TheBrown57

All I did was spray carb cleaner into the float bowls and let sit overnight. 
I guess I could have been more specific when I posted that they were soaking previously.

Looks like I will be adding a carb rebuild kit to the list of things to buy.

Live and learn. I thought the only rubber I had to worry about was the gasket around the bowl.

Do I fully seat the pilot jet when I put it back in the carb? Not sure if it's one of those that you make adjustments to or just make it snug after removing.

17 minutes ago, whaler said:

From what you are explaining, either no or slow gas flow to the carbs, or you did not clean them well.

did you remove every single jet, even the one under the blind plug?  The pilot circuit is responsible for idol, and will run the way you have explained if clogged.  If you have a steam cleaner, use it to put pressure on all the circuits and clean them out.  I have never really had good luck with the carb dip because the clogged circuits keep cleaner from entering and doing their job.

I don't have a steam cleaner, I used fishing line to run through the main jet to make sure it was clear but I did not remove the pilot jet and check them. I will do that later today as well as replacing the fuel filter I picked up on my lunch break.

Thanks for all the help guys! Really helps me out since I haven't done this before and it's  huge learning experience for me.

15 minutes ago, CrazySkullCrusher said:

Check float bowls to make sure gas is filling them. If it is, your issue is the carbs themselves, namely the jets and passages.

Would I just loosen the drain screws on the bowls to see if they drip? 

8 minutes ago, Tonik said:

Cut the old filter in half with a hack saw and see what is in there.  Did you drain and clean the tank?

I did drain it and filled it with fresh gas and seafoam and it's been sitting for a couple days like that. I'll cut the filter when I get home to see what's in it. It's just one of those smaller inline filters you would put on a lawnmower or something similar.

So I have managed to get it to run and idle around 2k for a short time with starting fluid sprayed in the carbs. I decided to check on the fuel filter to see if I can see any crud built up and I noticed the flow arrow was pointed in the wrong direction! I don't know if it was my friend or the owner before him but I switched that around and it was more willing to actually start but still died after a few seconds. Going to pick up a new filter on my way home today and see if that fixes the fuel problem.

Can anyone think of other things I should check?

On 9/28/2015 at 11:51 AM, TheBrown57 said:

I can't get this quote box out of my reply section. 

If a mod could delete this post that would be greatly appreciated 

Once I get it started and get some riding on it I'll be sure to send those your way! Thanks for the offer!

I got it to run!! For a couple seconds then it died lol

Kept trying and adjusting the idle since I had the idle screw all the way in so when it started it revved up pretty high.

Got it to start a couple more times but then the battery lost its charge so it's on the battery tender now. Checked all the exhaust pipes and they were all getting warm so I'm assuming all cylinders are firing too. Going to get back at it early morning!

Couple things got done today. Put the carbs back together and I had it fire a couple times then the battery died so going to mess with it again tomorrow.

12 hours ago, CrazySkullCrusher said:

I hope you removed all rubber and plastic pieces before putting them in the dip or you're gonna have some splainin to do.

Of course! 

It was actually super easy to get the carbs off which was a nice surprise. 

Carbs are off and soaking in carb cleaner. Hope to give it a shot tomorrow and see how she does.

First package of new stuff for the bike!

Thanks for the heads up on that Bubba. This is my 4th Kawasaki by my first project bike. I'm enjoying actually running into these things so I can learn something.

Actually before I go ordering new ones in going to borrow a multimeter from work and check everything going to the coils. See if it might be a cheaper fix than replacing everything.

Well it tried to start with some starting fluid so I decided to check the spark plugs. Looks like I need a thin wall socket to get them out.

Took off the ignition coils to check them with the new plugs I have waiting to go in. Found that coil for cylinder 2 and 3 is iffy about wanting to spark so I'm going to order some new ones.

I feel like it may be from sitting for so long. Noticed as I tightened up the cable it dis start to work the way it's supposed to but still not fully.

Well I threw the new battery in and she cranks over just fine. Now just need to get her to start. Noticed the bowls on each carb were leaking after attempting to start a few times and that if I put it in 1st and hold the clutch it doesn't want to let me roll it.

Bike is officially in my garage and repairs will be started today after work. Parts are already on order as well.