'81 LTD550 ignition problems (newbie question)

yan · 05-07-2004

i have a '81 kawasaki LTD 550 that suddenly stopped working and i have a feeling it's something relatively simple.

it was running strong in all cylinders, no problems starting up, then one cold night coming home it was misfiring a bit when on choke. the next day i couldn't start it up, tried running starts, but wasn't getting ignition in any of the cylinders. i rechardged the battery, checked the plugs (they're clean and give good sparks), there's plenty of fuel and it flows from the tank. when i try to start it, the starter makes a healthy, strong noise, it seems to be turning the crankshaft ok, but there's no ignition in any of the cylinders.

i don't want to start taking the carbs apart if it's something simple, but i don't know enough to diagnose this myself.

any suggestions? thanks,

yan

woundwort · 05-08-2004

Well, with a gloved hand, pull a spark plug and turn it over with the plug in the wire and look for spark.

And by all means buy a book for your bike. They almost ALL have a trouble shooting section to guide a guy through this type of thing.

Good luck

kyhick1 · 05-14-2004

I have a factrey service manual on that year 550 . e mail me and i can scan stuf on the timing and ingnition system. I think it has something to do with your timing.....Mack

05-07-2004	#1 (permalink)
yan Newbie Join Date: May 2004 Location: pittsburgh, pa Posts: 1	'81 LTD550 ignition problems (newbie question) i have a '81 kawasaki LTD 550 that suddenly stopped working and i have a feeling it's something relatively simple. it was running strong in all cylinders, no problems starting up, then one cold night coming home it was misfiring a bit when on choke. the next day i couldn't start it up, tried running starts, but wasn't getting ignition in any of the cylinders. i rechardged the battery, checked the plugs (they're clean and give good sparks), there's plenty of fuel and it flows from the tank. when i try to start it, the starter makes a healthy, strong noise, it seems to be turning the crankshaft ok, but there's no ignition in any of the cylinders. i don't want to start taking the carbs apart if it's something simple, but i don't know enough to diagnose this myself. any suggestions? thanks, yan

05-08-2004	#2 (permalink)
woundwort Made It To Second Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Peoria IL Area Posts: 91	Well, with a gloved hand, pull a spark plug and turn it over with the plug in the wire and look for spark. And by all means buy a book for your bike. They almost ALL have a trouble shooting section to guide a guy through this type of thing. Good luck __________________ ZN1100 b2 85 Do something even if it's wrong.

05-14-2004	#3 (permalink)
kyhick1 Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Cummings, GA Posts: 837	I have a factrey service manual on that year 550 . e mail me and i can scan stuf on the timing and ingnition system. I think it has something to do with your timing.....Mack __________________ Extremely Blessed and Glad to Be alive!!! 1981 Kz550a 1982 KZ750 Spectre 1984 BMW R80RT 1980 Honda 100 Dirt

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