www.zxrworld.co.uk

irecently bought a 400 ninja L3. it has recently had the engine rebuilt with new valves, gaskets, rings, filters, iridium plugs, head bearings etc. still running it in done 100 miles at 6000rpm so far!

had trouble staring one morning, killed the battery, charged it then it would try to fire but wouldn't start.someone told me i might have a leak and petrol may have leaked through as i didnt turn the petrol to the 'off'position, contaminating the oil and creating a poor mixture, andt hat the piston wasnt able to fire.
i changed the engine oil, recharged the battery,new petrol, it fired up the next morning. and it was idling at 6000rpm...crazy!!

i tried turning it down and the cable and thread had come loose from the mount by the accelerator cable.

how far does this need to be set back in?

i have it at depth some where i imagine is going to be satisfactory, an on engine starting i would be able to adjust it.

so i try to fire her up and nothing,

nothing except the sound of a ticking starter motor and occasionally a very loud back fire, usually wen i release the engine ignition/start button

Erm

stuck

im a motox driver with my first super bike

so i feel a little out of my depth and am looking for any ideas before i call in the big boys to sort this ou.

my last thoughts is that it maybe fuel flooding??

can anyone help offer any ideas or advice, much appreciated

ry

Also before i had the problem it would cut out at lights if the revs werent kept up, i read a review that said the zxr was a little sluggish upto 5000rpm then from 6000rpm the power appears at aroun10000-120000rpm it hitting band an d taking off.

this is prcisly how i would describe mine, cept it not really idling at 1600-2000rpm and to get a good fluent ride it was neccesary to play with idle between 2500-3800rpm

these dont seem like major problems and im reserving judgement an considering that i may not be using the bike as fluently as it may be accostmed to or with the confidence and ability of the experienced superbike rider

so i think i have mentioned all the little probs

if anyone can help?

Hello mate,

it does sounds like its not running right, firstly id say get the idle adjuster sorted. If you take the carbs off to do it, check that the butterflies are closing properly. Just screw it back in and start the bike and then re-adjust. It definately shouldnt be all over the place and can be dangerous if it is.

Id also check the plugs, make sure they are gapped properly and give them a clean. I do believe iridium plugs arent worth what you pay for them and can give you problems so might be worth sticking to the standard CR9E's (i think they are).

Also give the fuel pump a check over, i think theres tests for it i the manual on the main site.

The clicking sound, is that coming from under the seat? And was the engine turning over while it was clicking? If not, that usually indicates a flat battery.

Hope that helps mate. Let us know how you get on with it.

yea hi thanks 4 the reply

i have just bought the manual on line an the guys sent me a PC version an i run on a MAC so i wonder if u have a link to get a look at the manual and figure out a) where the pump is located
b) best way to service it

im used to crossers so this is all a bit new

i recharged the batt a few times.

am just about to do it again

it was the idle adjuster i had pulled out and have found where it sits

if im right its screwed into where the accelerator cable hammer rests on the right side of the carbs??

im gonna try an fire her up now but it didnt want to yesterday and subsequently i keep killin the batt charge trying to start her.Annoying!

she was just tickking and tikking then sometimes there would be a single loud backfire

usually wen i released the pressure on the ignition switch.

i'll update shortly

i expect to be back in shortly with a battery that needs charging again.

many thanks

I hate to tell you this but we have the manual here on the main website, chances are this is probably here that the chap you bought them from got them.

http://www.zxrworld.co.uk/zxr400/manual.html

They are in pdf format, ive no idea if they work on MAC's.

To answer you questions

yes, the idle adjuster sits just underneath where the hammer is.

If its backfiring then the plugs may be fouled, what i do is take the plugs out, clean then and stick them in the gas flame on the oven and warm them up. Its sure to burn away any fuel and warms they up for easier starting!

Is the engine actually turning when you press the starter?

yea tried it again just a couple times

engine glugging and trying to fire

wen i stop an leave it a sec

a loud backfire and a tiny puff of smoke out of the can.

errrr? i havent the foggiest?

ok so whats the best way for me to go about this?

stripping panels left and right

do i need to remove tank for access to plugs

i'll check out the manual on the site

thanks thou i appreciate ur help

Theres a guide for replacing the air filter, no need to remove the panels, just the seat, tank and airbox and that should give you access to the plugs!

http://www.zxrworld.co.uk/zxr400/airfilter.html

thanks im off to do it now will let u know

thnx

good good, only one thing i would add is that you need to undo the bolts around the side of the airbox. Tells you here how to do it

http://www.zxrworld.co.uk/zxr400/balancing.html

my spark plug remover socket is too big to go in the chambre is there a particular one i need or some where that might stock such items i.e halfords

trying to find out but a size would be handy

i dont have the tool kit from under the seat so if its from there where can i get the tool pouch?

10mm got it

Had the same problem in the past myself! How you getting on with it?