Where to start?

I have own rode repaired my own bikes before. How ever this is my first 4 cylinder. I have had this bike for a few weeks so I have to assume that none of the required engine services have be done. This winter I plan on setting the valves, rebuilding the carbs and a full tune up. My 055044ax 550 Maxum has 18k on it. I haven't found a owners or shop manual yet but am trying to plan out all the order the neglected maintenance should be done in. I would guess valve adjustment then rebuild carbs then tune carbs last engine tune up.
I have been reading older forums but have not seen any were yet that says the proper order.
Thanks from a newbie.

 

Let's see if I got this right..
1st. Rear drum brakes/Front brake lines/Tires - all 3 critical safety issues
2nd Valves
3rd Carbs
4th Tune-up, etc

the pros will correct me if I'm wrong!

 

The front brakes includes the master cylinder and caliper.

Also replace the stock fuse box or you'll have a thousand electrical gremlins when you try to start her up the first time.

Part of your maintenance (oil, filter, etc.) should include checking all electrical connectors, cleaning them, and using dielectric grease on them.

Also new sprockets and chain on the 550's

 

Hey there, don't feel bad bud, I am in the same boat on my 81'XJ750 Seca R. When I started out purchasing my machine I thought that I just wanted to hear it run before going any further so that I could tell just how deep I would have to go so I put an auxilary fuel tank on it and tried to fire her up! Sorry to say all the O-rings had shrunk on the fuel lines from carb to carb and the gas was running all over the place! Now I am seeing many more issues which have to be addressed before even attempting to start her up like, I had to replace a spring on my shifter with in the side case. Then the battery had to be replaced, then I found that two of the float bowls were cracked, had to buy 4 more carbs and more. Keep in mind these machines are over 30 years old, rubber parts don't normally last that long. Now I figure it will probably be next spring before she will ever get on the road but in the mean time I am enjoying working on a bike again in my spare time for sure! You have to love them or all hope is lost (and become a part of your bike). Just keep the faith and stay on track to the goal. I also have a flat tire to fix, front forks to re-seal, and I am sure many other things before I am done. 81XJ750SecaR, 18,000 mi. grunt 007, Mi. ))))

 

Read before you ride

 

Welcome aboard

You can make this your first stop on getting to know your bike http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewforum/f=23.html
Almost anything, and posibly everthing you might want to know.

You will find the manuals in the parts catalog post.

Ghost

 

Thanks for the welcome.
So far safety items changed chain and sprocket set, front tire, driving lights, fresh break fluid, and rear break shoes because they were falling apart in side the drum. All the standard bike adjustments for fit and function.
Accessories so far used saddle bags and a used square cut saddle bag re-purposed as a sissy bar bag.
Soon new paint, 5" desert lights, and a extended run tank made by grafting steel into a stock 550 tank yet to be found.
I drive 50 miles a day minimum and figure that stopping every other day before 6am is beginning to annoy me.