First Start

[Wayne1960]

Wow I'm nearly there and the time for a first start is looming.
Assuming I have done things right!! What else should I do before I start the bike for the first time?
Obviously you are all going to have your own little tricks but any advise will as always be appreciated.

[weaver]

You need to be confident the oil is reaching all areas and of course turn the engine over with out running it to do so,make sure the oil light is working,make sure you have a spark on all four,make sure the carbs are fitted and then hit that button!

[Wayne1960]

Ok

Oil light is working as described in the manual.
bike turns over and sound sweet.
Carbs are all fitted.
points and timing set exactly as described in the Kawasaki training video.

Is there anything i should be doing in addition to help it on its way?

[Pigford]

As long as the OIL has reached all * areas - get it started lad

* Crank engine over with electric starter for a good minute and more (at 15 second bursts) - with spark plugs removed and kill switch in OF position so as not to load the coils

[Richard Q]

Mine won't turn over with the kill switch in the Off position.

It's been a while since I have rebuilt an engine of this type, but I do remember that you need to get it started, and keep the revs up a fair bit, i.e. between 1,000 and 2,500 rpm. Change the revs slowly, but don't leave them the same for any length of time.

Richard

[Wayne1960]

Disappointed but must have something wrong. Tried to start the bike today and nothing! Just spun over on the stater motor. Pulled a plug out and bone dry. Definitely had petrol in the carbs cos they were leaking but tightened a few bits up and turned on petrol but nothing! Back to the drawing board and start checking.

[Garn 1]

One of the most common problems when you first start-up is that the leads from the contact-breaker needs to be reversed under the tank. This is a common mistake, as the low tension leads to the coils have been disturbed and simply need to be reversed.
Also, be sure that petrol is flowing!
RegardZ.

[gpjes]

Slave tank time, great for eliminating fuel niggles to be sure, gravity feed her, not an easy trick to do with an xt500 though, does make a fun exercise!
jes

[Wayne1960]

Ok checked points and getting good spark there.
Petrol getting into carb bowls one letting by a little through the overflow
Still nothing.
Plugs next the maybe leads but I did number these.

[PAULJAC47]

Fresh DENSO PLUGS..... plugs seem to be a disposable item these days few duff starts and they are us,make sure fuel is fresh,if you have good fuel/air,compression and a good strong spark at the right time,and your valve timing is good it should start,oh and make sure condensors are ok...

[Wayne1960]

Should I adjust spark plugs to min or max gap?

[weaver]

either,that wont stop it from starting,are you getting petrol into the combustion chambers?

[neilbarrett]

if your plugs are dry after trying to start a few times theres no petrol getting through,quick shot of the old easy start and it should fire on that ,if it dosnt then you've other problems

[Wayne1960]

Adjusted plugs they were way out but new so should be ok. Definitely got petrol in carbs.
I worked the petrol not getting through to the combustion chamber.
Going to check condensers and sleek at plugs next.
If petrol not getting through then I guess it's gonna be a problem.

[neilbarrett]

plug leads right way round,pick up wires to each coil correct ?