ZX7R 1996 fuel problem

I'm wondering if this is normal for this model or there is something I need fixing.
After leaving the bike in the shed for a couple weeks it takes LOTS of winding over before it will even fire. Sometimes it takes about 2 minutes, choke on. Once its running its fine for a week or so.

hi mate
my zx7r does the same thing i need to play around with the choke for a while,not 2 min,then shes purring, check the spark plugs,throwing in a new set wont do any harm.
Nathan

Mine is similar if it has been sitting around for a while. It doesn't take 2 minutes, maybe 30 seconds 3 or 4 goes to fire it. Since doing a track day every month it fires a lot easier.

Nick

Could be a little rust build up on an open valve, or it might even need a valve adjustment???? How long since the valves were done? Also, fuel can go stale. If you're leaving it for a while, turn off the fuel tap and run it out. Refresh the tank before starting the next time. Even my 9 is harder to start if left for a few months. I guess the trick is to make sure it's not left for that time

Not sure if this will work on your model, worth a shot anyway, have the bike in gear and hold the starter on. the starter should not turn as the bike is in gear, however the fuel pump should run as it recieves power when the starter button is depressed regardless of the gear cutout switch. this will prime your carbs with fresh (er) fuel to about 2psi. you should be able to hear the pump cut out when the carbs are full (to 2 psi) then select nuetral and start as per normal.

Let us know how you go.

Cheers

If all else fails a quick squirt of start ya bastard down the ram air intakes will work a treat.....

can say that i have the same problem with my race bike. It will sit in the workshop in between race/track days and I simply roll her out into the sun, pull on the choke a little, thumb the starter and hear a wonderful tune.

Not sure if this will work on your model, worth a shot anyway, have the bike in gear and hold the starter on. the starter should not turn as the bike is in gear, however the fuel pump should run as it recieves power when the starter button is depressed regardless of the gear cutout switch. this will prime your carbs with fresh (er) fuel to about 2psi. you should be able to hear the pump cut out when the carbs are full (to 2 psi) then select nuetral and start as per normal.

Let us know how you go.

Cheers

Nah it doesn't work, the pump doesn't run.

Hmmm, i have the same model.... maybe you should remove the fuel line to your carbs and try it again. the pump should run, if you put your finger over the hose with the pump running the pump should stop when 2psi is reached. if the pump does not run with the hose diconnected your pump is stuffed and is most likley causing the problem..

Hi Guys,

My '97 zx7r would do the same thing. Taking ages to start sometimes until one day it coughed and spluttered and died completely at idle and wouldn't re-start at all. I replaced the fuel pump and have had no problems starting since. Well I also had to replace a battery 6 months later.

Apparantly they are good for around 50 - 60,000kms or x amount of years service. Inspection of the fuel pump's electrics will show excessive pitting on the contacts.

A mate of mine did 200,000 km on a 96 zx6r and had the fuel pump routinely die at 60,000km intervals. I think it is a similar unit.

Something to consider anyhow.

Regards
Andre

Well my bike is about to tick over 60 k. So i'm guessing thats the problem. I did get it started last weekend and its running fine. Was sweet to take it for a blast again finally.

Before you replace the pump do the check i stated earlier, this is easy to carry out and will tell you straight away if your pump is stuffed. as it is only a 2psi switch in the pump you will have to disconnect the fuel line from the pump to the carbs. If the carbs are fully primed already the pump may not run. anyway let us know how you go.

Cheers

Yeah I replaced the fuel pump and it starts straight away now. Thanks a lot 4 the advice.

I too had that problem after my bike sat idle for 8 years!. After giving my bike to Brad @ GlobleMotorcycles in Dandenong she starts first time everytime. I would give my bike to no one else!
So what ever the issue...it is fixable
Alex