So thanks to apbling, who selflessly mailed me a spare air/fuel screw, I've managed to bump start my 1980 550 LTD and ridden it around the driveway in a little loop. The problem is- it won't idle. With a little starter fluid, I managed to get this result, at full choke:
I managed to get it started again after that, but it sort of bounced between 3 and 4k RPM (I can up a video of that too, if necessary). When I started to open the choke back up, it died.
Specifics:
1980 KZ550 LTD, C2
TK Carbs
Air screws at 1.25 turns out
Stock muffler
Pod filters
I've gotten suggestions to synch the carbs, but I'm under the impression that the bike needs to be idling in order to do that? I've already taken them apart and made sure carb cleaner can get through all of the jets, but apparently there are a bunch more tiny little airways that I need to check out. I know the pod filters will need jetting at some point, but it should at least idle, right?
Here's what apbling had to say in PM:
turning them in would richen it...but I don't think thats your problem to be honest. Usually a run away throttle is a lean condition...so, leaking carb manifolds or plugged pilots. I'm guessing since it will run on choke, it's the latter. Do you have the stock airbox and muffler? You got the manual right? You're gonna hate to hear this, but I'd put good money on it that you don't have the pilots clear enough because 1.25 turns (i think thats the stock setting) should be fine. Did you do a bench synch with all 4 slides? That means that you have all four main slides set equal so that when you are idling one cylinder isn't getting more fuel than the other because the slide is up a bit higher. My recommendations would be pull the carbs again (I know, sorry lol), make uber sure the pilots are clear. You need to verify that air can get from the little port on airbox side of the carb into the bowl to get fuel and then back into the carb, past the needle I sent ya and then into the throat of the carb. It comes out of a little hole just by the main needle/jet. All 4 need to be able to pass air/carb cleaner every which way. I had an issue on my #4 last year... it passed the, yep carb cleaner and air are coming out test. But #4 refused to fire at idle. Found out it was kinda clear...but when compared to the other carbs it was about 30% clogged, enough to screw things up.
I'd recommend making a new thread because there are a few other 550 studs around here too that know more than me. Maybe start with what you have done to get people on the same page. BTW, I like the video... really good diagnosis tool.
So there you have it- every salient detail I can think of at the moment. If you need any more information, ask away! Can anyone help me get this guy idling?
(PS Yes, apbling, I got the manual! Thanks!)
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