Getting an old engine up and running

[thefish]

Hi guys, just got a 1983 Kawasaki 750 LTD with only 2300 miles on it. Been unridden and garage kept since the early 90s. I'm pretty stoked on turning it into a sweet little cafe racer. With that being said, this is my first time. So I've got a lot of questions.

Can somebody help me out with the step by step process to getting this thing up and running. I've worked on my car plenty, but have never done engine work. I know the basics - run compression test, clean carbs, change spark plugs and boots, etc. With that being said, a step by step process that is simple to understand so I'm for sure not missing anything would be great. "Now talk to me like I'm a five year old"

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

 

[adventurco]

Compression test is a good place to start.
Get a good battery. Then, check that you have strong spark on all 4 plugs.
If so, move to carbs. Clean them thoroughly, removing all brass and blowing out all the passages. Replace float bowl gaskets. Set float heights as per manual. Bench sync before putting them back on and set a/f screws to whatever the manual says as well.
Make sure air box is clean and the filter is oiled, mouse nests are pretty common in intake/exhaust systems.
Inspect the inside of the tank. A little rust may warrant some fuel filters, or a cleaning. Depending on how it was put away the petcock could probably use a cleaning as well.

If the engine ran when it was parked, that should pretty much cover all the bases.


Sent from my iPhone using DO THE TON

 

[thefish]

Thanks man! Exactly what I was looking for.

I've got to get a manual. Any idea where to find one for an older bike like this?

 

[adventurco]

Try this: http://www.mbsween.com/kz750l3/manual.html

 

[thwrightstuff]

Haynes also make great manuals for these bikes. Got one for my CB650 and it's done wonders for me.

Before you figure that bike up after a carb tune, adjust rocker valves, cam tensioner, pulsar gap and timing spark. If any of these are out of whack, you're going to have a hard time properly tweaking your carbs. And don't forget to make sure there is plenty of oil in there. Don't want to seize the engine.

 

[thefish]

Thanks man!