TOPIC:

Guys I hope someone can help me out. I just picked up my second kz440 ltd This one came with no battery so i hooked it up to a battery pack everything lit up but the starter button did not work so i found the starter solenoid and I got the starter to turn I didnt understand why the MC wouldnt start so i tested a sparkplug there was no spark! what could cause both the starter button and no spark even when i do get the starter to work?

Could be a combination of things. Go through the electrical system one component at a time. Is the solenoid bad? Check the windings on the coils with a ohm meter and set the point gap (if the 81 440 had points). You sure the batteymis good?

If you bridged the solenoid to activate the starter then it will be a main fuse power feed issue.

If it cranks off the starter button you need to get a test light or meter and wiring diagram and look for your fault somewhere from main fuse/ignition switch/killswitch/starter button. With the ignition on you should have battery live going to the coil +ve. Look at a colour wiring diagram.

Topper-I have to see if there are points but I was looking at a manual that shows there should be I bought an impact screwdriver to get the covers off and I will check this weekend. Do you think this would cut power to the solenoid though ?

Tyrell- thats a good tip I didnt know the coil was live with just the ignition on. I will test it this weekend. I did look at the tube fuses but they did not looked burned out I did not test them though so I will check that out too. I do have to remove the kill switch assembly first.

I was happy to just hear the starter going when I hot wired the solenoid. I also have good compression . I found this diagram not 100% sure if its right but if you guys see something I should be definitely checking let me know.

I have the same bike, used to have a spark problem. Check your points, its the smaller cover attached to your clutch cover. They have a mechanical spark advance inside there that has a bad tendancy of rusting leaving the points open. It's really easy to see if your getting current there or not . just rotate the shaft with a wrench and see if the points close. Just my 2 cents.

If the kill switch is off or broken the starter won't work and there will be no spark.
Steve

Punisher - would the points stop power from getting to the starter solenoid ?

Steve- Yea I have to open the switch up and see what going on under there..

The strange this is that the guy I got this 440 from told me he was using it last year.

Thanks for all the feedback guys !

Follow the color coded leads to the connector and jump them. If all works, you'll know this is the problem. Contact cleaner or carb spray might clean the contacts without taking it apart. just spray some lube in there before butting it up.
Steve

No it wouldnt, but you need both the points to be working and the kill switch/ battery side circuit to be functioning for spark. If your not getting spark at the points and that wire to your coil is good then then you know it's the kill switch or something in that circuit. Although it sounds like Steve has you on the right track.