Never touched the engine...

...except for oil changes. So here's my question, and I know it's been asked before, but I promise to actually search for each individual step if some kind XJer could provide me a list of what steps, in what order, I should take to tune an XJ engine that's actually running ok.

I know I need to clean the carbs, check the valve shims, check the jetting, sync the carbs, etc...but assuming that no-one has touched this engine in at LEAST five years, what's the best order to go about all that, and what steps have I not mentioned that I need to do?

 

Do the valves first, because tight valves can really do some damage, and might affect sync.
Then, the carbs.. Go OCD on them.
Once the carbs are clean, you can sync and tune.

Also, check the plugs... If in doubt, replace them. They're cheap.

 

+1. Follow the order in the book: Valves first, thoroughly clean the carbs; then sync. Then do the forbidden mixture adjustments via colortune and plug chop.

You can replace the sparkplugs anytime; and I would do a camchain adjustment if you haven't yet.

Everything you do to a neglected 550 will make it better, the tuning and repairs seem to have a more noticeable effect on the smaller motor. Wait till you do the valves, especially if a couple are way tight.

 

Just a question: Is that You in your avatar Photo? I hope you do not ride thus dressed.

http://wiki.sabmagfaq.org/Road%20Rash%20Queen

A bit of "Real Life"

 

Ouch...

 

I was miserable after I laid mine down a few weeks ago. couldn't imagine that

 

This may save you some time

Clean enrichment circuit
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=8918.html

Clean carbs
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2908.html

Carb Sync
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2132.html

Bench sync
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=6366.html

Float Height
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... t+dry.html

 

Valve clearance check and adjustment:
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

(And it just so happens a 550 Seca was used for that one...)

 

Thanks, everyone! And no, that's not me, just my bike - a friend wanted a shot of her on the bike with my spare helmet for her Facebook page. I've got a leather Segura racing jacket with matching gauntlets and a set of chaps I wear when I ride highway, although I usually stick with just the jacket and gauntlets in-town. I've dropped the bike once (very slow-speed lowside, due to not paying attention to some brand-new road decals) and got enough rash on my knee through a brand-new pair of Levis to last me a lifetime.

And Bill, Fitz - exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

 

You need a pair of Draggin' Jeans,Shannon, (an Australian invention apparently) See the videos on Youtube,or do a google search

Cheers,murray