Why won’t my Motorcycle work?

Question

I have a 1996 Kawasaki 600. It has always been a very cold natured bike. I’ve always had to use the choke to start it, even on a warm day. I let it sit for about 4 months, then it wouldn’t start. I drained to tank and all the carbs(which were clean), as well as, changing all the spark plugs. I also used a carb cleaner in the new gas I put in it. The bike will run now, but only with the choke. What’s my next step?

Answer 1

Based upon your description, I would say that it is definitely your pilot jets in the carbs that are clogged. You will need to remove the carbs again and clean the pilot jets. They are usually found down in the bottom, and they are sometimes even covered with a rubber plug. If you look up the carbs in a Clymer or Haynes manual you will see the pilot jets' location. The hole in the middle is tiny. you should be able to run a very fine wire through it to clean it (I use welding tip cleaners).
Resist the urge to run the bike with the idle on after initial warm up. You will eventually cause enough carbon to build up on the valves that they will float( not seat correctly), then the bike will still run, but it will have no power.


Good Luck

FYI Next winter, put Stabil fuel stabilizer in your gas and let it run for a few minutes to get it into the carbs, before you store your bike, to avoid this problem in the future.

Answer 2

Take your carbs to a maintenance mechanic, or re-jet them yourself. Years ago, my mechanic recommended that I do the re-jetting process myself. I was terrified, because it sounded so technical. But, I followed the instructions on the diagram to the letter, and found out that it wasn't difficult at all. Just time consuming the first few times you do it.

If all else fails: go out and buy yourself a fuel-injected bike. You'll never have to worry about that damn choke again AND you will gain a range of new options that can help with your overall performance.

Answer 3

The carbs need to be removed and cleaned. Old gas gums up and clogs the pilot jets (slow speed jets). That's why it will only run with the choke on.
As for starting on a warm day with the choke. All bikes need the choke to start. Warm day or cold day.

Answer 4

Your Lucky! It runs if even on choke.

Ride It!
If it cleans up during the ride (w/o choke) your good. If It never cleans up or runs right, then the jets in the carbs are gunked up and you will have to take it in to shop to get them cleaned $200 @ my shop....

Ride it and Blow it out!!!
ou already done all the things a shop would have done apart from taking the carbs off.

Answer 5

Vehicles need 3 things to run, air, fuel, and spark. Given that you have air, spark, and fuel with the choke in use, it would make sense that the choke is not operating properly. Check for a clog somewhere in your lines.

Do you have a manual you can use to remove/inspect/replace the choke if necessary?

Answer 6

Still sounds like a problem with the carb. Maybe try adjusting the idling speed, but sounds like you need to remove the whole carb and strip it.

Answer 7

My guess.. The jets in the carb are blocked up. Take them out and clean them or replace them.
Now might be a good time to get yourself a jet kit to give you some extra power (if your interested)

Answer 8

I agree with cleaning the carbs thouroughly. I would also change the fuel filter (or install a new one) and blow out the fuel lines.

Answer 9

The choke has to do with airflow, not fuel flow. Check your air filter. Make sure it is clean.

Answer 10

Inspect your air filter. Is it completely gummed up?