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spring starting problems

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by SnoSheriff, Apr 3, 2006.

  1. SnoSheriff

    SnoSheriff Site Owner Staff Member Administrator

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    Tonight was my first try at starting the bike this year. I have failed to get it going.

    It was turning but I didn’t catch. I have some starting fluid kicking around so I decided to give it a try. I sprayed some into the air filter inlet and the bike started right up. But it only ran for few seconds. So, I’m thinking I’ve got bad fuel in the carbs.

    To winterize I added some old (probably not a good idea) Stabil in the fall and topped up the tank. Then I ran the bike for a very short time (<5 min). I looked at my carb draining screws today and they look VERY rough. I saw that one of the Philips screws is pretty much stripped . I also pulled the fuel line just by the petcock and saw the fuel flowing.

    Now, the fun begins. How do I remove these carb draining screws? Anyone know the size of these screws? I’d like to buy new ones ahead of time so I can just replace them before I remove these stripped ones.

    Can I drain the carbs in any other way without undoing these draining screws? My intention is to drain the carbs and my tank. Then add fresh fuel and try starting the beast. Any other suggestions?
     
    SnoSheriff, Apr 3, 2006
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  2. NACHOMAN

    NACHOMAN Member

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    If your screws are anything like the seca's, you can't just replace them with screws of the right thread size.
    They have a tapered end that seats into a hole.
    They probably aren't available from yamaha, but a mikuni screw might fit.
     
    NACHOMAN, Apr 3, 2006
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  3. jdrich48

    jdrich48 Member

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    The drain screws are actually needle valves, somewhat like the mixture screws. but a little larger.

    Here's a link to a guy who makes new ones with hex heads.
    Steve C (stevec5000@yahoo.com or stevec5000@gmail.com) is your guy for
    float-bowl drain screws.
    I think they were $10.00

    His work is here: http://www.mesanet.netfirms.com/CarbDrainScrews.htm


    I drilled mine to a depth that would allow me to insert a easyout to remove them, then I re-slotted the heads.
    I will be ordering these next time I get into the carbs.
     
    jdrich48, Apr 3, 2006
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  4. Nick

    Nick Member

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    I'm sure they are the same on the maxim and seca's.
    The thread size is 6 x 1.0 mm just under 1" long and tapered on the end like Nachoman says. Odd thing, it's a slot head, not a philips head screw.
    What the heck here's a pic!
     

    Attached Files:

    Nick, Apr 3, 2006
    #4
  5. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    I want some of the hex head units you described Rich. The link you posted doesn't show a bloody thing, I'm put out. I'm in for two sets if you can contact him.
     
    Robert, Apr 4, 2006
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  6. Hired_Goon

    Hired_Goon Member

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    Hired_Goon, Apr 4, 2006
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  7. jdrich48

    jdrich48 Member

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    Thanks Hired_Goon
     
    jdrich48, Apr 4, 2006
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  8. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    Beautiful! That link worked. I'm on it, thanks Nick!
     
    Robert, Apr 4, 2006
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  9. SnoSheriff

    SnoSheriff Site Owner Staff Member Administrator

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    Tonight I spent about 2 hrs trying to cut a hole in the bowl draining screw so I can use a screwdriver. But that didn’t work. So, I went to local Princess Auto to pick up some bolt extractors. Came back in about 1 hr and those didn’t work either as the screw is to soft. So, at this point I pretty much decided that this 1 screw is not going to come out.

    I put the key into ignition, put the choke on, press the start button and to my disbelief the great MAXIM fires right up :mrgreen: :mrgreen: :mrgreen:!!! Last weekend must have been bit to cold for her as it was around 0C (32F). Tonight we are sitting at 7C (44F). I had it running in the garage for good 10min. I guess my winterization did work after all. Tomorrow I’m going for a ride.

    Now I need to get a set of carb bowls so I don’t have to screw around with these draining bolts in the future.
     
    SnoSheriff, Apr 5, 2006
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  10. jdrich48

    jdrich48 Member

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    Snosheriff.
    There's a couple sets of carbs on ebay right now.
     
    jdrich48, Apr 5, 2006
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  11. SnoSheriff

    SnoSheriff Site Owner Staff Member Administrator

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    Thanks, I'll keep my eye out. No rush right now. Stupid me, there was local insurance auction 2 weeks ago and they had a burned 82 XJ with slight damage around the seat and wiring. But I bet those carbs were good. I should have bought it :(. Next time I'll know better.
     
    SnoSheriff, Apr 5, 2006
    #11

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