1982 kz550

So I'm pretty sure the carbs have not been touched since the factory. How hard would it be to clean the carbs my self. Guy at the local shop wants $250. I don't wanna swing that right now. The bike runs but it drags. I've never done carb work but I do have the cliymer manual. So any pointers? Should I just have them do it? Or is it fairly simple for someone that dosnt know a whole lot on bikes!

Thanks

So I took then off. Not that bad! Any way is that color on the outside a bad sign? Or is that normal for 30+ years?

Also is that one suppose to be missing? This is with the "choke" on.. I think there should be a flap there

It's got a broken choke flap - a pretty common failure on these models.

First, take out the air filter, and scrutinize inside the airbox, as there's a chance the broken part is lying in there.

If you can't find it, look inside the intake port and see if it's in there -

It can also blow through the engine and cause much damage, or blow through the engine and damage nothing.

If you want a complete flap let me know, as I have a few spares.

good luck - Eric

That choke flap will have to be replaced for the choke to function. Without it the vacuum will be unstable and cause the idle to rev out of control with the choke on. It looks like your float bowl gaskets may have been leaking at some point which is another common problem. The carbs themselves look fine though. Tk22s are pretty simple to work on

Thanks guys I'll see if I can find the flap and let you guys know what I come up with!

KZRider loudhvx's --- motorcycle stuff page .... Choke flap link near bottom of page.

One other word to the wise - if you decide to take the carbs apart to clean them either do one carb at a time OR use 4 plastic tubs to keep each carb's parts separate. The carb parts tend to wear together so mixing parts between carbs can result in problems. Ed

Should each carb have a float needle? Cause I'm only seeing one out of the 4 carbs...

Yes, they should each have a float and float valve including the needle. Ed

Here's a carb diagram. Ed

That's the thing I have only found 1 and before taking all this apart the bike ran. Is it possible to run with out them?