Will it Run? $500 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 Project Part 2: Carburetor Chaos

In this episode we’ll see if my cheap Vulcan 500 runs!
A week ago, today I removed the carburetors from this bike and began what seems like a never ending journey to get them working. As we saw in the last video, water got in the fuel system and consequently the carbs are pretty wrecked. After dumping out all the junk from inside, I cleaned the jets and passages using a combination of compressed air, an ultrasonic cleaner, and my mom’s favorite toothbrush.
This is part 2 of the series, be sure to check out the playlist here for the full story: • Kawasaki Vulcan 500 Pr...

[@ianhiscock2493]

You not dum.. you learn from living a life.. good luck I've the same bike here in Ireland

[@gasitray8900]

for you guys that LOVE working on old bikes get some CRC contact cleaner for carb work blasts out junk well cleans well dries fast and wont eatup your rubber youll be surprised

[@murraykriner9425]

You could hardly find an easier to work on, or more reliable ride to get used to the cruiser set. Take good care of the carbs, as they are nuisance to source a bank of, even if the rebuild parts are common. Your going to dig its get up, once you get it running right. Without a whole bunch of mods it will keep up with a Sportster by guess you know who? This is the same engine in the Ninja 500, and likes revs, so don't think its supposed to have that lopie sounding Harley vibe. Set the idle where the manual says and live with it. The engine will cook if you run the idle too low (starved engine bearings). Very best wishes.

[@capomak1]

I’m working on a 1994 en500. Currently I’m dealing with a flywheel and starter clutch. After I sort that out, the carbs are next. There is a lots of great info on the Kawasaki Vulcan online forum(en500 subforum) lots of “how to” posts. One thing, working on old Japanese bikes, I have learned that you NEED JIS (Japanese industrial standard) screw drivers, it will prevent from rounding the bolts and screws. Amazon is your friend. Working on carbs , you need to take them completely apart, and also you will need to sync them

[@janetgreenslade9281]

I got a 91 EN500 vulcan and just done the carbs. Had issues myself with the float valves not seating, just replaced the floats, valves and gaskets so im hoping its gonna be good now. Also having same problem with the airbox boots not wanting to go on the carbs, so im thinking bye bye standard box, hello K&N pod filters and engine breather filters then tune carbs. Can't wait to take her out for the first ride - shes 30 years old and only done 18k miles, beautiful bike.

[@sploshbook5349]

Working on a 90 Vulcan 500 EN and doing some stuff to it. My fuel system is good thankfully but I think I’m going to put a k&n high flow filter on + exhaust and then get my carbs cleaned and tuned. I think that’s all I’m going to do performance wise

[@johndeakin4840]

I've got a '89 en500a1.Hope you got it running, they're great little bikes.

[@7slotgrille]

Lovin' it, man. I'm trying to buy the exact same Kawaspocki from a guy and it's probably in worse shape. Thanks for the vids.

[@jeepinbanditrider]

No matter how awful they run when you first get them to run it's a great feeling of victory. Go check out Ron Ayers for OEM parts like those boots. The intake boots (on the head side as well as the airbox side) could probably use a replacement they may look good but when they get that much age they cause a lot of vacuum leaks that can cause a massive headache. The O-rings commonly split from age/heat at the very least replace those they're pretty cheap. I'm still able to get replacement parts for my 78 GS1000 and 82 GS850.

[@2wheelin]

Such a good feeling! I'll have to check them out. Rmatv is usually my go to for parts. New boots are probably what this bike needs most.

[@jeepinbanditrider]

@@2wheelin I use them a lot too but sometimes they don't have anything in stock or show a part as discontinued when RA has them in stock.

[@skepticfucker280]

There is a Vulcan 500 for sale locally for 400 bucks because someone stole the carbs off it. Trying to decide if I want to mess with it or not....this video series is making me think I should grab it while I can.

[@2wheelin]

If you can source carbs and the intake isn't rusty from being exposed then go for it! Carbs are hard to find though

[@skepticfucker280]

@@2wheelin they were stolen only a month ago and it's been sitting in Vegas so almost no moisture. I've started looking for carbs and I can tell already that finding them for a decent price is why he is selling the bike. Lol I still might grab it, seen a couple picts of some bobbers and it might be fun to chop up my first bike. Lol Cheers and thanks for the great video. I'm subbing and am looking foward to seeing part 4 of the series.

[@tompollack136]

I have the same bike man, the airbox boots suck I’m about to replace mine with 2 cone filters and remove my secondary air and airbox

[@javierpotriyo]

Hey bro nice videos I have some questions y fixing the same bike and I just thinking I missing something in the wires

[@TheJalliam]

Subbed I just bought a 95 en500 the other day and it is having the same issue

[@drewgray9624]

I have one of these and can’t figure out where the second fuel line goes on between the carbs

[@JorgePerez-wd3ti]

then you , berry good video.

[@sabh1313]

Hey nice video, I subscribed. Just curious if you can do video of tuning the bike? I got a 500 as well it's in really good condition but I drilled a hole about the size of quarter in stock exhaust, it's running okay but I am not sure if I need to tune it? It runs fine but sometime idles bit sluggish. Thanks in advance!

[@2wheelin]

Hey, thank you! Unfortunately I don't have the bike anymore. If it's running fine everywhere but idle, you can simply adjust the idle speed screw. It's a big black thumbscrew on the left side of the carburetor. Clockwise will increase idle speed.

[@generalelectric8403]

I need help with my timing chain on my 1992 Kawasaki vulcan 500.

[@yellowblob2952]

old video so a long shot, my 2003 vulcan rides beautifully with no leaks or real issues, but often cant start without a jump. it cranks very slow and sometimes stops and then the starter relay just continues clicking, im very new to bikes and this is my first real wall ive hit, looking for any insight or pointers on where to look

[@aaronballard7906]

Hey man, love the videos! I have my Vulcan 500 and i was wanting to make sure the carbs are running properly. the little thumb screw on left carb, Is that the only thing to tune the carburetor? It's all I can see. Should I turn it until right before it's about to stall or to a certain feeling? i know it says idle at 1300 +/- 50, but they don't have a tach so it's hard to measure and I just go off of other videos sounds.

[@2wheelin]

Hey, thanks for the feedback! The thumb screw is idle adjustment. Get it as Low as possible without it stumbling or dying. That's my Reccomendation. I'm not sure if these carbs have more adjustments but there is likely a pilot fuel screw as well. Good luck! Wish I could be of more help, but I'm far from an expert

[@matthewgilmore5307]

i just bye one and in exact same boat...and first owner lost the key after i puchased it, en500 2002

[@jt659]

My 09 has been sitting up for 3 years so I'm about to either have to sell it or fix it. Trying to decide if it's cheaper to get it back running or just get another used bike.

[@2wheelin]

Well if it ran fine previously, it likely won't take much money to get it going again. Fresh oil, new battery, spark plugs, clean carbs, and fresh fuel is a good start and way less than the cost of another bike.

[@jt659]

@@2wheelin Just decided to get the Ninja I was looking at. I think I'm still going to get my Vulcan back running and sell it to offset the cost. Never worked on a bike before so it's slow going, but I have more time than money so I'd rather do it and learn. J

[@markfister1850]

Where does the main fuel line go from tank to carbs top are bottom on carbs ?

[@rickwarner516]

Do you have a carburetor repair kit number the one they sent me had smaller float valves and no use at all

[@michaelsellinger4498]

I need to know how fuel lines and vacuum connect

[@joseomarroblesmartinez1750]

Can you draw the connection diagram? I got a 94' Vulcan en500 but I lost one connection, one at vacuum to the tank , other to the fuel and I have another connected to a black piece, u'r proyect it's amazing I'm doing the same with my father's bike.

[@2wheelin]

I wish I could help. No longer own the bike and I'm no expert anyway. Look up info on the ninja 500 - it shares the same engine.

[@joseomarroblesmartinez1750]

@@2wheelin And the link of duct for carburetor ? Tnks a lot !

[@snoozepop]

open your fas cap and try starting it

[@bigbubbagaming5902]

I have a Vulcan 500 with a no start issue it's getting fuel and I'm pretty sure it has spark and I think the battery is good it just won't start any help would be appreciated

[@unokarpa4405]

если у тебя слабая искра то разбери правый пульт в котором расположена кнопка заглушить двигатель и почисти контакты, это слабое звено электросистемы.

[@matthewgilmore5307]

where is a good place to get a sissy bar so my girlfriend will feel safe on it ?