1981 XJ550RH....next tests

I have gotten some great feedback here for my 550, and I thank you for that. Tomorrow I will be doing a compression test to see how that looks.

I'm still waiting on the shop manual to arrive, but it looks like tomorrow I will have both the weather and a helper, so I was wondering what you all think would be the next tests. I'd like to get as much info about the way she's looking before I tear into her.

Currently I am only able to get the motor to turn when bridging the solenoid. The individual safety cut off switches/relays have been disconnected (will be doing the master tomorrow), but the starter button does nothing. There are no signs of life at all. No clicking noise, nada.

I'm green here, so all opinions/ideas are welcome.

So I'd love some ideas of what the next tests should be.

Thanks in advance!

Scott

 

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I thought Fitz had mentioned that I could disconnect them.

What would be the best way to accomplish taking the safety mechanisms out of the loop, for testing purposes only. I would love to be able to systematically rule out things, so that I know what to order for replacements.

Any suggestions about the next steps after compression test?

Thanks

 

You CAN disconnect them.

If you unplug the "starting circuit cutoff relay" (a.k.a. the "safety relay") you effectively disable ALL of the safety interlocks with one fell unplug, allowing the bike to be started (in a whole bunch of unsafe ways, but started nonetheless.)

There is no need to individually bypass or disable the various components. Just unplug the one relay, temporarily.

Scott, watch for an inbound email. I'm sending you the starting circuit diags from the factory book, so you can test the solenoid and associated circuitry/wiring. Since the bike sat out in the weather, you may have a completely rusted-up solenoid, or corroded grounds, etc.

Does it even "click?"

 

Thanks so much Fitz. I'll be on the lookout.

It doesn't click at all - as in zero sound of any kind, which is what led me to believe that it may be worthwhile to test (I will be safe, I promise you) with safety disabled.

It definitely sat out in the rain. When I quickly tested whether bridging the solenoid would work, it sparked for sure. And I heard the engine turn. Just didn't have my compression tester with me at the time. But could it still be fried?

These are the type of things I'd like to test to make sure I can start my search for replacement parts.

Thanks again everyone.

 

Bridging the solenoid bypassed it. Your "jumper of choice" became the solenoid. It's a mechanical relay, there's a plunger inside that has to move to make contact, etc., if it's all rusted up it won't click and may or may not blow fuses.

You know your way around DVOMs and stuff; diagrams inbound. Won't be hard to diagnose.

But I gotta go get Chinese carry-out first.

And there's no need to search for those types of replacement parts. We have XJ4Ever, our resident parts source, member name chacal.

Click on the logo-link in the banner at upper right, or PM or email. Parts catalog is in "XJ4Ever, Supporting Vendor" and he has all of the correct parts you can possibly think of for these bikes. He even has parts that Yamaha never assigned part numbers to (caliper pin boots, for instance.)

 

Thanks Fitz. I've seen the XJforever page (s). I gotta tell you: impressive how much he's amassed for these bike; I want to jump off a bridge scrolling through it all! I know I'm knew here, and I don't want to offend or offer advice where it's unwanted, but the guy needs a free blog page (many pages!) like no one I've ever seen.

I've been able to find a few things I would get through him, but figured I'd do some searching local/eBay too. This thing seems like it could be a money pitt if I don't stay thrifty.

Unfortunately, I am feeling like a fish out of water. As far as the ignition/starter stuff goes, compared to my '76 CB, this thing might as well be an F-16

Sadly, I have never felt completely comfortable with the electrics on bikes. I can follow a schematic - but recording consoles seem easy compared to these things for some reason.

Enjoy your take-out!

Thanks.

Scott

 

...Now that you mention it, I'm up for checking any things you think are obvious points of suffering when a bike has been sitting in the weather for as long as this one has.

I've got a decent multimeter....