TOPIC:

Hello all,
I've just bought a 78 KZ650 SR (I think I got that right). It's got about 4500 miles on it, and has been languishing in garages for quite some time. The engine fires & turns over, although the carbs are sitting in a cardboard box (they've been recently boiled out).

My first question is what gaskets I might need to remount the carbs.

Then, the man who sold me the bike mentioned something about possibly needing a small diaphragm-type piece for the carb... Know what he's talking about?

Finally, I guess this question should be in a separate post somewhere in another section, but I figure it's pretty relevant (fuel supply system).
The gas tank has some loose particles of gunk inside it, that rattle when you shake it around (I could play the giant maracas), and I don't know the best way to go about cleaning it out. Anybody have a tip, or a product recommendation, some type of solvent, etc?

Thanks!
Alex

Alex, welcome to the club. You will find that we are not very exclusive (we let almost anyone in:P )

I am sure you will find plenty of help for your questions. Just not from me. There are others who know a lot more than I do.

There are also quite a few threads about cleaning out your gas tank. Try searching for a few.

also, we will need to see pics:laugh:

Congrats on the bike! I can take lots of pictures of my '77 KZ650 carbs from many angles so you can see what they look like when put on, if you like. It may help you decide if you are missing pieces.

Do you have rust in the tank?

Hi Alex and welcome. Sounds like quite a find, I'm sure you will be able to get lots of help here. First where are you located? By putting your location in your signature if there is a member close to you chances are good if you get stuck on something they will be willing to help you in person as opposed to trying troubleshoot via the forum. As to your rusty gas tank there is a good article here that describes a good method for cleaning up a tank. I have used this method with good results. Here is the link
kzrider.com/content/view/22/11/

I reposted in this thread seems like we have a double of your original post and I answered in the other one.

Great info, thanks for the link!

Yes, I imagine I do have rust in the tank, although from the outside it seems perfectly sound. Haven't been able to get any of it to shake out, though, since the gas cap assembly's female piece (what is it called?) acts as a lip and holds in the particles when I turn the tank upside down.
Any tips on getting past this particular hitch? Can I remove the female piece from the tank?

Thanks again,
Alex

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