1981 KZ550A2 Update

Mech is good, free play is right. Now that I think about it though I did not adjust it again after rebuild, I just put the cover back on the way it came off. 1st and 2nd fully hold, but perhaps it is a bit tight and slipping under load? I also know oI had contaminate doiland was thinking the plate may still be affected.

The needle valve were clean and points not deformed, but I did not look at the pins closely. Carbs off again, or i might be able to drop bowls mmmmmm R

I did check with clear tube when on the bench. I am thinking needle valve there. R

Could be some debris. If you are still using the vac petcok in normal run, that should stop the draining. You will have the contents of the bowl, plus whatever was in the line.

I would just turn it on prime and drain and seal the bowl a few times with the drain screw. Hopefully clearing it out will fix it. I've experienced this after messing with the carbs, and the problem went away on its own, so I chalked it up to some debris in the line.

Don't forget to go back to RUN on petcock, though, or you could find the whole tank drained next time.

rrsmsw9999 wrote: Okay, so I go to take off on a ride and I had placed a container under the carb drain hoses last night. There was exactly 2oz of gas in the container from the number 2 carb drain hose. The float valve and seats are clean, I used the old washers. It did not leak into the case and seems that it is exactly the amount of #2 carb bowl. The drain screws on the carbs were old and worn, the orings were replaced with non-oem rings, and I left a few old ones. me thinks the #2 drain screw orings have gone bad. I would think if it was the float valve it would leak the whole tankful? What says ye? Second issue, I am still getting clutch slippage in 3rd and beyond at the highest RPM range 7500+. When apart the clutch plates were in spec and the springs were the right length. I am guessing the springs are weak. My plan is to pull the plates and lightly sand them clean and install new springs. Any other thoughts> Any input appreciated. Here's a few sexy pics for viewing enjoyment. R

For the clutch slippage I wonder if this may have the same issues as many 650's and 750's where the dampers in the clutch basket turn into coffee grounds and create bad bad juju.... Someone smarter than me would know, but something to think of. Link to how to fix and pics of what it looks like are here: www.750turbo.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=12071

Long long post but extremely helpful!

- Brett

Another obscure thing to check for that can cause leakage is a cracked brass overflow riser tube inside the float bowl. I've found a couple of these in TK22's over the years.

mjg15 wrote: Another obscure thing to check for that can cause leakage is a cracked brass overflow riser tube inside the float bowl. I've found a couple of these in TK22's over the years.

This is where my leak was, it proved very hard (for me) to find.

Well I went out this morning to leave for work. 30 degrees, but headed to 60s, so I figured I would drive a bike the short distance to work. Got on the Vulcan, but it was too cold to start. A few pops and snots but that was it. VN EFI doesn't like cold weather. It's been a week or so since it was started. Uncovered the KZ550 and bang, started before the starter stopped whirring.

Man it was cold without a lid and no windshield. Nice ride back for lunch and now have the Vulcan. What a contrast between the two. I am a fortunate one.

R

I have found inline fours tend to start easier than big v-twins. Having more, smaller cylinders makes for less peak torque load on the starter, and there are more chances per revolution for a bang to happen, so more opportunities to start per revolution.

That's makes some good sense. None of the VNs I have had ever really liked the cold (below freezing.) She started right up at lunch. It's amazing how nimble the 550 is compared to the Vulcan, but I still know which I'd take for 500+ mile trip. BOTH

rrsmsw9999 wrote: That's makes some good sense. None of the VNs I have had ever really liked the cold (below freezing.) She started right up at lunch. It's amazing how nimble the 550 is compared to the Vulcan, but I still know which I'd take for 500+ mile trip. BOTH

I like that thinking!

So I was riding in the nice weather we have here in WI today. Before going out I took the advice of several here. On my rebuild I had lost the steel ball in the clutch and I bought a new one. The old one must have been worn a smidge. I adjusted the clutch and backed off the pressure about a quarter turn and locked it back down. Slipping is completely gone in all gears and all loads. Secondly I have pic of giant as pot hole that almost toasted me. But the 550 scrambled thru like a champ. I held on tight and pressured the pegs. Thank goodness nothing bad came of it. BTW the 550 runs like a scalded dog. Maybe a small bike, but a powerful SOB too. Peace. R