'77 KZ650 - Carburetor vacuum leaks? What's common

I'll definitely have to do that this winter, provided she's start worthy. I ran it, choke on was the only way, with the petcock closed until she stalled out. I thought that would be well enough, I was wrong!


Ed, do you have any opinion on clamps for the carb holders?

I use stock clamps because I know they work. I guess hose clamps could work if they tighten up enough to seal the carb holders against the carbs. You can test the seal and the carb holder to cylinder head seal as described earlier in this thread (see link below). If there is any leakage at all it will affect idle and low throttle. Ed

www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/59127...what-s-common#607557

I ended up with some nice silicone hose clamps from work. Sure enough, tonight, she fired up with little effort, and everything at baseline settings. Vacuum leak mystery solved! Onto the next one (points look clean, but I can watch spark jump occasionally to the spring!)

-Cleaned fuel tank
-Cleaned petcock
-Added inline fuel filter
-Adjusted valve lash
-Thoroughly cleaned carburetors with fresh bowl gaskets/main jet needle/pilot needle
-Bench sync'd carbs
-Adjusted all floats with sight tube as described here and in the FSM.
-New Carb Holders and vacuum nipple caps

Thanks!!!!!
-Paul