1986 kx 500 will not start

[robert40215]

I have a 86 kx 500 I can kick the kickstarter and the engine cranks but don't start up. There is fuel running out of the carb overflow hose. I thought the floats were broke but they work. I have no idea what else to do. Should I buy a rebuild kit or buy a new carb. Because gas should not come out of the hose like it does. So if anyone has any ideas I would appreciate it.

[alan]

If gas is running out the overflow the needle has to be stuck open.

[blackkx]

 i agree , somethings screwy with the needle , prob a simple fix ...

[FuriouSly]

Howdy Robert:
   Here is a link to a topic that is similiar to your issue.  http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,2590.0.html

Sly

[hughes]

I agree with the others you got an issue with your float and needle in the carb. Float height could be off or the needle tip is worn or just fuel varnish or trash.

[robert40215]

The fuel valve needle looks ok. The floats work because I can put water in the bowl and they float up. But I think they don't really push the float arm up in time to shut the fuel valve off. Do I need to get a new float arm and the fuel valve needle. Or could it be something else? Any help at this time is helpful.

[robert40215]

and I want to know how to go about adjusting the float height.

[hughes]

I use a depth guage to measure my float height. With the carb bowl removed and the carb turned up side down you will measure from the gasket surface to the top of one of the floats or float. My 87 500 carb height is 27mm not sure about yours. There will be metal tab on the float arm that pushes on the needle. The metal tab that pushes on the needle is adjusted by bending it.

[robert40215]

I have bent the piece that contacts the fuel valve needle and that has stop the gas from leaking out. I cranked on it about 15 times and smoke just comes out of the exhaust but this time its more smoke this time. A friend told me to adjust the big needle because it could be getting too much gas or not enough gas in the engine. What does anyone else think.

[hughes]

Have not seen your carb but most have a smaller needle that rides inside the larger one. The float arm pushes on the smaler needle and in return the smaller needle pushes the larger one closed. In the carbs I have worked on the larger needle had no adjustment. The tips of these needles could be worn, very hard sometimes to see with the naked eye. Have you completely cleaned the carb?? have you tried a new spark plug?? What's the history with the bike?? Example: 1)Ran good last week but not today. 2) Bike sat for two years without being used. 3) Just bought the bike and never heard it run. 

[alan]

I really think you need to get a service manual or a Clymers manual. Here is a link to Ebay!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Clymer-Kawasaki-KX500-Service-Manual_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ34238QQitemZ180093554379QQrdZ1

The piece you bent is called the tang, and you really do need the correct procedure to get the carb set up correctly. You may also try doing a site search on float adjusting.

Check this from my first search!

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,1715.0.html

Alan

[robert40215]

I want to know what the gap for the spark plug is to make sure I have it sat right. The spark plug is the NGK B8EG. Or is there a different plug that works better.

[robert40215]

I put a new engine stop button on the bike and now it fires up. So I guess it was something to do with the button. So now I want to go have some fun guys. thanks

[MadKaw]

glad you got it goin man...still assembling mine, but almost there.