BrandonBZ

So I stopped riding my bike(78' xl175) for about 3 weeks(insurance ended) and I went out to start it up and it tried hard a couple times but then I couldn't get it to fire, played with the choke and kicked until I got a blister.

I was gonna make a video to show more but my battery died on my video camera so Onomatopoeia time everybody.

So at first it was trying to fire then after all I could get was "puhh puhh puhh" "puhh puhh puhh"

Pulled the battery to charge it and it's dead. New one is on the way.

Advice?
New fuel line and filter probably wouldn't hurt huh? haha

I have never used starting fluid before. Will Carb and Choke Cleaner work as a starter fluid? and Where do I put it?

Will try to get a video up later so you can help with more visual and aural guidance.


Thanks for your time guys

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james1300

You said it. New battery. While your at it get a new plug. While your waiting for the battery, check the A/F as well.

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RedKat600

First, battery needs replaced.

Second, after kicking so much you most likely flooded it. Pull the plugs and check them...if fouled clean or replace.

Third, might be some yuck in your carb bowls. Pull the drain screw and empty them...add some fresh gas to the tank to aid starting.

Fourth, it should start even with a dead battery via kicking....the wonder of old machines!

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koorbloh

if it was riding fine before, but sat for 3 weeks with gas in the carb...you may be looking at gummed up carb.

are you getting gas to the engine? (is the spark plug wet?)

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BrandonBZ

haven't pulled the spark plug yet, will borrow tool when roommate gets home to do it.

I think I am going to go get new fuel line/filter and spark plug tomorrow.

Any advice on which plug to buy? Will I have to adjust the plug? what do I cover the plug hole with while it's out?

I did drain the gas from the carb bowl. but haven't added fresh gas to my tank.

Thanks guys, having you confirm what I thought is actually building confidence believe it or not.

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taznhell

Pull the plug should be a number on it, buy same way. Have the guy at parts check the gap on the plug if you can't.

You may just look at it may or may not need replaced could just be wet. If you used starter fluid (never done it to a bike) it would go in the air intake side of the carb. Be careful could blow back (backfire).

I would drain the carbs first, make sure I had good gas, pull the plugs blow the off with air replace and try to start. I would do this prior to buying new plugs. It is cold so probably have to have choke full on.

battery, spark plug, Fuel.

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Phlebmaster

Amen!!


Been there done that with the KZ400. If you can kick start her it would be better because you get a better spark. I almost gave up on the KZ until I decided out of desparation and determination to give it a kick because my battery and starter were shot after cranking and cranking and cranking...she started on the second kick!

Drain the carbies....refill. Pull your plugs, check for fouling. A neat trick I learned here is to get a propane torch and heat the plugs till they are red hot, let them cool, then brush the crud off em. (If you can't get new plugs right away)

Check your coil for corrosion on the connections and your points!! Do you have spark? One way to test is to put a screwdriver in the plug wire and hold it with a wet glove...then crank the engine over.....works great! I know...

As mentioned before...you need compression, cumbustable mixture, and spark....one or more is missing.

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james1300

Invest in a owners manual

NGK B7ES
Stock number~1111
Gap~ .028

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KevinD

Did you turn the fuel petcock on?

You're funny!


KevinD

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BrandonBZ

I have a clymer manual but the problem is it goes 72-77, both bikes I own are 1978's(don't know why they call to me) and I always have trouble finding the addendum's for 78'. I ended up finding 2 amazing manuals for my cb400 at my local library and to keep them was 25 bucks a piece, I was okay with that.


Hopefully weather tomorrow is at least as nice as today was so I feel like getting stuff done.

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BrandonBZ

After Kicking as much as I did You bet your ass I checked fuel petcock and kill switch every kick.

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WaGigKPN

Probably flooded. 3 Weeks probably didn't gunk up your carb.

Check your points. points and rotor are probably the #1 think that can change on a bike that was running before it sits.

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BrandonBZ

Sorry it took so long to get back to you guys on this.
Bought
new Battery 8.80 (maybe less with ebay bucks haha)
spark plug 3.50
new fuel filter 3.75

to kicks later and it's runnin better than ever for around 15 bucks

Thanks guys for the advice and patience to help me out

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james1300

Atta Boy! I love it when there is a happy ending! Post Pic's!

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