I've had this bike for years but its always given me trouble. I replaced the plugs, oil, and filter a few months back. Then I took it for a ride and got stranded because the carburetors flooded. I cleaned out the carburetors and found a leaky seat. I cleaned them all up and put her back together. After that I didn't give it much attention, went for a ride but it was revving really erratically and not responding well (at least that's what I remember) Months later I'm keen to get it going properly. I tried to start it but it would only idle on full choke. As soon as I used any throttle it would stall. No matter how warm I got it. I took the airbox off today, checked all the vacuum lines. Cant really see any problems. Having a hard time getting it to even idle now though. I also checked the spark, its on all four but not very bright. Any pointers, help, advice would be super appreciated
if the sparks a nice blue, its fine, red sparks are weak. try CR9E's if you have not already. this sounds like a fuel issue, tune the carb back to spec, all 4 floats need to be at 13mm, gently wind the pilot screws in, then all out to 2 1/2 turns. while ur there check the main and pilot jets for blockages. check the little mesh filter behind the seats again for crud. same goes for the little o-rings on the seat. are the needles pitted? and does the tiny push-rod work? if the bikes been sitting for a while with fuel in the carbs, expect them to be varnished and full of nasties covered a few little basics there - i hope it helps
Thanks cal. I have taken the carbies off again. The main jets look dirty, the holes are covered in dark liquid (not sure if that constitutes blocked). Ill get some carbie cleaner tomorrow and give it a thorough clean. As for testing, what should I do with the vacuum lines to get it running without the airbox? Block off the ones which go to the fuel tap and let the ones on the top of the carbs just vent to atmosphere?
Carbys on these inline 4s have to be spot on ..... you will find many many postings regarding carbs as many here have FZRs and ZXRs A cleaned up carb is no good if the source of the fuel is junked up ..... start with inside the tank and the fuel outlet and make sure the lines are fairly new and the inline filter is ok. Cal has done his carbs more times than he has kissed his girlfriend goodnight so follow his advice. When cleaning carbs u have to blow out the tiny passages and jets with compressed air after the cleaner has done its job. I know its a pain but unless u need to be squirting something into the carby to get it going I would put every thing together correctly .....speaking of airboxes though is the filter clean/new? If u havnt used the bike for months , fresh fuel would be a good move also. The other thing to check is if the jetting is correct .... as another ZXR owner here recently discovered , his were very 'incorrect' http://2fiftycc.com/index.php?threads/wrong-sized-main-jets.1693/ Where are u located?
funny you mention that grey - as im about to take my carbs apart again XD because of more tank sediment
Im hoping that when mine are finally are ready soon that the only time they come back apart is for the viton shaft seals and viton diaphragms .... but I doubt it
With the tank off, the bike will run without the vaccum lines, this will least help you see if the petcock is the issue. You have to remember these carbs are 20+ years old and get bloody hot, the seals do perish over time. One last thing to check is your carb holders on the head, make sure they arnt cracked. If your still having carb issues, then go for a full rebuild, Litetek.co has the seal kits and these guys have the other parts you need - http://www.motorcyclespareswarehouse.com.au/
$90 bucks for a tank clean, protect and seal kit it'll be the best money you ever spend. Unless you mean your getting it from fuel?? I'd hope not tho! PJ as for the vacuum hoses, is it an A or a C model ZXR?. On the A model carb ones vents to atmosphere, then one of the two intake ones (can't remember off the top of my head) go to the fuel tap and the other one just block it off by bending and zippy tying it. Not 100% sure about the C model, as when I read the manual it seems to have a separate vacuum mechanism.
Thanks for all the input guys. I gave the carbies a real good clean out. Unfortunately all of the seats were properly stuck in so I couldn't clean the filters behind them. Apart from that I cleaned her up real good. And she ran! Early days yet, but a success so far! Now I need to balance them :S
balancing is a quick job with the correct tools, you will need a set of digital Vernier calipers and a small flathead screwdriver to adjust the float tongue. pilot screws are easy, just dont be ham-fisted and all will be well mate
