Getting it started

[Dallas]

Hi all,

Hope this is in the right place as it's a technical question but not for a GS, more general bike workings.

Thing is I've bought an old ZXR400 from a mate which has been standing for a few years. Thought it would be a learning experience to try and get it going again and maybe use for a track day or two. I've tried getting it going but no luck so far and so am going through the compression, spark, fuel checklist but as ever things are not as black and white as I hoped.

So if anyone could help I would be most thankfull.

1/ I've got a spark but I've read that it should be big and blue
Mine is white on each plug, how do I know if it's strong enough?

2/ The carbs were pretty dirty but I've cleaned then up, but I've also heard that you can just put some petrol into the inlets/spark plug holes and try starting and if it does I'll look through the fuel supply - But an a bit worried about this so does anyone know if this is ok to do? (May also help with question 1, if it goes bang the spak is probably ok!)

Any help much appreciated.

 

[pomm001]

Hi all,

Hope this is in the right place as it's a technical question but not for a GS, more general bike workings.

Thing is I've bought an old ZXR400 from a mate which has been standing for a few years. Thought it would be a learning experience to try and get it going again and maybe use for a track day or two. I've tried getting it going but no luck so far and so am going through the compression, spark, fuel checklist but as ever things are not as black and white as I hoped.

So if anyone could help I would be most thankfull.

1/ I've got a spark but I've read that it should be big and blue
Mine is white on each plug, how do I know if it's strong enough?

2/ The carbs were pretty dirty but I've cleaned then up, but I've also heard that you can just put some petrol into the inlets/spark plug holes and try starting and if it does I'll look through the fuel supply - But an a bit worried about this so does anyone know if this is ok to do? (May also help with question 1, if it goes bang the spak is probably ok!)

Any help much appreciated.

1/ with a fully chaged battery and all electrical connections in good order you should have a healthy blue white spark at the plug with the recommended gap , i am afraid there is no way of quantifying healthy .
2/ You say you have cleaned the carbs up ?
if its been standing then i would have thought that the carbs would need to be stripped and cleaned , not a good job to tackle if you are new to 'spannering'
if you put fuel in the tank do you have any leaks from the carbs ? with the fuel on try giving each flaot bowl a gentle tap with a screwdriver handle to free any stuck needle valves, if your names 'lucky Jim' you might just get away without stripping them .
3/ only tackle one job at time, you will get lots of advise, all well meaning
some will be better that others,.proceed with caution and work safely

 

[Dallas]

Thanks Pomm001,

All help is much appreciated and yep I am quite new to this 'spannering' lark but always wanted to get into it.

I did 'sort off' strip them, I mean I took them apart as much as I was confident to do, carb cleaner and blew air through them.

I've got as far as chacking the compression sorting out the tank, fuel filter, fuse's, earth's and on the last test I was getting fuel in the carb bowls (If I undo the drain screw I get petrol out) but still no luck or even a slight catch when I try.

I had heard that you could do a test by putting drop of petrol down each of the inlet's (holes where the carbs are attached) or down the actual spark plug holes then try to start it. If it catches even a little then I know the spark is ok and can focus on the carbs. I suppose I'm just a bit worried about doing this as I don't really know if it's a valid test to do, seems logical but I don't want to be a 'Darwin' award winner

 

[jimbo]

Buy yourself a tin of 'easy start' and spray a bit into the inlets as/just before you start the motor. If you have a spark then the thing will fire up - at least briefly as it runs on the easy start.
Beware it might spit back and set fire to something - it did for me.

 

[oblertone]

Easy Start ...

... is (or was) ether based, USE IT OUTSIDE otherwise it'll pool in your garage with possibly dangerous consequences

ps - sniffing Easy Start is REALLY bad for you

 

[Fanum]

ps - sniffing Easy Start is REALLY bad for you

But by christ does it perk you up!!!!

I'd be trying Easy start as well......but then again I'd be putting my jump start pack in series to get that thing spinning over with 24 volts too

24v + Easy start..if it don't go, it ain't gonna go

 

[Noddy]

Stop, Stop, Stop.

Never ever use easy start to start an engine.

It will instantly become addicted to the shit, and will never start again without it untill it is rebuilt.

If you think that the carb jets are blocked up, put some petrol into a spray bottle and gently squirt into the airbox as you turn over the engine.

 

[(RIP) Kaister]

Heres what you do to start it - guaranteed !!

providing you've put everything back together properley.

You'll need:
1. a big mains powered boost starter - snap-on would be good - but it must be grunty.
2. a gallon of fresh fuel.
3. a screwdriver to fit the carb float drain screws.
4. a thumb.

connect the booster to the battery on normal charge.
put the fuel in the tank - tap to on - vac hose connected.
plugs all clean or new - you say you've got a spark.
open the carb drains.
pull the choke lever on.
turn the charger to boost - you're looking to spin the sucker round real quick.
hit the starter button - better still tape it on.
DO NOT turn the throttle - you'll kill the choke and the vacuum
open the carb drains - fuel should start pissing out as the vacuum comes up.
close them till they are still running but not pouring.
Don't worry about fuel everywhere - it WON'T ignite without a spark or red heat ( no smoking then )
if all else is good - it WILL start - might take a minute or two

when it does - booster down to charge position
thumb off the starter
tighten up the carb drains.
choke off and throttle up.
when its warm - bounce it off the redline a bit in neutral to decoke it. ( its a zxr400 - not a big twin )
change the oil and filter.

seriously - trade tips no 37

 

[Mouse]

I'm not doubting your credentials but isn't that a good way to burn out your starter motor? Or are they made of sterner stuff nowadays?

 

[pomm001]

Stop, Stop, Stop.

Never ever use easy start to start an engine.

It will instantly become addicted to the shit, and will never start again without it untill it is rebuilt.

If you think that the carb jets are blocked up, put some petrol into a spray bottle and gently squirt into the airbox as you turn over the engine.

I have heard this many many times, it almost folk law but how, logically can an engine become addicted ,
I am not taking the p*ss,
I too have been told this and for years accepted it fearing i have missed something ?

Have I ?

 

[Dallas]

Thanks all,

I'll try all of it and let you know how it goes (If I don't charcol my fingers by the end o the w/e).

Now where did I put my fag......