86 kx500 - Won't Start.

[richdawg]

Hello All,

Richdawg here....a newbie. Been around the block and have 8 bikes. The latest addition is this Very Nice 86 KX 500. This bike has been very well cared for and no kidding...doesn't look like it has ever been off a "groomed" trail. Well the basics...fresh gas, good spark, carb looks almost new. I did get it started once but left it for a minute and it died. Haven't been able to get it started again since. Once again all the basic stuff has been verified as mentioned above. It started for the guy I bought it from and sounded good but we only let it run for a moment due to it was 0630 am and we didn't want to upset the neighbors. I did notice that when it started, it looked "loaded" up. Don't know where he got it from but don't think he road it much either. So it has been several days of trying to start this beast, sounds like it tried a couple of times but no luck. Been on line to read all the "tricks"...rock in gear, piston TDC, kick it like you mean it. Well, if anyone one has any other ideas, please let me know. This is a super clean bike with absolutely very little wear and the compression is a foot stopper!! Can't wait to get out on it. If anyone was wondering, I paid $1900 for it, he was asking $2200. Would like to have got it for a few hundred less but there again...super clean 86 Works Replica. Thanks for taking the time to read this bed time story. Happy riding!!

[sandblaster]

Hello and welcome to the forum Richdawg.
What I normally do it turn the petcock valve on, then lean the bike over until a little fuel spills out the over flow, then straighten it up anf kick it hard from TDC.
After kicking the bike over several times did you pull the plug and see if it was wet?
I'd start there and then tell us what you find.

[richdawg]

I've have leaned it over to get gas out the overflow and then kicked and kicked and kicked. I've then pulled the plug several times to check. It seems a bit wet sometimes and other times not. I did have the carb apart and did some cleaning of the pilot jet, which didn't look like it needed it. I don't think the plug is getting as wet as I think it would. I've also tried a couple of new plugs to no avail. Hmmmm! An issue I do have is the starter plunger won't stay up so I've got it rigged to keep it up while trying to start. I've been looking for a new one but haven't found one yet. Thinking about putting a new PWK carb on it. Thanks for the welcome and the feedback. Can't wait to get this bad boy running!

[iamsofaking]

I had an 86 that was very tough to start.  In my case, I was underestimating the real intention of "like you mean it".  I had to kick that thing like it stole something to get it to fire.  I go about 260 and had to kick it with every bit of thunder I could muster before it would fire.

[don46]

I don't think I saw anyplace that said you replaced the spark plug, sometimes they will spark outside the motor but under compression will not fire, that would and is my number one go to even on the four strokes plugs are an issue. Otherwise if you have fuel, spark, air and decent compression it should start. and be serious about kicking it over.

[Foxx4Beaver]

I hope I don't insult your intelligence richdawg...but you never mentioned anything about the air-filter and inside the airbox....sometimes when a bike sits for a long time, some of mother natures creatures find their way inside the airbox and make a cozy home.

by the way, welcome aboard!!...lets see some pics of this thing!!...if ya don't know how to post pics on here, check this thread out...that way you have no excuse

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,10040.0.html

[richdawg]

Thanks guys! I will re-visit the air box. I did take a quick peek and everything looked good but maybe it could use some freshening up. As to the plugs, yep, two new ones. Although the carb looks really good (new like) and absolutely no signs of gunk, old gas, or anything else, I will clean it again. As I mentioned before the start plunger won't stay up so I use a zip tie (I know, I know) to keep it up for starting purposes. Apparently the start plungers are discontinued and I haven't been able to find one yet. Thinking about just getting a new PWK. Any thoughts on that? New OEM petcock came in today so I'll get that installed as well. The existing is very hard to open and close. As to a "wet" plug after attempted starts, not so much. She did sputter and gave signs of life yesterday but is being very stubborn and making me earn her respect from the get go! Took today off. It is sunny and warm in Washington State today!! One needs to take advantage of such rare opportunities so I took the Double R 1000 out for a nice ride. Sure appreciate the feed back. I'll get some pics posted of my KX asap. Happy riding, ride hard, ride safe!!

[motopunk]

say thanks and look here for the right start plunger (choke plunger) that you need for your 86- mikuni-carb ... 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=m570.l3201&_nkw=mikuni+carb+start+plunger&_sacat=0

you find also all other parts at a mikuni- dealer...