1980 Kawasaki 750cc LTD - Trouble starting when engine is warm

[absoluttad]

I have a 1980 Kawasaki 750cc LTD that I'm having issues starting when the engine is warm. The motorcycle starts quick when it's cold, but if I stop it after the engine has warmed it won't start again until the engine is cold again (which takes approx two hours). After it has cooled down it has no problem starting. I installed a new starter; however I'm still having the same issue.

Not sure what to do next, any advice/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help in advance.

[The_AirHawk]

Refuses to crank?

Cranks, refuses to fire?

Cranks, fires, refuse to run steadily?

Need more info, Thanks!

[Easy Rider 2]

Originally Posted by The_AirHawk

Need more info, Thanks!

What he said.........
Plus.........

What are you doing with the choke?
How's the air filter?
Any mods to the air intake or exhaust?
How long since you ran some carb cleaner through with the gas?
How old are the plugs?

Could be as simple as the battery going bad.......but you should STOP replacing expensive parts based on just a guess.

When it is in this "no start" condition, does it have spark?
(Assuming that the engine is actually turning over, that is.)

[A Star Ride]

Maybe he got it fixed & is out riding?

[absoluttad]

Sorry for the delayed response, I didn't have access to the Internet over the weekend. I only wish I was out riding! Here are the answers to your questions.

When the engine is warm it will not crank. When it's cold it turns over right away.

Choke - I only use choke when it's cold, it's never used when I try to start it when the engine is warm

Air Filter - replaced it a year ago. I looked at it again and appears to be fine

No modifications have been made to the air intake or exhaust.

Never used carb cleaner; however I put Sta-Bil in with the gas.

Plugs and battery are less than a year old.

Thanks for the help.

[seruzawa]

The reason the starter won't turn is that it's not getting any voltage. Something in or near the engine is affected by the heat. I'd check the starting solenoid and all wiring to and from the starter.

[Easy Rider 2]

Originally Posted by absoluttad

When the engine is warm it will not crank. When it's cold it turns over right away.

Taken at face value, that would indicate that the electrical system (battery) is going dead.....BUT......
I have to ask about your definition of "crank".
If the starter is running and the engine is moving, then it IS cranking.

Assuming that you are square with that, you need to check the charging voltage to the battery and check the connection at both ends of the main battery cables.......and then suspect that maybe the batteryt itself is failing.

You are probably gonna have to get a multi-meter to check voltages while it is failing.

What happens to the lights when it fails ?
Do you hear a click or other noises ?