FZRSupport: the FZROnline Archive

Hi there.

This is my first post on here and so you guys know, I am not a mechanic. Services like oil changes, air cleaners and spark plugs I can do. But the rest I have little experience in. That said, if I have good, clear instructions, I will tackle anything.

I have just acquired an 89 FZR1000 exup. It has an aftermarket exhaust and a K&N air cleaner. The wiring is a bit of a mess due to wires that have been mysteriously cut and hang in the open. Other than that, it's pretty decent looking. Oh, also my first sport bike after a few years on the cruiser. The problem I am having is the bike Wants to start, but just can't quite. It'll turn and so forth though. Last night on a whim Itried to start her and viola it worked! Lots of smoke out the exhaust but that cleared out after a few minutes of running. But before that and today it refuses to catch. The pump works fine I think and my spark plug connections are working. Weirdly, the bike started a bit better before when I had the air filter out and tried it that time. Does this mean the bike is running too rich? Or the carbs are filling with fuel and stopping me there?

So, if you can keep the explanations fairly simple I'd love to hear them. I rode the bike home and didn;t change a thing on it so I have no idea whats wrong. But I sure did enjoy that one ride a lot.



P.S.
There is a light ticking noise at the front of the engine during running , very faint and it keeps roughly in time with the rpm I believe. Not hugely concerned with that right now, but it is the only other thing I have noticed.

The ticking is probably valve clearances. When these wear the clearances tighten and the engine will be a sh!t to start. Symptoms are hard to start, runs okay once started. To check and shim involves stripping the top part of the engine. To just check remove cam cover, to adjust remove cams. If you want to have a go at this let us know and we can talk you through. Also purchase a haynes manual, your're gonna need it at some point anyway.

Before you go stripping the engine first check your carbs. Remove them and and clean through every orifice well with carb cleaner. Remove float bowls and diaphragm cap and access condition, even better post up pictures of what you find.

Check your carb emulsion tubes too, make sure they are not egg shaped down ther middle, they need to be perfecly round through the bore. Again pictures please.

Carb to head rubbers must be free from cracks.