Airpod - Lean Condition, Hard Start Question:

[vintagevantage]

I have a 2002 Kawa ZRX with Airpods. Usually runs fine. Ive noticed that when I let it sit for a while in the garage, the outer airpods on each side, dry out, while the inner two are oily. The bike had everything done last October, complete tune up, adjusted valves, etc.

I got back from a 2 month trip and tried to start the bike. It was hell and if it wasnt connected to the tender, the battery would have died. Once I got it started, took it for a ride and if popped a lot - made popping sounds on deceleration, from the exhaust. I know this means a lean condition.

Could the two dry (all the K&N oil is dried out on the outer pods I mentioned) cause a hard start because the two dry airpods are creating a lean condition? Literally, when starting up after my trip, I had to hit start and roll the throttle like 5 times before it got gas.

Note, its not a fuel delivery or carb problem. Carbs were properly rebuilt and I was riding the bike like hell before I took the two month trip away from home.

 

[Tim]

Pods are notoriously inconsisent. Are they genuine K&N? I'd start by cleaning and oiling them all. You could also swap them around and see what happens.

The airbox on these old (or any carb'd) inline 4 bikes is important to provide consistent equalized airflow and prevent the outer cylinders from running lean/hot etc. I had old CB500/CB550/CB750 and suffered the same way.

If the bike isn't happy when all 4 filters are fresh and consistent, then you've got your answer. Either more frequent maintenance of those outer pods or put the airbox back on.