running rich now?

Hey all,
So maybe we can go over again what the
symptoms of rich fuel/air mixture are like. 82
xj650 maxim has been podded, and some of the
exhaust baffle cut off. So, I believe it was
running lean when the mods were first
introduced.

Current symptoms, Starts very easily, almost
without choke, bogging around 1/8th to 1/4
throttle when warmed up. Almost feels like fuel
starved at low throttle points (1/8 to 1/4) but
only when warmed up, runs great when cold,
through all points in throttle. Runs great
'opened up' on freeway, etc. anytime warm or
cold.

Valves in spec.

compression decent and even. (130, 128, 129,
131)

wet float test, fuel level in float bowls relatively
high. (This might be culprit.)

Main jet changed to 116 from 110, and for a
while I had little brass washers holding up main
jet needles to richen, but those are out now.

Pilot jets were reamed to 50 (.5mm) from 40
(.4mm), Mixture screws set about 1 1/2 turns
out, (When I started with adjusting the mixture
screws they were 4 - 4 1/2 turns out with the
#40 pilot jets in, and it was too lean. Popping on
decel, etc. The only jets I could find on the
internet were #41, wasn't enough, but, now it
seems 50 is too much)

I did a vacuum sync check and all cylinders are
pretty even.

Sounds rich, yeah? Pilot circuit.
Any input appreciated

 

YES, this will richen the mixture.

MAY BE TOO MUCH, THAT IS A LARGE JUMP.

WA-A-A-Y-Y TOO LARGE!

What does "pretty even" mean? Engines not in synch can exaggerate other issues/problems, and/or create symptoms that mimic issues that are not of concern.

 

So I was watching a Youtube video. Username maxstorey I think. He has quite a few motorcycle instructionals. He states that a useful rule of thumb is to increase main jet by 5 and pilot jet by 2, then move to pilot circuit and try needle raising and mixture screw adjustng. All this when pods are installed AND exhaust changed.

Pretty even as opposed to grossly uneven.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DvgL4q ... ata_player

 

What does it do when you have the choke on, around little throttle? Gets worse, then it's too rich.
http://www.jba.bc.ca/JBCycle/Resources/jet-chart.jpg

 

+1 on Chacal

Pods are tricky...
I'd honestly start with the float levels. Get them spot on with a ruler, then wet test again.
If you KNOW they're good then Chacal might be right and you made too big of jumps in jets..

Like I said, pods are tricky though..
MStubbs, ive never had too much luck trying to "test" with the choke on..
It depends on the weather and where my bikes sitting, sun or shade, if I even need choke...

Operating temp is the best way to test. Otherwise youre just shooting in the dark
-SlKid

 

Yes I understand the bike changes with it's temperature, fuel volatility/ pressure and all that. But don't you agree that the choke will richen the circuit, giving you a clue to what's going on?

 

Yes, it's definitely richer.
Runs worse when warmed up,
Worse when choke is on after warm up,
Better with filters pulled off after warm up.

 

It sounds like smaller pilot jets are in order, but what could screwing in the air screw do for you?

 

From what I understand, these Hitachi carbs have 'fuelscrews' because they're on the engine side of the carburetors. Turning them 'in' leans pilot circuit with relation to pilot jet size.

 

1. They are air screws, not fuel screws.

2. In either case turning the screw closer to its seat leans the mixture.

 

So, these "air screws"are exceptions?
Fuel screws are on engne side of carb, and turn 'in' to lean , like these are!

 

I GOT IT!!!
#41 pilot jets, mixture screws about 3 turns out, float levels high. Running great. Really wants to go, hits hard 25 - 45 mph.

 

Thanks again, everyone!
This one is going on the market soon.

 

I'm torn, bike is running really well, but, don't have room for another bike and CB750 is awaiting a build. So gotta sell it.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4649601279.html

 

I'm torn, bike is running really well, but, don't have room for another bike and CB750 is awaiting a build. So gotta sell it.

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4649601279.html

 

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but it 'tain't worth $4 Grand.

If you can get that, good. $2500 would be much more realistic, if that.

 

Well, I look at like this. A 1930's (2) bedroom 1400 sq foot fixer around here averages $550k and the only reason it costs that much is because they know they can get it. Gas is $4.10/gal, studio apartments are $1200 - $1500/mo , just crazy money thrown around here. Worse comes to worse, I keep it. Poor me!
Thanks for all your help BTW. (Bigfitz)

 

Yeah, CA has a different value system :wink:

Seriously though, as an example, if a studio apt is 1500/mo there (probably more for a good location), and 800/mo where I live, I would definitely list my $1000 XJ sell for like $2000, or more

 

just from a look in your area it seems bikes are rather cheap there.
at 4K you have some real competition
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4661794400.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4661744347.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4661510680.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4631095994.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4661067080.html
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/mcy/4660945664.html

good luck with that

 

Like the ad says, I'm not super motivated to sell. I think it's right in line with the customizations that were done to it and what's out there. Most of the sport bikes around here 90% of the miles put on the bike were done with the front wheel up n the air. Just beat to hell. This XJ seems to be everyone's 'first bike'. So many people come up and say, "Is that a Maxim? I use to have one of those!" etc.
Definately a specific market, but you're not going to walk into a dealership and buy a bike just like this one. I think of it as more of a piece of art that I poured my soul into and if someone wants to share in that experience they'll be willing to pay for it!
But, ya know if someone came along and offered 2k and we ended up at $3k that wouldnt be too bad either.

 

Ah hell, Polock - you know those are all the stolen bikes, going cheap for a quick sale

 

Like the ad says, I'm not super motivated to sell. I think it's right in line with the customizations that were done to it and what's out there. Most of the sport bikes around here 90% of the miles put on the bike were done with the front wheel up n the air. Just beat to hell. This XJ seems to be everyone's 'first bike'. So many people come up and say, "Is that a Maxim? I use to have one of those!" etc.
Definately a specific market, but you're not going to walk into a dealership and buy a bike just like this one. I think of it as more of a piece of art that I poured my soul into and if someone wants to share in that experience they'll be willing to pay for it!
But, ya know if someone came along and offered 2k and we ended up at $3k that wouldnt be too bad either.

 

Like the ad says, I'm not super motivated to sell. I think it's right in line with the customizations that were done to it and what's out there. Most of the sport bikes around here 90% of the miles put on the bike were done with the front wheel up n the air. Just beat to hell. This XJ seems to be everyone's 'first bike'. So many people come up and say, "Is that a Maxim? I use to have one of those!" etc.
Definately a specific market, but you're not going to walk into a dealership and buy a bike just like this one. I think of it as more of a piece of art that I poured my soul into and if someone wants to share in that experience they'll be willing to pay for it!
But, ya know if someone came along and offered 2k and we ended up at $3k that wouldnt be too bad either.