Starting my bike cold.....Starter fluid?

Hey people

I had to buy a new starter motor. The starter motor works great. My bike was inactive for about 2 months and it is quite cold out. Full gas, full oil. Was thinking of using some starter fluid. I'm supposed to shoot this stuff in the air box under the seat? Or do I have to take off the side panels again? I own a KZ440 LTD 1982

Thanks

Starter fluid is not necessary.

To start -
Fully charged battery
Choke on
Petcock on
Kill switch in "RUN"
Key on
Clutch lever pulled in
DO NOT TOUCH THE THROTTLE

Hit the starter button. Short bursts are better than one prolonged grind.
Ed

And make sure the air filter is installed & the airbox cap n stuff is installed correctly.
Reference the diagrams at Kawasaki.com to make sure nothing is missing.
On some KZ440s it's possible to install the cap wrong: the test is to lift up on it - if it moves, it isn't installed correctly.
Note: do not pull up too hard as it could break.
I think there are two different airboxes for the 440s, but I do not know which one the test is for.
Also, make sure the airbox ducts are good & have a good seal. Same goes for the carb holders.

where do I spray the starter fluid exactly?

I killed the battery trying to start it, so it is charging over night. I did have the air filter (that is under the seat) still off.

Starter fluid is awesome for cleaning oil off things. As such if you use a lot while trying to start an engine it could be trouble. Best to verify spark and fuel, shouldn't need starting fluid if you've got spark and fuel. But if you must, you can spray it in the air box with the filter removed.

Alan

Do you have a small space heater. I heated up my motor the first couple times after the rebuild for an hour or so and it was nice and warm. Also follow what 650ed said. In a real pinch (half dead battery) I've had my son and wife push me in 3 or 4th gear too. :laugh:

I recommend limiting the use of starting fluid as much as possible. I have some, and I use it, but only as a last resort. I read once that it could temporarily dissolve the varnish on your valves, which would then re-solidify and could cause one or more valves to become complete stuck. I blew this off... until I did exactly that with a 289 Ford V8 engine. I wound up with two bent pushrods. With an overhead can setup like our KZ's, I don't know what would have to give way if a valve became stuck. Use starting fluid with great caution.

Personally I don't use starting fluid, but like stated use it sparingly. All that is needed is the vapor from it to start an engine. Spray a little in the air box and the fumes will get it started. I never use it on a gas engine. If they don't crank then I pull a plug and check for fire and see if it's wet with fuel. Too much will cause the cylinders to dry out and can cause one to start grinding and score the cylinders.