Simpy question. simple answers please

simple question; on an 81 xj650, could gas in the crankcase oil cause the bike not to start? carbs have been rebuilt and synced. not sure if the bike was starting before that just know that the carbs were in really bad shape.

 

It shouldn't stop it starting, but you shouldn't run it, the petrol tap must be letting by, simple fix is to fit a cheapo in-line tap, do that first then change the oil. The bike can be hard to start for the first time after a complete tear-down, make sure the battery is fully charged & even boost from a car battery (motor NOT running)

 

Also, new plugs and check the air filter before trying to start again.

 

Simple answer? NO.

But as pointed out above, it's a SYMPTOM of a bigger problem that could very well keep it from starting.

News flash: There isn't going to be a "simple" answer to this, trust me. Gas in the oil is at very least a 2-pronged problem; maybe more. You'll have some work to do.

 

no

yes

those are both simple. pick whichever you like best.

 

It's more like "no, but because of yes."

 

Gas in the Crankcase would have diluted the Engine Oil making it very difficult for Piston "Oil Control Rings", for the wipers to keep it from invading the top Cylinder.

The Spark Plugs would become "Wet Fouled", coated and Grounded-out.

If you have a problem with the Petc0ck or Floats, ... Installing a SHUT-OFF valve will prevent future flooding until you rectify the fault.

A Briggs and Stratton Fuel Shut-OFF Valve, ... available at the Hardware Store, ... installed just after the Petc0ck, ... will Shut-OFF Fuel from the Tank to the Carbs.

Briggs & Stratton Shut-off <++> Installed after Petc0ck

 

Rick, the guy wanted simple answers.

His bike won't start. He thinks he's "sync'ed" his carbs (impossible on an non-running bike of course.) Bench sync'ed, maybe. We didn't get into wet-setting float levels, that's not "simple."

He wants a simple answer to a problem that doesn't HAVE a simple answer.

We did our best. If he wants to know how to get the bike running, the answer ain't "simple." You and I and most of us know that already.

A hard lesson awaits.

 

I don't like having to tell somebody their cat got-out and is up on the roof.

You know the story, right?
The guy goes on vacation and leaves his beloved cat with his brother.
Three days later he call to check and see how the cat's doing.
The brother tells him the cat got out and got hit by a car. It's dead!
The poor guy starts sobbing.
The guy quits cryin' and asks:

"You got to break my heart? You had to say the cat got out and was run-over by a car?
Why?
Couldn't you have softened-up the way you told me and said the cat snuck out a window and climbed up on the roof, ... and lost his grip and fell, ... and that you did everything you could for him, but his injuries were too great and the poor thing didn't make it?"

The brother thinks about and says, "I sorry. Next time I'll know better. Forgive me."

"OK, no hard feelings. How's mom?"

"Well, ... Mom's is up on the roof!"

 

There really is no true simple answer.

The simplest answer is that the OP has only taken the first step in the complex process of bringing the bike back to life, and making it ridable.

There are many more steps that need to be taken to make sure the bike can be brought back.

Now it gets COMPLEX!

You still need to check the following.

Oil Change: Gas fouled oil needs to be replaced.
Valve adjustment: Known to be a highly neglected item, but absolutely necessary in order to be able to vacuum sync the carbs, proper running, and diagnoses of the bike
Compression test: Needed to diagnose the internal condition of the motor to determine if the engine is salvageable. Absolutely critical to have the valves adjusted to get a proper reading. Disconnect TCI to prevent further problems.
Electrical: Corroded/broken wiring, and connections. Fuse block known to have problems causing a considerable number of problems.
Charging system: Brushes need to be checked/replaced. Stator & Rotor need to be checked.
Carbs: Need to be perfectly cleaned. Old dried out rubber o-rings/seals need to be replaced.
Petcock: Known to have problems with vacuum diaphram leading to the gas in the oil problem.
Fuel Tank: Very likely fouled/corroded due to neglect from prior owners, and sitting unused.
Spark plugs: Cleaned, and regapped at a minnimum. Replaced is the best option.
This is all just to get it running.
Much, much more to make it safe to ride!!

As stated above. You have only take one step. The process of making the bike ridable again will take time. money, labor, patience.

Keep posting the problems as you get to them. There are many very knowledgable guys around to help you work through them.

Ghost

 

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I seriously laughed out loud lol that's awesome!

 

i Know there is no simple answer to get the bike running. just wanted to know if gas in the oil could be a major factor in it not starting. i know why it happens and the problem has been fixed. thanks guys, still workin on her. still lots to do.

 

Sorry for the hyjack but I LMAO over that one!! :lol:

 

if I've learned one thing from this thread it's that your bike is up on the roof.

Fitz NAILED it with "no because of yes"

Take a perfectly running bike, remove the oil cap, add a few ounces of gasoline. You still have a perfectly running bike.
How the gas actually got there is another matter, not indicative of a perfectly running bike to begin with.

 

I wish there was a way to prevent somebody from buying another persons problems.

But, a bike that's been covered-up for ages, then gets washed and made pretty for the Sales Photo, Ebay pix, or even just to sit-out on the corner; looks like such a great deal to someone with a limited budget looking for a first bike to buy.

Sure, some people find a bike that just needs a flat fixed and away they go.
There are some stories in our archives that prove great deals are out there to be found.

My heart goes out to the guy who buys a bike that looks like its all dressed-up for the dance; a scratched fender away from perfect, ... but needs a Starter Clutch or Second Gear's shot.

The guy holding his new pretty balloon, ... looking around and seeing everybody he turns too for advice standing there holding a dart.

 

I know, and sometimes it feels like we're "Darts-R-Us."

And that sir, is at the heart of the problem. It's "used car" syndrome. Quite often a $300 or $400 car needs a couple of simple repairs and will run a good long time.

Unfortunately, unless bought from a true enthusiast or knowledgeable PO, such is not going to be the case with a 29 year old bike, no matter what make it is or how pretty it looks.

But by then, when it's XJs your talking about, the new owner has discovered the shim-over-bucket valve adjustment and 4-carburetor tar pit that he just bought into, a tad late to avoid the trap.

Hopefully, that's what we're here for.