bandit refuses to run. Done everything???

[mysterious_rider]

Hi guys, trying to get my 96 bandit to run, it's being a proper sod.

I have had it running fine a few months ago, but It's not been used since.

I've replaced the plugs, new coils/leads, cleaned the carbs with a cleaner and an airline multiple times. Switched the HT leads, and wires to the coils. Nothing makes a difference.

The only thing I do get is massive backfiring every now and again If I hold the choke on.

Sometimes i get a slight stutter, as if it fires on one cylinder for a second and that's it.


Fuel gets in, or at least, the float bowls are full. And the sparks I'm getting from the leads are nice and strong. Not sure what else I can check.

any ideas what could be stopping the bandit from firing?
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KAWASAKIIIII

[P.]

Iains did the same, just go put the plugs over a flame for a while, on the oven or what not, burn the shit off.

[andym]

After a few minutes of trying to start it have you checked the plugs to see if they are wet?

I've had the same kind of problem with the zxr, first time it was the timing that was set incorrectly which caused it first to backfire through the carb, then just a very loud bang.

Another time it was the valves that were being held open (you could try getting a compression tester on there).

Have you tried dropping a splash of petrol right into the cylinders? (if you've got the plugs out that is)

[Robby]

If you have an inline fuel filter, try removing it.

[mysterious_rider]

Well I whipped the plugs out, and behold, massive sadness. Plug has shattered and shat it remains down the spark hole. most of the ceramic I was able to remove.

Two plugs fired out of four. How naff is that. If I turn the engine over I don't hear any strange noises.... still, going to buy some new plugs in a bit. Maybe it'll run, maybe it wont.

ive had it running before so I'm sure it's not timing. Unless the woodruff key has moved (extremely unlikely?)

Haven't tried direct fuel to the head just yet. Might buy some easystart and see if I can get something to happen.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[andym]

[mysterious_rider]

I removed most of it, a small ceramic part might have fallen down, but i don't see how it would stop the engine starting?
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KAWASAKIIIII

[Brick_Top]

Might not stop it starting but may cause problems with the rings?

[Alpha-9]

Yeah you don't want foreign bodies liked bits of ceramic in the cylinder

Plugs had broken ceramic around the holes of the GK71F, I used a hoover and sucked them out so they didn't fall in the holes, worked out well
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Fzr-600 1999

[mysterious_rider]

Too late. Used a toothbrush with ductape on, I reckon it got most of it out. Anyway, still leaves me with a non starting problem. I genuinly have no idea why it's not running. It was running fine a few months back, stupid frickin bike!

What could have possibly changed since then?
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KAWASAKIIIII

[Brick_Top]

Try some Forte Gas Cleaner.

Worked on my KTM after laying it up over the winter for a few months.

I ran it through my tank with a fresh 5L of fuel after draining the system.

[mysterious_rider]

Thing is like I've said I cleaned the carbs thoroughly, Used an airline to clean all the passages. Since I put the standard exhaust on maybe It's knocked all the mixture/idle settings right out.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[Brick_Top]

Wouldn't expect an exhaust to make enough difference to the pilot jet for it not to run.

Have you still got the other exhaust?

Possibly the fuel has gone off? Unlikely I know.

[Pete.]

Did you set the float levels? If so, what height?

EDIT: manual says 17mm +/- 1mm for the floats, just under 2 turns out on the needles.

"To check the float height, hold the carburettor until the float hangs down, then tilt it back until the needle valve is just seated, but not so far that the spring loaded tip is compressed. Measure the height from the top of the float to the gasket face (with the gasket removed)."
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[mysterious_rider]

[mysterious_rider]

Right , re adjusted float bowls, no idea how to measure them so did a guess with blowing through fuel pipe. Now and again fuel will spit back through the carbs.

On a weirder note, it seems to be turning over very slowly. It's possibly why it's not starting. What could cause this? I'm running the bastard off a car battery! I got a cough from one of the cylinders again.

I think it won't start because it isn't being turning over fast enough. My zzr whips the starter motor proper quick, this one seems half dead. It used to fire up fast. But that was when it was running.

Poss starter motor trouble? For now I've stuck the battery on charge for good measure.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[P.]

Got a car you can jump start off... will keep the starter spinning hard for ages.

[mysterious_rider]

[temeluchus]

just to check, you have the right HT leads to tge right cylinders?
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[mysterious_rider]

[Pete.]

There's no reason for the end can to be blocked.

Firstly, is this a Bandit 400 or 600?

The backfiring sounds like the coils are wired wrong or the plugs are fouled. Make sure that you have the white wire to the coil feeding 1 and 4 and the black wire to the coil for 2 and 3. Which actual coil you use doesn't matter so long as the wires reach.

Clean the plugs and cook the tips until they are red hot on a gas ring.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[temeluchus]

Quick glance, coil for 1+4 should have the white wire connected. 2+3 should have the black/yellow wire connected.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[mysterious_rider]

Yeah the coils are on the correct plugs. And spark plugs have all been cleaned. And two replaced...

When cranking the engine will much air come out of the exhaust? If i put my hand over the carbs it sucks a hell of a lot, yet when I put a palm over the end can almost nothing comes out? Seems a bit odd to me.

Just need for the battery to finish charging. Will be a few hours yet.

and yeah 1996 bandit 600. Cheers.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[mysterious_rider]

And it runs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I duct taped over the pod filters, leaving about half inch of breathing space in each filter. And she eventually fired up, running on two cylinders the first minute, then eventually three, and after five minutes the last cylinder kicked in.

Engine sounds perfect though.


Now if someone could tell me how to adjust the mixture screw, it revvs beautifully, but idles like a pig. Can't even find the mixture to adjust.

Cheers.
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KAWASAKIIIII

[Pete.]

Pod filters.....no wonder. Mine ran like a bag'o'shite just from not having the airbox lid located in the clip properly.

Sounds like the choke circuits need a going-over and raise the floats a bit.
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a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good