I have a 1990-ish Kawasaki KLF 300 quad bike. When it runs, it runs great. But intermittently it stops dead and will not restart. If I leave it for an hour, or a day, or sometimes a week, it starts again, no problem. When the problem occurs, the engine fires when turned over, but it will not pick up and dies.

I have stripped the carburetor (twice) and it is clean and no problem. I have changed the spark plug. I have had 'knowledgeable' friends look at it, and even an auto electrician, all to no avail.

Can anyone suggest where I could be looking for the problem. It has been suggested that the main computer control chip (wherever this might be located) could be on the blink, or alternatively that the generator is playing up.

Any trouble shooting suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Geoff

 

Test or replace the battery? Good luck and let us know. Welcome to KF

 

Thanks for your reply. I have already put a new battery in and this has made no difference to the problem.

In trying to define the problem more, I notice the bike is hesitant to respond when idling if I quickly open the throttle. It misses a couple of beats before picking up. If I open the throttle slowly, it picks up OK.

I am thinking I need to pull the carburetor apart again and pay particular attention to the ports between the low pressure area above the diaphragm and the venturi area - I am not sure I looked at these very thoroughly.

What confuses me is that the bike will start sometimes, and not others, and it doesn't seem to be related to engine temperature.

This has been going on for a couple of years - on and off - and I am close to giving it away as a insoluble issue.

Regards

Geoff