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Steps to take prior to trying to start my xj

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Darth_Menace, Mar 10, 2011.

  1. Darth_Menace

    Darth_Menace Member

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    hey guys i bought an 81 xj650 for $400. it was parked in 2009 and not driven in 2010 (owner was going through personal problems, etc). anyways when i bought it there was no battery and the gas tank was drained in 2009 so needless to say i havent heard it running. bought a battery and replaced a spark plug resistor, and now i'm just waiting for the weather to improve before i take the moment of truth to see if it starts. anyways, since it hasnt started for about 1.5 years i was wondering what precautionary steps i should take, and what to do prior to my trying to start it.
     
    Darth_Menace, Mar 10, 2011
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  2. Bargomer

    Bargomer Member

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    Get a service manual for your bike

    Get an auxiliary tank as a temporary fix until you get the tank cleaned, it'll also come in handy for checking the float levels in your carbs.

    Clean your carbs, and check float levels as mentioned.

    Check the compression.

    Check the length of your starter and alternator brushes.

    That's all I can think of right now, I'm still kind of new at this as well.
     
    Bargomer, Mar 10, 2011
    #2
  3. steber

    steber Active Member

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    If you have it inside right now, you should pull the rear wheel off and check the rear brake pads for delamination. Probably one of the most important checks before you get the bike on the road. Just use the search function to search for the topic if you're unsure of what to look for.

    Might save your life!
     
    steber, Mar 10, 2011
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  4. Darth_Menace

    Darth_Menace Member

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    unfortunately its not inside right now. \kinda sitting cold in my garage in the sticks of crap-ass rural Canada
     
    Darth_Menace, Mar 10, 2011
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  5. Militant_Buddhist

    Militant_Buddhist Member

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    In addition to the above and below comments I would submit...
    with any motor that has been sitting that long I would pull the plugs, squirt some oil in the cylinders, snick it up to high gear and roll it around by hand while working the clutch in and out.

    EVERYTHING in a motor that is supposed to be protected by a thin layer of oil is currently dry, metal on metal. Rings in the bores, clutch plates, cams, valves, starter clutch.
    Get that oil in there gently before subjecting the whole enchilada to the fuss and fury of electric start.

    How many miles are on the clock? It may have been due for some certain maintenance items before it was parked.
     
    Militant_Buddhist, Mar 10, 2011
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  6. Darth_Menace

    Darth_Menace Member

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    24000km on the odometer.
    7000km on a rebuild (or so I was told, but who really knows)
     
    Darth_Menace, Mar 11, 2011
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