81 xs 400 special

Hello all, new to this forum. I have a 81 xs 400 that I'm tryen to bring back to life. Cleaned carbs, new spark plugs, working TCI box, newer coils, spark plugs are getten wet so I have fuel. Pull spark plugs and ground them and get spark. My 400 does not have the points in, elect ign system.......any thoughts would be a big help. :roll:

 

Wet plugs=too much gas. You could drain the float bowls, spray some starter fluid into the air box and see if it tries to run (rules out ignition/timing/compression problem). Don't have an XS400 but some carb basics transcend all bikes. Like - checking fuel level in bowls; all passages/jets/emulsion tubes/idle mix needle valves need to be removed & cleaned; checking for holes/tears in CV rubber diaphragms; checking vacuum hose/plugs; bench-sync of carbs; proper initial setting of idle mix screw; new in-line fuel filter; proper fuel flow. You need the service manual.

Also - if the battery is not up to snuff (at least 10V when cranking) the electronic ignition usually doesn't fire.

 

Thanks Zap....I'll give it a try................

 

IT"S ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!! Got it runnen today!!!!!!!!! Newer TCI box, plugs....and switched the coil wires around....and adjusted valves......POW it fired up and ran!!!!!!! :wink: :wink: