ZL 600 not starting

[rbonner]

OK. I have successfully taken a running motorcycle and got it not to run 8O . It started out as an issue with carb number 4 leaking. I have a 2nd set of carbs for this bike and I put those on. While doing that I put K&N Pod filters on to get rid of the airbox.

I got the bike started after replacing the carbs and it seemed to run fine. However, carb number 1 was leaking. Now Carb number 1 has stopped leakind.... but it won't start. It turns over fine but it doesn't even try and start. So.... I think the problem might be the carbs but I'm not sure. At this point I thought I would ask for some advice. I may put the rebuilt kits in the original carbs this weekend and try them. It never had a problem starting until I monkeyed with it :oops: .

Thanks

[zlMark]

these bikes can be very finicky! Make sure it's not flooded. Sounds like you have some dirt problems. i was getting paint chips from around the fuel tap area in my needle valves. Inline filter, problem solved!

[Southernstyle]

Good point Mark. Just out of curiousity, did you change the jetting to go along with the pods? It would probably start even if you didn't, but it would run like crap. Good luck!
Later,
SS

[gosupes]

Without re-jetting after installing pods, there won't be enough resistance to the engine vacuum to draw fuel out of the bowl. Sometimes you can get one or two cylinders to fire and the added RPM's will draw fuel from the other two cylinders and it will actually idle and rev without a load on it, but will fall flat when you try and ride it. Pull a filter off one of the carbs and hold your hand over the end for a second to simulate a mechanical choke. Once it draws a fair amount of fuel in, remove your hand and spin it over. It should try and fire. If you are going to run pods, the carbs will need to be re-jetted before you chase your tail trying to determine starting problems. Also make sure the float level is correct. You might have to adjust the level to fine tune the mixture later down the road, but the stock setting is a good starting point.

[Southernstyle]

Yeah, what he said!
Seriously though, very god point gosupes. If the carbs have the stock jets that may be your problem. You mentioned that you plan on rebuilding the carbs, no better time to put the jet kit in.

[rbonner]

Thanks for the replies! I did rejet the carbs when I put the rebuild kits in. Over the weekend I put the original carbs back on the bike. Those have the standard jets in them. With those I was able to start the bike (with the help of a little starting fluid.)

As expected it doesn't want to idle or have any power with those. So, at this point it appears I need to take the carbs apart and recheck them. I'm sure the problem is related to the mechanic :roll: .

It's the first time I have messed with those so its no big suprise it didn't work the first time. Also, I do have an inline filter on the fuel line. I was suprised it didn't have one when I got it. Thanks again for the help!