Kawasaki GT550 not running on all cylinders

[tstwebdesign]

Hey guys,
I'm having a problem with my Kawasaki GT550. Initially it was running really lumpy, then it started leaking fuel on the left side when it was set to prime. so got the carbs off, only managed to get two apart to take a look but everything looked pretty spotless. Put them back on and was running fine for a couple of days.

Now, whilst I was out and stopped at a light, it noticeably started only firing on 2 cylinders and had a loss of power. Managed to nurse it home to take a look.

The two inner spark plugs aren't firing at all, far left one has a strong spark and the far right has a weaker spark. I replaced the battery and spark plugs and it fired on all four at first then almost immediately went back to 2 and would go back to four. I swapped the caps on the left side to swap the spark around and it just backfired. I've now ordered 2 new coils as these are supposedly notoriously temperamental.
Hopefully the coils will fix this but if not I'm stumped.

Oh, I just fired it up after letting it stand for a few hours and it fired on all four then went back to 2 again.

Is there anything I'm missing? It's done a fair few miles so if it's more than likely dead I'd rather find out rather than spend a fortune.
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Honda CG 125 & Kawasaki GT550

[moonzoomer]

[sickpup]

More than likely the coils. I've known couriers who used these to carry spare coils.

[tstwebdesign]

[stinkwheel]

Ratty old plug caps are another thing to consider. Kawasakis coil earthing (if needed) is often a bit slapdash at best.

Sounds like you had sticky floats or leaky needle valves in the carbs. Worth checking it hasn't overspilled a load of fuel into the oil or airbox.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[temeluchus]

Try bypassing the sidestand switch (short the wires) and see if it runs better.

As stinkers says, leaking fuel on prime is a good indicator of fucked float needles, pop the needles out and make sure the tips dont have notches worn in them. If they are knackered they can cause running issues similar to what you describe.

Its quite possibly a bit of both, particularly on an older bike.
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!

[bikenut]

as above.....does your have the small filter screens above the float needle valves........cmnsl will confirm.....
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nuts about bikes

[tstwebdesign]

Ok, so the firing issues were to do with the coils, ordered new ones with replacement HT leads and now firing perfectly (The timing is still off but one step at a time...)

Once I had done this a few days later it started leaking again so this time I took the carbs off and gave them a proper clean and it seems to be working fine again. If it happens again I'll give it a full refurb.
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Honda CG 125 & Kawasaki GT550

[bikenut]

did you check the filters above the needle valve bodies??
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nuts about bikes