Intermittent spark

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24 Jun 2024 08:08 #901224 by DonFather
Intermittent spark was created by DonFather
Hi All
New guy here.  I just picked up a 79 kz400 as a project.  It's been sitting in a barn since 96' but was driven in at that time.
I cleaned it up and tried to start it.  The spark was weak.  I pulled the points and they were pretty badly pitted.
I installed new points and condenser.  I now seem to have intermittent spark.
When I press the starter button, I get a spark then nothing.  When I release the button, I get a couple of sparks.
Anyone have any ideas of what I should look for to resolve the issue?  I don't have a lot of experience with points.
Thanks

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24 Jun 2024 09:49 - 24 Jun 2024 10:11 #901235 by Wookie58
Replied by Wookie58 on topic Intermittent spark
Are the points assembled correctly with all the relevant "insulators" in place and undamaged ? It's always best to start with where you have been 
Last edit: 24 Jun 2024 10:11 by Wookie58.

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24 Jun 2024 10:32 #901237 by DonFather
Replied by DonFather on topic Intermittent spark
I believe so but had a hard time finding the correct order.  The points came with the insulators already in position.
Would you happen to have a picture or could you direct me to what order everything should be in?
 

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  • gd4now
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24 Jun 2024 11:46 #901244 by gd4now
Replied by gd4now on topic Intermittent spark
Agree with Wookie that the points/condenser insulators do have to be installed correctly for it to work correctly. But you mention something that made me think of another item to check. You indicate that when you press the starter button there is a spark but then no spark until you release the button. What happens if you kick start instead of using the electric starter? 
Do you get spark(s) or not? 

1977 KZ650 B1
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24 Jun 2024 14:30 #901253 by gd4now
Replied by gd4now on topic Intermittent spark
Here is a page from a 78 -81 manual for the kz400 showing points and how to to install the washers and insulators

1977 KZ650 B1
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  • Scirocco
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24 Jun 2024 15:31 #901260 by Scirocco
Replied by Scirocco on topic Intermittent spark
Some detailed view of the breaker points insulator washer.

 

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26 Jun 2024 12:29 #901368 by DonFather
Replied by DonFather on topic Intermittent spark
Thanks for all the info.  I'll give it another look when I get time.
When I kick it, the spark seems brighter and more consistent but it's kinda hard to tell.

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26 Jun 2024 13:11 #901369 by gd4now
Replied by gd4now on topic Intermittent spark
The reason  I asked is when kick starting you remove the largest draw on the electrical system by removing the electric starter. The starter is seeking a certain amount of watts to do its job. Watts equals volts x amps, a fully charged and fully functioning battery is required to do this.  If the starter can not get enough volts it attempts to pull more amps or if not enough amps it attempt to pull more volts. How old and in what condition is the battery you are using? 

1977 KZ650 B1
Pods and Denco header


OLD KAW OWNERS SMILE ALOT

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27 Jun 2024 04:51 #901406 by DonFather
Replied by DonFather on topic Intermittent spark
Good thought.
It has a dead battery in it.  I was boosting it with another bike with a good battery, while running.

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