How do I adjust valves on 1986 Maxim X (XJ700XS)?

Can somebody post the procedure and specs for adlusting valves on my 86 Maxim X? I STILL haven't received my XJCD's, and my bike will not idle when at operating temperature. I have talked with a mechanic, and he suggested that a valve may be the problem. It seems to idle fine when cool.

 

Can't help with valve adjustment instructions but have you tried synching the carbs? Sounds more like a carburation issue than valves to me.

Good Luck,

Greg

 

Yep, the local mechanic I took it to sync'd the carbs as best he could with it running the way it is. He didn't charge me anything because it is not running right. He also tried adjusting the idle mixture. That is how he got it running like it is. It would not idle hot or cold before I brought it to him. So it looks like it is 50% better, but still pretty much un-rideable. Not safely anyway.

It shouldn't be a carb issue. The carbs were just gone through by a professional, and I trust his work.

 

I have a done a couple of X's and would recommend you wait until you get the CDs or a manual and fully understand the entire process.

Remember, the X has a 20 valve head and uses pads NOT shims as the other XJ bikes do. It is a more complicated and exacting procedure with the X.

Having first measured the existing gap as accurately as you can, adjusting the gap to the correct spec means you need to remove the camshafts and use different thickness pads (which sit like a hat on top of the valve stem and underneath the cam follower).

Once the camshafts are replaced, the valve timing needs to be reset correctly or you can seriously damage the engine.

However, it is easy enough to check the clearances, but you need a feeler/blade gauge with narrow tips to get into the space between the cam lobe and cam follower.

 

Ouch. Sounds too technical for me to do and trust my own work.

 

You need to visit Hap's site at:
Maximum MAXIM-X

He's the ultimate resource I know of for Maxim-X stuff, and I even have the honour of knowing him in person!

 

Brett:

Get a compression check done.
That's something YOU can do!

It is possible ... given that the fact that your bike just sat for all those years; that the valves that were open or partially opened, during all that time have, may be rusty on the Valve Faces and Seats.

It's not a situation that an adjustment is going to resolve.
And ... with the bike still "Virtually new" ... having just over 10,000 Miles ... the possibility of it being a valve out of adjustment is almost negligible.

The compression check, right now ... IS the FIRST thing you need to have done!

 

i agree with rick......the recomended valve adj. interval is 26k on these bikes.