I have a 1994 ZX7 with approximately 43k on it. I was leaving work a couple weeks ago and as I was riding on the highway it seemed like I bagan to lose power. I went to give it some throttle and nothing happened. I coasted over to the side of the road and the engine stopped. I tried to crank it and nothing happened. It cranks strong, but it wouldn't start.

I got it home and began to do some tests. I have spark and fuel. I swapped out the CDI and even cleaned the carbs. But nothing works. All I am getting is a couple of backfires out of the exhaust and some backfires out of the carbs. I put new plugs in it and swapped out the coil packs. I checked all the wires for damage, but nothing. All I am still getting is some backfires.

I am baffled. I need some help and wisdom. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Compression test and a check of the ignition timing would seem to be the next move.

Rob

 

backfires out the carbs is usually a sign of the spark timing being off

 

I was thinking it was a timing issue first, so I had pulled the valve cover immediately when I got the bike home. The chain seemed to have tension on it. Also, with the carbs off, I can see the valves moving up and down, so I thought that might be ok. Is there something on the bike that controls ignition timing other than the CDI? Is it possible for the pickup coil to have gone bad? Is there an easy way to test the timing? Thanks for the initial replies.

 

the only thing that commands the cdi is the trigger coil, and they can fail.. look for about 460-ish ohms on it while testing. also, look at the coil to ensure its in there and hasn't moved. the screws back out on rare occasions and timing is lost is exteme cases.. being you have spark, howver, the coil IS working, but if i is loose or has shifted, it may only be a few degrees, but thats all it takes sometimes.. good luck and keep us posted!

p.s., the trigger coil cover should be o-ring sealed, not gasketed, so there shouldn't be a need for RTV and another gasket, fyi...

 

Thanks, whitehendrix, for the info. I pulled the cover off and what did I notice? The rotor/trigger was loose. I tightened the bolt, use a little lock tite, and it started right up!
Runs smooth! Thanks for everyones input.