Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums - View Single Post - Bike Problems ? Read This First Please !!

Mobilemover · 07-07-2008

Thanks for the info on how to post correct info......
I just recently bought a 1990 Kawasaki 454ltd.
It has been in storage for 5yrs, with the gas tank drained, carbs drained, and covered with a tarp in a storage bldg, up on center stand. The bike is nearly in a like new condition all over, it has only been driven for 5950miles. The original owner developed arthritis in both knees and just parked it in storage.

I bought a manual and went through the step by step process of carefully removing both carbs, and disassimbling them and cleaning them throughly.
both carbs were very clean inside, so I only removed the basic essentials to clean out the ports and where any gum or varnish would hide. I've replaced the battery with a new one, added fresh gas, checked the oil level, closed the bottom drain holes on both carbs, and cranked over a couple times. It will start with the choke full on, but will not stay running; also if I try to give it some throttle, it bogs out or dies, if I ease up on the choke, it might start and run, but run rough, or else die again. I cant tell if I'm getting good enough spark at the plugs, but then, it will start right up so I figure that it must be getting spark at the plugs, I just know know if the ICC unit is allowing enough spark to the plugs, or it's something else. Like vacume. I noticed when the carbs were apart, there was a spring loaded diaphragm inside that seem to act as a "gate" in the opening of the throttle body, to allow for more air flow/vacume; so, my deduction for a bad idle is that there is not enough vacume getting to one of the carbs and pulling that spring loaded diaphram up high enough to allow for more air through the carbs and a better throttle response. does that sound right to you?
what else could do to make this run smooth. I have no reason to think that any settings have been "toyed" with since it was covered with a complete tarp, in a locked bldg, so I have'nt tried to monkey with any of the idle adjustment screws or anything else.

also one last thing, do you know about what goes between the upright bars behind the front seat, just above the tail light? mine is missing.
thank you for any help you can advise.....

mobilemover

07-07-2008	#27 (permalink)
Mobilemover Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 23	Thanks for the info on how to post correct info...... I just recently bought a 1990 Kawasaki 454ltd. It has been in storage for 5yrs, with the gas tank drained, carbs drained, and covered with a tarp in a storage bldg, up on center stand. The bike is nearly in a like new condition all over, it has only been driven for 5950miles. The original owner developed arthritis in both knees and just parked it in storage. I bought a manual and went through the step by step process of carefully removing both carbs, and disassimbling them and cleaning them throughly. both carbs were very clean inside, so I only removed the basic essentials to clean out the ports and where any gum or varnish would hide. I've replaced the battery with a new one, added fresh gas, checked the oil level, closed the bottom drain holes on both carbs, and cranked over a couple times. It will start with the choke full on, but will not stay running; also if I try to give it some throttle, it bogs out or dies, if I ease up on the choke, it might start and run, but run rough, or else die again. I cant tell if I'm getting good enough spark at the plugs, but then, it will start right up so I figure that it must be getting spark at the plugs, I just know know if the ICC unit is allowing enough spark to the plugs, or it's something else. Like vacume. I noticed when the carbs were apart, there was a spring loaded diaphragm inside that seem to act as a "gate" in the opening of the throttle body, to allow for more air flow/vacume; so, my deduction for a bad idle is that there is not enough vacume getting to one of the carbs and pulling that spring loaded diaphram up high enough to allow for more air through the carbs and a better throttle response. does that sound right to you? what else could do to make this run smooth. I have no reason to think that any settings have been "toyed" with since it was covered with a complete tarp, in a locked bldg, so I have'nt tried to monkey with any of the idle adjustment screws or anything else. also one last thing, do you know about what goes between the upright bars behind the front seat, just above the tail light? mine is missing. thank you for any help you can advise..... mobilemover