I washed my Z400 today, and when done it would not start. It did it last time I washed it also, but it started right up the next day.

What am I doing wrong?

 

I know a lot of people have been saying to watch out for the spark plug since its deep in the head. There is a little hole on the side of the head for the water to drain but maybe yours is clogged or something causing the water to stay by the spark plug. I have washed my Z several times and it has started right up afterwards. Just something to check. Good luck!

 

Hey, Just wanted to let you know that I also had a bit of trouble starting my Z up after a wash job....I am a super inexperienced chic...so I thought I just must be doing something wrong. After my hubby had a bit of an issue as well I realized it was NOT me! Anyway...by the time the bike was dried off it started fine...now if I could just get it to warm up this millenium!!...NOT complaining....I love my bike totally...especially when everone seems to drool over it as it goes by[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Maybe you could try putting some of the electrical grese stuff (not sure the exact name of it lol) inside the plug cap to keep water out of it.

 

Here is a tip i do it every time i wash my Z400 spray CRC over all of the electrical connectors and basically over anything else that you mant except for the handle bars and seat. Any water dispersant spray like CRC will do the job it not only protects all of your electrics but also coats the frame and shocks in a thin film that stops things from rusting.I have washed my Z probably a dozen times now and it starts every time, dont worry about getting it on the exhaust as it will just smoke a little bit when you start it up it soon stops.

 

It's called Dielectric grease. It works good. I found that if you get water into the air box snorkle, it'll start hard. IMO

 

I do the same thing we are getting water in through the little hole in the side of the motor and that gets into the plug cap. That makes it a son of a gun to start and if you can get it started once it warms up it will quit on you and you won't be able to get it running. When you clean the quad take the spark plug cap off and spray water into the spark plug hole and the hole in the side of the motor (leave the spark plug in or you will have a world of problems) this will clean out any dirt and mud that might be in there. Allow the quad enough time to air dry where you just sprayed and then put the plug cap on and you won't have any problems with it (this was told to me by the mechanic at the dealer). I was having problems with my quad quitting on me after riding through some water and mud and it cost me $25.00 to find this out at the dealer. Just one of the little things that you have to learn about the quad, all of the models have their little quirks.

Balzak
2003 Z400
2000 Scrambler 400 2x4
1998 Yamaha Warrior
1992 Ninja ZX-11
1969 SS 396 Chevelle

 

It started right up today. I will use some of your tips next time I wash it. I appreciate all your help.

thanks