problems starting

ok suggestions on where i should start. 81 xj 650 bobber project. The bike is very difficult to start requires full choke. It will crank then immdialtey shut down. then half choke it cranks. then it shuts down again. choke a little more give it some gas then it will crank but you gotta let it run for at least 10 mins before you even think about riding. Lightly give it some gas then if your lucky it wont bog down. What im saying is that it is extremly tempermental to start and keep running. but once she warms up she runs great. Soooo should i check valve clearance or clean carbs or what?

 

All the above since it sounds like a fuel issue.

Can't make the carbs run right unless the valves are in spec.

Read ALL the posts/threads/how too's for tuning, AND NO SHORT
CUTS or you'll just be spending lots of time asking questions when
the answer will still be- no short cuts.

good luck.
ron

 

Valve clearances, clean the carbs, sync, and tune before you even try narrowing down the issue. It might even fix the issue, but you NEED to do all of these before you try and figure it out.

Even a bench tune(2.5 out) and bench sync might get it running good enough to diagnose the problem (still clean and adjust valves though), if it still exists.

 

k so im gonna do the valves first. Do i need new gaskets if so where is the best place to get them

 

Valve cover gaskets and the "donuts" on the bolts holding the valve cover down.

If the valve cover gasket is still pliable and has no hard spots you should be able to reuse it.

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

Fitz write up should be able to answer alot of your questions.

 

When one of these bikes NEEDS a lot of "Choke" to Start or help the Engine run, ... THAT fact indicates that there is a Fuel Delivery issue to overcome.

If the Intake has been altered to have Individual Pods as Air Cleaning Elements; the carbs will require being re-jetted to accommodate the Mod.

Needing a generous amount of Enrichment means that the Carbs aren't supplying sufficient Fuel to let the Bike Idle and Run right.

Although symptomatic of Pods; they might not be totally at fault.
The Carbs Fuel and Air Passages all need to be free-flowing and clean.
Diaphragm Pistons need to rise and fall freely and easily.

You'll likely have to Clean your Carbs and then rejet them.

 

It does have pods po installed. No clue if its been rejeted. been trying to find a thread on cleaning my carbs 81 xj 650 search not working for me

 

The link to that http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2908.html is in Rick's signature, directly above.

Most everything else, including VALVE ADJUSTMENT can be found in "FAQ Suggestions."

 

since i have pods how do i determine if the correct jets are in there. WHich i highly doubt. Also where do i get the right jets?

 

And there's the problem.

There are no "correct jets" for pods; you can start with the recommendations contained in this article: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14692.html almost at the bottom is a section with "formulas" for rejetting for various mods such as pods and exhaust modifications.

 

now im utterly confused. How the heck n wat the heck should i do now? Build an air box n see iff that fixes my problem or do a clean out n see if that does it? :?

 

Your bike should bring you joy.
Let that be paramount when you decide what to do.

Of our 10,202 Members; something like a dozen claim that they've got Pods and splendid performance.
0.11762 Percent.
2 keeps the 6. 6 raises the 7 to 8. 8 raises the 1 to 2 = 0.12%

Make it run good, first.
Find a Box, Boots and Clamps.
Clean.
Tune.
Ride it.

Once you have some fun.
Try the Pods.
(Save the parts removed.)