello, RTZ, and WELCOME to KZr!RTZ wrote: Hello,
I just picked up a 1978 KZ650 that had been sitting for eight years. The guy I got it from said it was having issues starting before he parked it. He bought carb kits but never installed them. I installed the carb kits (new jets, needles etc) but the bike is still having starting issues. Once it runs for a bit it starts fine but it takes a long time to start when its cooled. - Any thoughts???
In addition, when I was working on the carbs I found a jet screwed in above (or behind) the starter jet. A replacement jet did not come with the carb kit and the jet is not shown or labeled in the manual. Is this jet required? Could it be the reason for the starting issue? The jet is screwed in right on top of the starter jet...
Thank you
The choke circuit is most effective when the throttle slides are closed fully down.
When first attempting to start a cold engine, the choke should be fully engaged and the handlebar throttle grip should NOT be touched while initially spinning over the engine.
ENRICENER (CHOKE) CIRCUIT
PILOT CIRCUIT
Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- 650ed
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1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- RTZ
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I was using the throttle, I will try today full choke, no throttle and let you know how it goes.
Similar to my manual, the diagrams Patton posted do not display the jet screwed in behind the starter jet. Does again one know what this jet is for? If I am still having starting trouble should I try removing it?
Thanks again!
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- gd4now
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- Denco where did you go?
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From the info I can find this additional jet is only used on the carbs that have only a pilot screw and not used the the carbs that have an air screw.
1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header
OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT
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- 650ed
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RTZ wrote: Thank you!!!!
I was using the throttle, I will try today full choke, no throttle and let you know how it goes.
Similar to my manual, the diagrams Patton posted do not display the jet screwed in behind the starter jet. Does again one know what this jet is for? If I am still having starting trouble should I try removing it?
Thanks again!
When starting the bike using the throttle is a no no. You may want to try this:
Choke on full or just shy of full.
Petcock on.
Kill switch in "RUN" position.
Key on.
Don't touch throttle.
Don't pull in the clutch lever (for kick starting).
Use the kick starter to start it.
Sometimes the battery will have enough power to crank the engine, but so much current is used operating the starter that there's insufficient energy left to fully charge the coils. Kick starting eliminates the electric starter drain. Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- baldy110
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- RTZ
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I just tried starting her again as per 650ed instructions and still no luck. When cleaning the carbs I soaked them over night in gas and cleaned all visible varnish, they were pretty shiny when I put them back together, but I can try it again.
gd4now, the jet I am referring is screwed in behind in the same port but not attached to the starter jet (part #41 in the KZ650 B1 1977 service manual).
Thanks again for the comments, does anyone have any additional thoughts? If not I guess I will remove the carbs, do some more cleaning and replace the original jets. :S
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