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KZ440 LTD 1982 Carbs
- prizethedoubt
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So my KZ440 LTD 1982 was running like it had dirty carbs/clogged jets...Would run fine for about 10 minutes and sputter out until it died. I got to the carbs and found they are perfect. Is it possible this is just a petcock issue? Perhaps the vacuum is not working? If not how do I test that?
What is the best thing to do at this point? I have read from a few sources to just run the bike on prime and shut it off to on when parked?
hayyylp (Also worth mentioning I am doing this for the first time and learning as I go)
thanks!
KZ 440 LTD 1982.
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- TexasKZ
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If you have a paper fuel filter, it could be restricting flow. Replace it with a proper one.
The fuel cap vent may be clogged. With the tank half full or less, open the cap and take a ride. If it works ok, the vent needs to be cleaned.
Might be a bad coil. When old, they can malfunction when hot.
Might be severely out of spec valve clearances. If some are near zero when cool, they can go to less than zero when hot, causing similar symptoms.
If you have a vacuum operated petcock, you cannot turn it off.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- prizethedoubt
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KZ 440 LTD 1982.
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- SWest
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Steve
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- prizethedoubt
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Testing the current stator now...I've had history with dead batteries...
KZ 440 LTD 1982.
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- TexasKZ
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If you can get genuine Kawasaki parts for it, they are well worth the extra cost.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- prizethedoubt
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KZ 440 LTD 1982.
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- prizethedoubt
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KZ 440 LTD 1982.
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- wrenchmonkey
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Wish I could help with the petcock issues but I haven't had to deal with it... yet... Did you follow the procedures listed in other threads here already and determine it is in fact the problem? Seems pretty straight forward to test but in the other thread at least, the unit didn't have to be removed from the tank to confirm it's functioning properly.
Ah! Here it is... You kinda' have to interpret the young man's english. Anyway [ Response to Petcock Testing Procedure in manual ]
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- prizethedoubt
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Considering just buying another bike that works and building this guy from scratch to learn about bikes.
KZ 440 LTD 1982.
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- TexasKZ
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prizethedoubt wrote: I found it strange the petcock leaked gas when set to prime, but did not when it was set to on (when I removed the gas tank)? Most likely due to me not knowing anything...
Did you mean leaking out of the petcock, or fuel was coming out of the fuel line? When it is set to PRI, fuel is supposed to run freely out of the fuel line. This position is used to fill the carburetors when the have been off the bike or otherwise drained. Both ON and RES require engine vacuum to allow fuel to flow.
Whether or not it was malfunctioning, I am not a fan of reusing old rubber bits, especially if I am not 100% sure of their age and reliability. For me, replacing them at this point would be an easy way to certainly eliminate a potential problem.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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- TexasKZ
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prizethedoubt wrote: Hey people
Would run fine for about 10 minutes and sputter out until it died. Is it possible this is just a petcock issue?
Yes.
Perhaps the vacuum is not working? If not how do I test that?
Possibly. Turn the petcock to PRI and ride. If the symptoms go away, then you have identified the source of the problem. If they return, you have likely eliminated a suspect.
You can also use something like a Mityvac to pull vacuum on the petcock to test it. Remove the fuel line at the carbs, point the line at a suitable container. With the petcock set to ON or RES, make vacuum (The Mityvac should be hooked up to the vacuum fitting on the petcock.). If fuel lows freely, it is probably ok. If not, it needs rebuilding. A tiny pin hole in the diaphragm can fool you here, so a careful visual inspection may be the most reliable way to know.
What is the best thing to do at this point? I have read from a few sources to just run the bike on prime and shut it off to on when parked?
If you have a vacuum petcock, there is no OFF position. Disassemble the petcock, clean it very carefully, replace all the rubber bits with new ones.
hayyylp (Also worth mentioning I am doing this for the first time and learning as I go)
thanks!
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough
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