1980 kz440 - I checked the point gap now no spark

Hello all -

I'm in the middle of fixing up a '80 kz440 for my wife. I got it running but it ran a little rough throughout the rev range despite a lot of carb work, new boots, etc, etc.

So, I thought I should check the points and timing. I opened up the cover and used a piece of fine-grit sandpaper to gently clean the contact surfaces of the points (they looked pretty good to sratrt with, so I didn't do much), very gently pulling the spring leaf back in order to do so. I then went to start it to see if just cleaning up the points did any good - and, no spark. None on either cylinder (checked both plugs).

I went ahead and set the gap, which needed to be widened 0.1 mm or so, and used the ohm-meter test suggested in the manual to verify that the timing was correct, and indeed, the meter jumped just when the F-line was pointing straight up.

The needle also jumped when the "ec" (or whatever it is) was pointing straight up, which I assume is when the #2 cylinder fires.

Still no spark. I'm not sure what I may have done and I wonder if any of you could suggest what to check? I'm not really sure where to start.

I rode the bike to the grocery store two days ago!

Many thanks for any help you may be able to provide.

Nathan

A little grit stuck in-between the contacts can cause this. I use a folded match book to clean them. If you do, you will see some black stuff on it. The spring can be cockeyed a little keeping them from closing all the way. Carb cleaner spray and Match book method should work.
Steve

yeah, it fired right up!

Damned thing is more sensitive than my 8 year old daughter.


Didn't solve the rough running issue, but hey, I have all winter......

THanks a lot !

Nathan

Pics of plugs?
Steve

I'll start a new thread - thanks again for the advice!

I will check the valve clearences first, though.

Nathan