bike is stranded at a friends house...

[bwringer]

Have you checked for spark yet?

If you're not getting spark, then you'll want to check the points.

I saw a case earlier this summer where the felt piece that's supposed to be oiled to lube the points cam follower was dry, so the follower block wore down rapidly and damaged the points.

[shadowfist]

Have you checked for spark yet?

If you're not getting spark, then you'll want to check the points.

I saw a case earlier this summer where the felt piece that's supposed to be oiled to lube the points cam follower was dry, so the follower block wore down rapidly and damaged the points.

I HAVE checked that the cables that plug into the spark plugs are supplying current (old screwdriver in the end method) but i HAVE NOT checked on the end of the spark plugs for a spark. is it dangerous to just pull a plug out and crank it? is there a method that you are supposed to use?

[salty_monk]

You can take them out 1 at a time or all together. 1 at a time may be better in this case.

Just plug back into the wire & then hold it near the head of the engine, you'll see the spark jump across. Either use pliers with rubber handles or hold the plug cap so you don't get a shock.

1 thing you may want to check... The wires/coils may have a "leak" & are arcing to earth before they get to the plug. If this is the case you'll be able to see the spark jumping in the dark so crank it & check carefully.

Dan

[n1elkyfan]

I had a similiar problem with my bike. It ended up that I had a whole host of problems with my carbs. But in your case I would say that at the very minimum you need to adjust the valves and put in new o-rings. This is the guy that has the o-rings you need. http://www.cycleorings.com/

[bonanzadave]

1 thing you may want to check... The wires/coils may have a "leak" & are arcing to earth before they get to the plug. If this is the case you'll be able to see the spark jumping in the dark so crank it & check carefully.

Good idea. He did say it was frosty when he tried to start it.

Get some new NGK plug caps. Cheap easy insurance.

[shadowfist]

woo! pulled the plugs out and tried cranking. no spark at the tip of the plug! put in different ones and it fired right up! first try!

I apparently fouled the plugs trying to start it in the sub 32 degree weather with it runnin rich like that.

I iz extatic. I can ride again.


now i just have to solve my rich running problem, and replace my speedo cable or drive gear.

[TheCafeKid]

What is happening is that your rich situation is carbon fouling the plugs.

Couple things here. ONE: over the winter (might as well get as much riding as you can in with whats left of the year, plugs are cheap) pull your carbs, follow the tutorial on the Home Page here, and CLEAN THEM PROPERLY.

TWO: Assure that you are using the PROPER PLUGS (that bike uses NGK B8ES) and that they are gapped correctly ( i usually set mine to about .26-.28)

THREE: GET RID OF THAT BATTERY and get a new one. And fix your charging system.

Honestly, over the winter, were I you, i would go thru the list of common needs on these things.

Valve adjustment
New intake boot Orings
Assure the airbox is sealed properly
Clean and re-ring carbs
new plug caps
Check charging system vs the Stator papers, and repair/replace anything that is not up to snuff
Replace your petcock


Those 70s 750s are fantastic machines that will run forever if you get them running right to begin with and maintain them. Dont cut corners, dont half ass it, or you will simply become annoyed and discouraged. If you do it right the first time, You likely wont have to mess with these things again (aside from routine maintenence) for another 20 years....

[Thomas Kenny]

Remove your battery and have a look at it. I bought a new battery for my bike and it has been in the garage for the past four years. I kept a battery tender on the battery and started the bike about once a month. I finally got around to starting it up two weeks ago. I found that the bike started "Kick Start Kawasaki two stroke triple" but began dropping cylinders. The battery voltage after charging was about 12.5 volts and after running for 30 seconds was down to 10.5 volts. I checked the battery and found it needed a lot of water. After filling up to the mark I put in on the Tender and it took about a day to get it to go steady green on the tender. I then started the bike and began losing cylinders again. Checked battery voltage, back down to 10.5. I pulled the battery and found it badly sulfated and no good although it was hardly used. You can take your battery to an auto parts place and have them do a load test on your battery. I hope it is fine but a good battery is a must especially in cold weather starting. Just my .02 worth.

[GQROD]

Don't forget to check your choke cable. Adjust it if neccesary.

This left unchecked will make you think you have carb issues that may not exist after you rebuild your carbs.

I lost a lot of time looking for other problems as to my cold starting until i realized that my cable was frayed. Did not see it as it was inside the cable housing.

This stretch did not allow the plungers to fully raise and did not allow enough fuel to enrichen the mix during cold starting.

Also make sure your vent hoses are clear and not kinked.

I replaced my choke cable, adjusted it and bike started instantly with only 1/3 to half choke. ( this of course after doing everthing that has been suggested in prior posts-very important! )

Hope this helps

[Thomas Kenny]

There you have it from the Forums Finest. Stay with it, get to know your bike up close. I have just finally triumphed over a very nasty regulator/rectifier. My bike saw the shadow of my fist several times but I avoided contact and saved my knuckles :-)

Let us know how you are doing and we will do what we can to talk you through to a much better running bike.

[80GS750]

hey i have a 77 750 engine if you want one for a hot spare!!!

lol

no shame in this post...

[GQROD]

Hey Thomas glad to see i'm not the only one who wanted to pound my fists on my bike ha ha. ( cool kawa by the way! )

Yeah note of caution frustration and lack of patience is par for the course in getting the carbs and tuning, right just take a break when things get tough we have all gone through this.

Thanks to the experienced and helpful members on this site mine is running fine this is truly an exceptional site!

[salty_monk]

Good stuff, I always like to check spark at the plug tip for that exact reason. Have a check through your ignition system & sort out that battery & charging issue... weak spark caused by a weak battery/bad ignition is another cause of plug fouling, even if the carbs are rich a weak spark certainly won't help!

Dan

[Thomas Kenny]

That's the spirit, glad things are looking up :-)