I'm working on getting a kawasaki 440 ltd running but so far no luck. I've got it in neutral, fuel in the tank, starting fluid in the carbs, choke open... but nothing.
I've managed to get it started once but as soon as I let off the starter button it died...
Any suggestions as to how to get it started and kept started?
2007-03-07 03:13:10 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Check for spark, remove the plugs,hold the plug against the cylinder as long as you hold it you won't get a shock because it's grounded. If you have a spark the next thing to do is to check that you're getting gas to the the engine,you can usually smell it if you are,if not remove the carbs and clean them making sure the jets are clean,if you don't have the know how to do this take it to a mechanic.
2007-03-07 05:09:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let me guess... your bike is a 1978-1983 model. These carbs were jetted super lean from the factory to meet emissions in those general years. Maybe a few before or a few later I don't have the exact dates. If that is the case, the second problem I list will likely apply to you IF the carbs are known to be clean.
Check for spark. It should at least fire with starting fluid. If you have spark, most likely the carbs are plugged. The second problem is if you are trying to run that bike without the air cleaners on, the carbs will likely run so lean that the bike won't run. Just went throught that on a 1982 Suzuki 650. We followed that suggestion, put the air cleaners back on and it fired right up. We switched to pod filters and had to rejet the carbs to get it to run. Working on a 1980 1100 Suzuki that was brought into the shop with the same problem.
Third Problem, If the 440 has the soft intake boots between the carbs and the engine, they MUST be soft and flexible. IF NOT they are porous and WILL LEAK AIR into the system, further leaning the motor to the point of a no-run.
2007-03-07 14:25:38 · answer #2 · answered by Mark in NE Indiana 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bringing an old bike back to life is a project. Anything left undone or unchecked will cause problems later. Put in NEW spark plugs with the correct gap. Tear down and rebuild the carburetors. Do everything step by step until it's all clean and back together with nothing left to check. THEN try to start it. Don't get impatient, or you'll toast the starter. Little motors are only made to work a little bit. Sounds like you're not getting fuel to the cylinders.
2007-03-07 13:54:57 · answer #3 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you mean to say that the engine does not fire after the start button is released it is an electrical problem. Take out a spark plug attach it to the plug wire and hold it against the engine (care-full, use something not to get a shock) then try starting to see if you get a spark and try to notice if the spark disappears immediately when you release the starter switch or does it still spark as the engine still turns over, you might get one more turn after starter switch is released.
If your spark is good, smell the exhaust if there is a strong gas smell then turn of your choke and start full throttle.
2007-03-07 12:13:24 · answer #4 · answered by Curious George 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
another suggestion in addition to cleaning the carbs and new spark plugs would be to check the air filter. in the interest of "just getting it started" you could remove the air filter from the box, close the choke, and give it a go. If this works then you know it was a breathing problem and not related to the filthy carbs, though considering they haven't made the Kaw440 in a lotta years the carbs may have varnish in the very small jets. that'll prevent it from running.
2007-03-07 11:43:40 · answer #5 · answered by uniquejim 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Desinately sounds like fuel or electric. Try changing the plugs. Silly question...are you sure the fuel tap is not off or needs to be on reserve...been there done that.!!! Also check kill switch isn't faulty (or off)..been there, done that too.!!!
Check the carbs / jets aren't blocked. Is there a balance pipe connected between the carbs? If its not fitted or has a hole in it, it can cause problems.
Is the air filter blocked, try taking out the filter & turning engine over again.
Check there's no short in the electric system...rectifier, coils etc.
Hmmmmm
2007-03-07 13:08:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are not a mechanic, I suggest taking the stress out of it. Just drop it off at a mechanic shop and let them repair it. It may cost something, but will be fixed and then you can ride it and not complain about missing your ride time.
2007-03-07 12:31:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
New plugs--try it and see--remember always start w/ the cheapest things first and work your way up to more expensive and intricate parts
2007-03-07 21:25:40 · answer #8 · answered by I'm laughing WITH you 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Install new spark plugs.
Clean the carbs.
2007-03-07 11:24:46 · answer #9 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋