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Running Rich??
- happyhunter
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Over the next couple months as it got warmer (or less cold) I would ride it more. Here lately it has gotten hard to start again. I pulled the plugs and they look dark. I am color blind so reading plugs is not my thing I guess. Here is a pict.
I replaced the plugs and it starts again.
The bike runs well. This is my first motorcycle so I do not have much reference for how fast it is but it does run smooth. The plugs in the photo have about 120 miles on them. I am thinking it is running rich. What is your opinion?
How do I fix this. The bike still has the factory air box/filter on it. Would pod filters possibly lean it a bit? Can you get different size jets for the carbs? I have no idea of the history of this bike. I do not know what someone else may have done to this.
Thanks,
HH
'82 Kawasaki KZ305CSR
I did not set out to buy a project bike,
but I got one anyway.
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- happyhunter
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'82 Kawasaki KZ305CSR
I did not set out to buy a project bike,
but I got one anyway.
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- 650ed
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1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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- happyhunter
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'82 Kawasaki KZ305CSR
I did not set out to buy a project bike,
but I got one anyway.
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- Patton
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happyhunter wrote: I bought this 82 305 CSR back in November. It was very difficult to start. I cleaned tank and carbs and replaced the points. Finally I replaced the condenser and plugs at the same time; then it would start. Yeah!!
Over the next couple months as it got warmer (or less cold) I would ride it more. Here lately it has gotten hard to start again. I pulled the plugs and they look dark. I am color blind so reading plugs is not my thing I guess. Here is a pict.
I replaced the plugs and it starts again.
The bike runs well. This is my first motorcycle so I do not have much reference for how fast it is but it does run smooth. The plugs in the photo have about 120 miles on them. I am thinking it is running rich. What is your opinion?
How do I fix this. The bike still has the factory air box/filter on it. Would pod filters possibly lean it a bit? Can you get different size jets for the carbs? I have no idea of the history of this bike. I do not know what someone else may have done to this.
Thanks,
HH
If needed, here's a link to download an Owner's Manual:
Click here > www.kaseydavis.com/1987KZ305LTD.pdf
(Recommends plugs shown in the photo.)
Would assure fresh clean clear unobstructed air-box filter (not blocked by a rag or gloves, etc. carried under the seat).
Assure choke is completely OFF.
Perform the clear tube test to confirm that the carb fuel levels are within specs.
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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- happyhunter
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I checked the airbox for stray socks, cats or dogs and found nothing. The air cleaner looks clean. Nice whitish yellowish color, no dirt.
I filled the tank up the other day; 2.5 gallons for 110 miles. Mostly running on roads with 35 - 45 mph speed limits.
I am guessing someone may have put in larger jets. I am thinking I might try pod filters. Would they really make much difference in the fuel ratio or is that overexagerated?
Thanks,
HH
'82 Kawasaki KZ305CSR
I did not set out to buy a project bike,
but I got one anyway.
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- happyhunter
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If I buy a pair of pod filters, is there any advantage to the spendy K&N brand. Will the cheap filters work as well?
Thanks,
HH
'82 Kawasaki KZ305CSR
I did not set out to buy a project bike,
but I got one anyway.
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- happyhunter
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Then I took out the filter and the air box, I disconnected the rubber tubes between the carbs and airbox - so air is going straight into the carbs. I rode it around a 2 mile loop. It ran HORRIBLE. I did not look at the plugs.
Then I put the rubber tubes back into place. They connect the carbs to the front portion of the airbox. I left the big part of the airbox and the filter off. I ran it around my test loop again. It ran poorly (better than without tubes but still pretty bad.
Then I put the airbox back into place without the filter. So, the only missing is the airfilter. In this state it ran pretty much like it normal. It might have been a little bit slower, less responsive, but not by much. Since I only ran a short loop it is hard to tell for sure which is better: with or without the filter.
So after the damage to my engine running without the filter I then pulled the plug to see what it looked like:
I am color blind and am not much good a reading plugs. How does that look?
After seeing what big difference a filter and airbox can make I really do not want to alter this any at all - no pod filters. I am going to look for a new factory air filter. I hope it helps.
Thanks,
HH
'82 Kawasaki KZ305CSR
I did not set out to buy a project bike,
but I got one anyway.
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- Patton
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It's also listed at Partzilla.
Likely that other sources could be found by Googling the part number.
Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- happyhunter
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HH
'82 Kawasaki KZ305CSR
I did not set out to buy a project bike,
but I got one anyway.
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