XJ550R won't idle after carbs cleaned

Ok, you guys say now that it isn't a diaphragm problem. (wrinkly diaphragms)

I have bench synced the carbs.

The vacuum is obviously working if it idles with the choke on, correct? I can get it to run just fine but the choke needs to be on...leads me to believe it's still a carb issue. The vacuum line seems to be working just fine.

I am not trying to say you guys are incorrect just simply updating you on what is going on here so you can better assist.

So, yes air box out and off (1 size bigger pilot jets for pods once I get them) cleaned carbs (multiple times), float test proves to be a little low (3/4 full 1-3 and 4 about 1/2), mixture screws out 2 1/2 turns from seated. This is where I sit now...

 

Not true. There is some vacuum present but it most likely is not balanced.

These bikes do not have a "choke" or air restriction. Rather they add fuel when the plungers are up.

Get it warm on the choke and make the proper adjsutments to your idle/pilot screws and your idle speed knob. You may well be getting air from somewhere if it does not idle without choke. Check for air leaks at the throttle seals and the inake boots.

And you said the P word! Pods can require extensive carb work and repeated jet changes to get the proper result.*

Are the valves checked and good as Fitz suggested in your other thread? Compression numbers good? If not all your tuning will be for not.

*disclaimer, I have not personally run pods on my xj but I know how a carb works.

 

Yes I know pods will require jetting changes which is why I got +3main and +1 pilot per another users long rant on carbs (very informative) as a starting point.

There is a lot that got changed at once which is why I turning to you guys to find what my next step should be. I will try a compression test when possible.

How do I go about timing the valves? And checking the vacuum?

And what about my low float bowls how do you fix that problem (if those numbers are even low), and would that really cause this issue?

 

One question at a time...

Not timing, shim clearance. Too tight and the valves will open early and close late, too loose and they open late and close early. Fitz has a great writeup with pictures in the xj FAQ suggestion section

If you have good compression you have vacuum. You need to balance the pairs of carbs and then ultimately the 4 together to equalize it. You'll need a manometer, they can be home build easily. This will be near the end.

There is a write up on the fuel level here. Check it with fuel and check it wet. It most certainly can cause this issue. Fuel too low in the bowl isn't drawn up correctly throught the pilot circuit.

 

I will take a look at those FAQ's a bit later tonight. And try a couple more things and update with my results. Thanks guys

 

Float levels are very critical to the small Mikunis on the 550s, and could be the root cause of your problem.

Do a forum seach for "clear tube method" or "float levels" there have been a number of postings that included Rick's color-coded diagram. The fuel level in the float bowls is a +/- 1-2mm situation, it doesn't take much to be way off with only a 3mm "window." That's why it's necessary to check them properly, using fuel. It sounds to me like all of yours are low.

 

Where are you located? Please send me pm. Thank you!
Natan

 

Could you guys please point me with a link to the clear tube float test FAQ. I live about 45 minutes west of Chicago.

 

Here it is. http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... level.html
It took me les than 30 seconds to find this after I typed float level in the search box.
Scroll down to RickoMatics colour coded diagram.

 

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=3 ... level.html that should get you set up.

Chicago is way too far for a house call from me!

 

You also know exactly what you are looking for I don't. Thanks for the link, please keep the smart*** comments to yourself.

 

Geez, glad I could help! :evil:

 

I live in Middleton, WI. If you want and you are able to come here, I will help you to go through your carbs. We can take tyem apart and clean them really well. I have also an ultrasonic cleaner nthan take care of most of it. Let me know.
Natan

 

Don't worry about it guys. I've got this one covered. Cow, for the last time, do what I told you. BTW I think you need more tanqueray!

 

Oh, before I forget, I'm running pods on my bike. I upped the jet sizes a few and did MINOR changes to the Carb and they run fine. Anyone that says pods are a bad idea has obviously never tried.them and doesn't understand how a carburator works. Pictures soon to come.

 

Magiccowinuse, im in belvidere near rockford. when it get a touch warmer we can deff meet up if you want. Im right near 90 and genoa rd.