What's wrong with this Tecate? - VID

[cerino2000]

Hi guys. I had picked up an 85 Tecate to play with but have since lost interest. I have it on ebay along with a ton of parts. I don't have it advertised as running correctly but have been tinkering with getting it running correctly over the last few days.

It has 150lbs of compression stone cold. 160 after running for a few minutes. Spark looks fantastic. I also ran it tonight with a timing light on it so I could observe the spark pattern while running and it ran showed perfectly. I was looking for spark to cut out or something but it didn't at all. I have had the carb apart three times. Looks spectacular in there. All passeges clean. Has a 250 main jet. I can't see anything physically wrong with the carb but the way it runs it acts like the carb has problems. Checked the reeds as well and they looked excellent. You can't rev it at all. It will only run at about 1/2 throttle. Try to get into it and it dies. Let off too much and it dies.

It runs best with the choke on however if you cut the choke off, the bike shuts off too and keeping the choke on it will eventually foul the plug.

Not sure where to go from here. I've got excellent compression, excellent spark, and the carb doesn't show any physical issues.

Any ideas?

Some of you may find this vid a little disturbing. This is the edited vid where I simply cut out a lot of the kicking but even after, there are still 69 kicks in this short vid!!!!

Wide open for ideas here guys. My goal is to NOT sink any money into it since I am selling it at no reserve and a $1 start. Whoever gets it on ebay can do so if they wish but I hate a machine that doesn't cooperate and this one is getting the best of me....and my leg.

I put the vid on you tube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jABxG181QpQ

[fabiodriven]

I haven't watched the vid just yet, but going from your description it sounds a lot like what my Tecate did when I first bought it. Turned out the main jet was too small. I'm having a tough time remembering what I run in mine for a main. I think it may be a 260 in the warmer months and a 280 in the winter, something like that. I think it had a 240 in there when I bought it.

Upon viewing your video you don't have the same problem I did. Mine would start and run OK, but then fall flat on its face when you tried to get into the power.

[tecat-z]

Check shear key by trying to rotate flywheel on crank. Machine will still run with it sheared, but very poorly like yours.

[fabiodriven]

:shiftyeyes: Trailpros:shiftyeyes:

[dajeepman]

you kicked started it more than i would ever have tried.

[4cfed]

you sir... have more ambition than i do.. after 20 kicks i give up and start cussin and swearing and walk away

+2 on checking the the shear key... also check and make sure your air filter isnt full of crud and not letting it get enough air

[cr480r]

Check shear key by trying to rotate flywheel on crank. Machine will still run with it sheared, but very poorly like yours.

thats the first thing i would check too...but i would remove the flywheel and take a peek at the key... they dont always rotate freely with a sheared key. Try setting float level to spec...make sure the pilot jet is clear of obstuctions. and while the carb is off inspect the reeds too. and if it still ran like junk I would pressure test the engine... air leaks at very best will have you chasing your tail and pulling your hair out... and can eventually lead to a siezure


edit... i see you already checked the reeds.

[cerino2000]

LOL...I cut out all the cussing. When i got it the guy that I got it from told me it ran awesome but the petcock leaked. I finally got around to fixing the petcock and figured I would just hop on and take it for a spin.....NOT!

So you guys think maybe the flywheel has shifted? I'll have to look at that.

[fabiodriven]

I'm liking that flywheel key theory.

[4cfed]

dont ya hate that when someone sells something and turns out to be a bigger problem then they stated. i dont know much about the t3's so wish i could help you more. best of luck gettin it running





chances are once you get it running right and take it for a ride you wont want to sell it :)

[cerino2000]

damn you guys are good...real good. Pulled the flywheel. No worries about the key...there isn't one. I marked where the key SHOULD have been prior to pulling it and lo-and-behold, it was off quite a bit.

What size moon key goes in there?

[fabiodriven]

damn you guys are good...real good. Pulled the flywheel. No worries about the key...there isn't one. I marked where the key SHOULD have been prior to pulling it and lo-and-behold, it was off quite a bit.

What size moon key goes in there?

If I needed one, I would buy it from Kawi. Should be cheap enough and you'll know it's the right one. Unless somebody else here has a better idea.

[cerino2000]

I'll check with them tomorrow and if they don't have it we actually have some pretty good hardware stores here that stock that kind of stuff.

[dcreel]

Bikebandit.com has it for $3.20.
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorcycles/1985-kawasaki-motorcycle-tecate-ignition-generator-85-a2/o/m4335sch428375

[ATCeeya]

wow, i actually counted. 69 kicks.

[cr480r]

ive tried filing keys from the hardware store to fit, or keys from napa... i gave it up.... now I keep the correct spares around at all times... oem is the way.. order two or three... i would use some valve lapping paste to lap the flywheel and crank together before reassembly... its a good practice on any machine, especially one that has slipped or or had the flywheel come loose before

[harryredtrike]

i would get a kawi key as well

[DeePa]

LMAO at the 69 kicks comment...2 mins of kicks, 9 seconds of running

[aldochina]

glad you got the problem solved.

[cerino2000]

Ok, new keyway in place. Here's the vid of what happened when we kicked it this time.

You guys rock. Thanks. I'm going to pull my ebay ad and play with this thing for a bit before I list it again. If any of you need parts. let me know. I've got about an entire three wheeler worth of 85 tecate parts.

Thanks again guys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhO59iQn97g

[dcreel]

That's awesome. I was watching your Ebay auction. You should keep it. Come out to one of the rides. You are already making friends here.. :TrikesOwn

[leviblue]

KEEP IT !!!! The members here are the best and saved you some $$$$. Either from taking it to the shop or making you more on Ebay. Go have FUN with it !!!

[fabiodriven]

Glad to see you got it fired up buddy.

[TrailerRider]

Holy cow. My X gives me fits once in awhile and after 6 or 7 kicks I am cussing..lol Don't Sell! Ride it. You'll enjoy it more than the money!!

[MonroeMike]

Glad you got it running. :beer