Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

  • Mitragorz
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Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

15 Oct 2021 07:16
#856670
I ordered the 'intermediate" carb kit from Z1.  I didn't realize it was labeled intermediate until I bought it.

www.z1enterprises.com/carburetor-kit-kz4...40-A1+440+LTD%2F1980

Bike's bone stock as far as I know.  Non-running, haven't started tearing into it yet but getting everything together bc the goal is to get it worked out and running in 1 day.

Will this "intermediate" kit do well on a stock bike?

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  • martin_csr
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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

15 Oct 2021 07:46 - 15 Oct 2021 07:47
#856674
Sometimes the only thing you need to do is replace the rubber bits & gaskets. That's what I did.  The brass parts were fine and the motorcycle is stock w complete stock airbox & stock type muffler system.  I soaked the brass bits in the good Berryman's over nite.
1981 KZ650 Competition Sports and Road
Last edit: 15 Oct 2021 07:47 by martin_csr.

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  • 650ed
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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

15 Oct 2021 08:49
#856678
I'm sure I'll never understand why folks replace the needles, jets, and other hard parts in their carbs when keeping a bike stock.  My 1977 KZ650-C1 has all the original metal carb parts and has zero problems after 62,000+ miles.  Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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  • Nessism
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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

15 Oct 2021 09:39
#856680
It takes a lot more than just replacing a few parts to properly bring the carbs up to proper running standards.  For that reason I'm NOT a big fan of "carb kits."  

You should fully break down the carbs, removing all the brass parts including the pilot screws, then soak them in carb dip for several hours in order to properly clean the internal passages.

Then reassembly using new fresh O-rings.  You don't typically need to replace jets and such, although replacing the float needles is a good idea if yours are worn.  If that's the case then the only decent replacement needles I've found are either Kester or OEM Keihin.  You can judge this by watching to see if the needle spring is strong to support the full weight of the carb float without compresing.  

short cuts are long cuts when it comes to carbs.  For example, the O-rings on the fuel tee are almost always hard and brittle so they must be replaced, and to do so the carbs need to be fully taken apart.  Do the job right the first time takes more time, but it saves time in the end and avoids problems later on.
Ed
Carb O-ring Kits : www.kzrider.com/forum/3-carburetor/61807...-o-ring-kits?start=0

www.kzrider.com/forum/faq-wiki/618026-new-owner-things-to-know

1981 KZ750E2
www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/604901...z750e-project-thread

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  • Mitragorz
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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

15 Oct 2021 10:18 - 15 Oct 2021 10:45
#856681
wrote:


 
The bike's been sitting since '87.  Who knows what shape the internals are in.  If everything's good, then I'll reuse the stock bits.  If it's in shit shape, I'll use the new bits.  
wrote:
It takes a lot more than just replacing a few parts to properly bring the carbs up to proper running standards.  For that reason I'm NOT a big fan of "carb kits."  

You should fully break down the carbs, removing all the brass parts including the pilot screws, then soak them in carb dip for several hours in order to properly clean the internal passages.

Then reassembly using new fresh O-rings.  You don't typically need to replace jets and such, although replacing the float needles is a good idea if yours are worn.  If that's the case then the only decent replacement needles I've found are either Kester or OEM Keihin.  You can judge this by watching to see if the needle spring is strong to support the full weight of the carb float without compresing.  

short cuts are long cuts when it comes to carbs.  For example, the O-rings on the fuel tee are almost always hard and brittle so they must be replaced, and to do so the carbs need to be fully taken apart.  Do the job right the first time takes more time, but it saves time in the end and avoids problems later on.

I'm not aware of any way to install a carb kit WITHOUT a complete teardown of the carbs.  I feel like that's the whole point.  I mean, that's why I bought the kit.  Maybe "Carb Rebuild Kit" would've been more accurate.  I didn't realize when buying the kit that it was an 'upgrade' from standard jetting, or whatever "Intermediate" is supposed to mean compared to standard.

Bike's been sitting for almost 35 years.  Carbs definitely need to be checked out.  If it needs everything, it needs everything.  If it only needs rubber bits, then that's awesome.  Plan for the worst and be surprised when it's not.

This ain't my first rodeo.
Last edit: 15 Oct 2021 10:45 by Mitragorz. Reason: Quotes got messed up. And are still messed up...

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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

15 Oct 2021 15:23 - 15 Oct 2021 15:24
#856687
You might be surprised how many newbies around here think a carb overhaul consists of spraying the carbs with aerosol carb cleaner, or running a couple of cans of some carb-magic through the fuel tank.
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24
Last edit: 15 Oct 2021 15:24 by TexasKZ.
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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

15 Oct 2021 17:47
#856697
wrote:
 or running a couple of cans of some carb-magic through the fuel tank.
I'm still waiting for the snake oil (Techron) to magically solve the low speed jetting issue on my ZRX.  The bottle says it will solve all my problems.  Mostly I'm just desperate to avoid having another fight with the air box. 
Hasn't made any difference yet.  But I'm still waiting.  
[img
'78 Z1-R in blue , '78 Z1-R in black, '78 Z1-R in pieces
My dad's '74 Z1
'00 ZRX1100

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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

16 Oct 2021 04:42
#856706
wrote:
wrote:
 or running a couple of cans of some carb-magic through the fuel tank.
I'm still waiting for the snake oil (Techron) to magically solve the low speed jetting issue on my ZRX.  The bottle says it will solve all my problems.  Mostly I'm just desperate to avoid having another fight with the air box. 
Hasn't made any difference yet.  But I'm still waiting.  
[img
Have you tried mixing Techron, Berryman, and Seafoam?  One of them is bound to do something!

[img

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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

16 Oct 2021 07:21
#856710
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Have you tried mixing Techron, Berryman, and Seafoam?  One of them is bound to do something!

 

Don't forget marvel mystery oil! Then add some castor oil for top end lube, and some Stabil so it doesn't all go off, and I may not even need any gasoline at that point.
'78 Z1-R in blue , '78 Z1-R in black, '78 Z1-R in pieces
My dad's '74 Z1
'00 ZRX1100

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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

16 Oct 2021 07:48
#856712
wrote:
wrote:
Have you tried mixing Techron, Berryman, and Seafoam?  One of them is bound to do something!


 

Don't forget marvel mystery oil! Then add some castor oil for top end lube, and some Stabil so it doesn't all go off, and I may not even need any gasoline at that point.
and top it off with some STP!
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

16 Oct 2021 10:29
#856718
WD40 replaces all of those, plus can be used as a marinade for teriyaki chicken.
1981 KZ550 D1 gpz.
Kz550 valve train warning.
Other links.

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Re: Is this a good carb kit for a stock 440 LTD?

16 Oct 2021 12:41
#856720
wrote:
WD40 replaces all of those, plus can be used as a marinade for teriyaki chicken.
Yum! 
[img
1982 KZ1000 LTD parts donor
1981 KZ1000 LTD awaiting resurrection
2000 ZRX1100 not ridden enough

www.kzrider.com/11-projects/620336-anoth...uild-thread?start=24

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