klr650 hard starting
Posted: Mon Mar 30, 2009 9:19 am
--- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "aphampton628" wrote:
Found this on a quick I-seach. Page 169 of Kawasaki Motorcycles by Kawasaki USA Kick-starting a large-displacement 4-stroke engine can be a lot of work, we wanted to make sure that the engine would start on the first try, so we incorporated the best automatic compression release (ACR) system available. The dual-weight centrifugal decompression system fitted to exhaust cam eases starting. At cranking speeds, a tension spring holds the flyweights closed causing the ACR pin to extend, holding one of the exhaust valves open slightly. This reduces compression for easier starting. Once the engine is running, the flyweights open. This rotates the ACR shaft which causes the ACR pin to retract allowing normal valve operation. ACR Pin Extended ACR Pin Retracted ACR flyweights open once the engine is running ACR flyweights are closed at cranking speeds http://www.who-sells-it.com/cy/kawasaki-usa-735/kawasaki-motorcycles-489/page-169-fullsize.html Not sure if this is the exact same KACR as in the KLR650. Alan> > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, "revmaaatin" wrote: > > > > --- In DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com, j w wrote: > > > > > > Just some info --- Some new KLRs have had a problem starting. Mine 2008 did, and after replacing a battery with a higher amp no-maintenance which I was going to do anyway, and several trips to the dealer to adjust the carb and check the starter without improvement. The dealer and Kawasaki finally figured out the compression release was the problem. Bottom line; some KLRs were built with a release control .020 too long, after machining this down by .020 my bike starts first time every time, night and day difference. If anyone is experiencing this check with your dealer about the compression release. > > > > JW, > > Great post. > > Clear. Sustinct. Useful. > > I belive you are the first to report this--at least of 4 KLR sites/list that I frequent. > > Any idea if it is 'serial/vin number' inclusive? or just a random act of orneriness? > > revmaaatin. > > > > I was under the impression that manufacturers publicly claimed ignorance of any (non-safety) problems, resolved them in super-secret laboratories, and then stealthily issued a part number change or classified technical service bulletin (TSB). > > Sounds like there is a problem with the Kawasaki Automatic Compression Release (KACR) which is located on the right end of the exhaust camshaft. There must be a TSB for a field fix for the KACR. However, the Kawasaki service manual (pre-'08) recommends the exhaust camshaft be replaced if there are any problems with the KACR. > > Below is the P/N history for the exhaust camshaft for the '08 and '09 models. > > Part Number Description Code Quantity Status > 12044-0166 CAMSHAFT-VALVE EXHAUST 1 Active > 12044-0144 CAMSHAFT-VALVE EXHAUST 1 Canceled > 12044-0113 CAMSHAFT-VALVE EXHAUST 1 Canceled > > I guess the big question might be: is the field KACR fix as good as a new exhaust-camshaft-KACR assembly. To assess that, one would have to understand exactly how the KACR works and what the problem is with the defective exhaust-camshaft-KACR assembly. Anyone got a copy of the TSB??? > > Alan,,,,,with a grain of salt