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Can't get engine to start after air filter change!!

3.1K views 6 replies 5 participants last post by  sh0rtlife  
#1 ·
I just replaced the air filter on my 2003 ZR7-S and now I cannot get the bike running (have been trying since yesterday). To replace the filter I removed the fuel tank like it says to on ZR7 dot com or whatever (now I see you don't have to). Anyways after replacing it and putting everything back together, the bike ran for two seconds and stalled and then I couldn't get it going again (tried many times)..

I removed the air filter to see if that was the problem (too much filter oil) and it still wouldn't start so it isn't the filter. The fuel lines all seem correct, no kinks or anything as well.

Right now I have the plugs all out letting it air out because I think it may be flooded but I honestly have no idea. My dad thinks it isn't getting fuel but even when I set the petcock to "prime" it wouldn't start (petcock is working). The plugs smell like gas a bit but they didn't appear wet.

I would like to get back on the road as soon as possible! Please help me out
 
#5 ·
I think whoever suggested that is dangerous.

You do NOT put starting fluid into the cylinders.
You spray a little bit into the air intake box and if it fires a few strokes, that means you have a lack of fuel.

Have you checked for spark ?
Maybe a wire pulled loose somewhere.

And by now, you likely need to charge the battery too.
 
#3 ·
If it started fine before, and the only thing you touched was removing the fuel tank .. and it did run for a little bit after putting it back (probably from the leftover fuel in the carbs) I would go back to the fuel tank; in my opinion fuel isn't getting from the tank to the carbs. Are both the lines attached to the petcock, the small and larger? and are both vacuum tubes unobstructed and not pinched under the tank? What about the electrical connection from the tank to the bike?

My guess would be lack of fuel delivery from the tank somehow, first check the petcock, make sure both are connected. If so, unscrew the tank and lift it slightly and pull the vacuum tubes to be sure they aren't pinched and are free from any obstruction. While the tank is propped up, make sure that electrical connection is together firmly.

Good Luck! .. You may have to open the choke, and the throttle wide when starting to get the fuel flowing.
 
#4 ·
Service manual says when flooded, start with throttle fully OPEN to allow more air to reach the engine. Make sure you reconnected the vacuum line to the petcock (just a check) so it will open in the "ON" position. I don't see anything else that is specific to the air filter change. Oh yeah, any chance there's no fuel in your tank?
 
#6 ·
I got it started after letting the cylinders and spark plugs air out and then spraying a bit of starting fluid into the air box. Rode it around for a little while and it seems to be fine. However its ticking quite a bit now and its kind of worrying me. What should I do to help that? Oil change? I changed the oil last week but maybe fuel got into it. It is definitely louder than before, as it was super smooth sounding after the oil change.

I would really like to just get a general tune up soon.