xj650 carb adj issue

Hi all
Im having a hard time with my xj650
I cleaned out the carbs but can't make the final adj on the bike
at a red light I need to keep giving throttle to keep her running then when I am driving the rpm do not drop between shifting
so basically I am looking to lower the driving rpms and raise the idle ? How the heck can I do this? I stared to play with the thumb screw ,but can't get a happy medium either its way to low and the bike wont run or its way to high ? Also even with the bike hot I need to start it with choke to get it started and ride with the choke on for a little bit before I can remove the choke
can any one help
Plz
Dave
Thank you

 

How clean are the carbs? Would you eat your lunch from the inside? Show them to your drill instructor for inspection?

What are your idle screws set at?

Valve clearances in spec?

Running Vac sync?

 

Well Dave hang in there but you got a lot of work to do....
First thing you want to do is to get your valves adjusted then move on to the carbs. When you get to the carbs you have several things going on here. Your idle problem is probably more than just one thing. It is not just the idle adjustment screw. Set your idle at around 1200rpm. This is where it needs to be. It sounds to me as though your throttle cable is to tight. Needs a little play in it and this is what is causing your riding rpms from coming down, at least, this was the case with my bike. You should also check for a possible pinch in the cable. Put a little play in the cable. This can be adjusted up by the throttle grip. Now for the bad news..... As for the starting issue.... You are going to need to clean those carbs. Note that there are a lot of passages and more than likely you will need to clean out the starting jets, ports and passages for an easy start. This can be done with a special wire tool you can get from Len at xj4ever. You then will need to set your floats, then bench sync the carbs, then put the rack back on the bike and do a vac sync then colortune, then vac sync again and colortune again. When you vac sync and color tune be sure you keep your idle at or below 1200rpm. Once you get all this done you should be able to walk up to the bike push the start button and it should start before you can get your finger off the button. I had some of the same issues as you when I first got my bike but now it has been done right and it starts and runs great. Okay, so get out there and get to it.

 

yes they are super clean inside
the mixing screw I think I set them all about 3 1/2 ish turns
think I may need to check the floats ???

 

yes check the floats, with fuel and the clear tube. I left that off my list.

 

damm how do I adj the valves ? or should I take it some where for those?

 

valves: http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

valve hold down tool options: http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html

You can find those and much more in the faq suggestion part of the site.

 

You can do them yourself or you could take it to someone that is reputable.
The key here is to have them done first before the carb stuff because if your valves are off it will make setting those carbs properly almost impossible.

 

what is the best way to set them all the same ? Sorry Im new to this

 

The valves? Either they are in spec or they are not. They won't all be exactly equal.

 

You need to get a service manual and have some " bathroom reading quiet time". Read through the valve adjustment procedure and familiarize yourself with the process. It is the first step for having a good running engine. If you are not comfortable working on it then start looking for someone in your area to lend a hand. Carbs will be next

 

If you managed to work the carbs you will find the valves to be a peice of cake.

 

First, ... Get a Workshop Manual.
Bike Shop, Ebay, even a pirated copy from crooks.
You need a Reference.
Do that first.

Find somebody who can help you.
The economy is ripe for mechanics looking to moonlight.
How about a bright kid from a Technical School's Automotive Program.
Somebody who understands what you are going to need to have done.

Your valves might be fine.
Your Carbs will likely need work.

How to do the maintenance and repairs are outlined and illustrated in a Manual.
You do one step at a time.
Eventually, you get caught-up and you're out of stuff to do for a few days.

 

thank you guys