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Electrical problem on an 81 xj550

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by spike62, Jun 27, 2007.

  1. spike62

    spike62 New Member

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    I just recently purchased an 81 550 maxim. cosmeticly in great shape but had sat for about 2 1/2 yrs. ( gastank drained and i believe the carbs were drained too) I was told that the bike needed a new regulator. i bought a regulator off ebay and installed on the bike along with a new battery. i pulled all the plugs and tried to crank over the engine however all i got was some clicking and finally it cranked. the start button felt like it was sticking. i pulled the start button apart and cleaned the corrosion off the housing. i got the engine to crank once more and was able to make sure i was getting spark to the plugs. but now it seems like i have a dead battery but it is brand new and didnt use much to drain it?
    So anyways i was just wondering if anyone could give me a place to start on checking the electrical system before i tear it all apart. could the button itself be bad causing it to almost ground itself out and not work?? i did use a test light and there was absolutely no wires with power to them inside the switch? im not an electrician but im pretty sure there should be at least one hot wire correct????
     
  2. bk94caddy

    bk94caddy Member

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    Check the wire from solenoid to starter for breaks or any kind of damage, and clean all of those contacts also. If not, check starter brush length if you are getting 12 volts to starter.
     
  3. spike62

    spike62 New Member

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    Thanks! I was so aggrevated i didnt even think of that lol. that very well could be the guy who took this thing apart was a hack
     
  4. low-1-5-0

    low-1-5-0 Member

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    sounds like a possible ground problem but I just a thought...check your oil level, it may be a long shot but if the base was over full it would cause the bike not to crank over, I thought I had a weak battery in the honda I had but it turned out the base was full of oil/gas, so much the engine would not crank, drained it put fresh back it and the thing cranked and fired like new!
     

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