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What did I get myself into?

Discussion in 'Hangout Lounge' started by TomJ, Aug 7, 2014.

  1. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Right, so, new to bikes here and I wound up buying an '83 Seca 750 from a co-worker. I just got it running last night (I'm sure my neighbors were as happy as I was at 11:30.) It runs, but not well. It has this nasty habit of dumping a lot of fuel out of the carbs. A buddy of mine said he had a similar problem with his bike a while back, and the needle valves weren't closing all the way; said he missed an o ring that was suposed to be in there. I'm inclined to think I have the same issue, but I'm not 100% sure because of just the sheer volume of gas it's dumping. After work today I pulled the cabs back off to take a look at a couple, and they don't look horrible. So i'm going to be one of those guys that jumps in and asks for help right away. :?
     
  2. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    As far as the carbs are concerned, here's the thing to do:

    If you're the type to jump right in, then that's what you're gonna be doing.

    FIRST, search the site for info and procedure on how to check and adjust the valve shim clearances. AFTER that, you'll tackle the carbs.

    Search through this site to find the forum on Church of Clean, and you will do a TOTAL teardown of the rack, right down to not a single piece will still be connected to another piece. EVERY part, nook, cranny passage, tube, jet, etc.... will be meticulously cleaned. EVERY o-ring and seal will be replaced.
    THEN it all goes back together.
    NEXT, you'll put everything to factory specs....
    THEN you do a bench sync. This will be nominal settings to allow the bike to start and run fairly well so it can warm up, and then

    put new plugs in before

    you install the carbs, hook up an auxiliary fuel supply so the can run the bike a few minutes to warm it up.

    Then you do a running sync.

    Colortuning will be the next step, though if you are set a factory settings you'll be quite close for now.

    Now, you have in-spec clearances, a fresh carb rack, clean fuel, a new filter, clean oil and new filter, new plugs.

    BUT before you go riding, make sure to:

    check rear brakes for delamination
    check front brakes for pad condition
    rebuild master cylinder is recommended
    check date and condition of tires.

    Once all that is done, NOW your bike is safe.

    Check fusebox for weak clips, consider upgrading to blade style fuses.

    Now your bike is safe and reliable.

    NOW go ride and enjoy it!

    We're here to help you at every step. Don't be afraid to tackle something. If you get lost, we're here to help you back. If you break something, we'll help you fix it, tell you where to get replacement parts, make fun of you......oh, I mean laugh WITH you-------LOL Seriously, though......jump in, the water's great.

    Welcome aboard! Also, there's a lot of xj owners in Wisc.....probably someone is right in your 'backyard'.

    Others will chime in with other things to do, too, like greases, bearings, brake lines, etc...... so be ready for a bombardment of things. You're basically going to go through the bike and approach it as if you have to undo 30 years of neglect. If you look at it like that, regardless of how well the bike may have been cared for, you'll end up with a very safe, reliable, and totally enjoyable bike.

    Dave Fox
     
  3. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Thanks Dave, turns out biggs500 lives literally a few blocks from me lol! I found out from a youtube link he posted. I'm definitely not afraid to get my hands dirty. Fortunately, I have the Haynes manual to go with the bike, but it pales in comparison to advice from guys that have been there. I'm excited to get my bike on the road, but definitely want to do it right.
     
  4. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    do some careful reading here, cuz there are some errors in the haynes manual..........

    biggs500 is a good guy.

    dave
     
  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    STOP RUNNING THE MOTOR until you've changed the oil and are attending to the carbs.

    The carbs were also dumping fuel into your crankcase while they were dumping it "out."
     
  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    And you can check for that easily......open the oil filler cap and take a sniff. If it smells like gas, or even somewhat gassy, you got gas in your oil and its already thinned out.

    If it just smells like old oil, you're safe that way, BUT you STILL have a crankcase full of old oil.

    dave
     
  7. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Yeah, I figured out the crankcase part pretty quick. Carbs are already off again, and half torn apart. I'm really tempted to swap over to one of those K&N filters while I'm at it. Thanks for all the advice guys, it sure helps.
     
  8. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

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    Resist the temptation.
     
  9. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    Stay stock. Switch to that air filter and you change air flow, which means changing mixture, jetting, idle, etc....
    If you're gonna do that, you may as well try pods...... Youll have the same headaches----
     
  10. fiveofakind

    fiveofakind Well-Known Member

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    Staying stock is the way to go......they designed these bikes this way for a reason....

    Pods = Problems
     
  11. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    That seems to be the consensus. I just don't want to wrestle the air box again.
     
  12. buzz81mach

    buzz81mach Member

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    I have taken my carbs off so many times that it takes less than 10 minutes to put them back on with the tubes. Heat the tubes up and they become very soft.

    I figured that a few years ago when I was reading a bunch of posts while I was frustrated with my carbs. LOL. Heating them up makes the job so much easier.

    Of course, you may still be bummed about taking the carbs off and on, but you will feel a little more relief if you try this.
     
  13. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Just a quick update for anyone interested. I got the carbs all pulled apart, and I'm currently looking to find the best deal on rebuild kits. Work and school have kept me busy the last few days, but I'm still plugging away at the bike. =D
     
  14. biggs500

    biggs500 Active Member

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    TomJ, send me a PM and I can stop over sometime and help you get started. I've learned a lot of the right way to do things right by doing them wrong the first time. Hopefully I can help you avoid that. :) I also have many of the tools you will need so that should help you also.

    As far as most if not all the parts you'll need, one word. Chacal. :)
     
  15. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

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    I've said that so many times now, it should a sticky. Yet, people continue to fight and fight and fight with them. Lol
     
  16. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    +1 for all good advice from solid members including a couple xj gurus (hint-hint). You're in luck; you've seen biggs bikes and he's offering "in the flesh" help. I'm no guru but imo start a log book and take lots of before and after pics. Start with a compression test. As you slowly progress you'll believe more and more and once you realize how "legit" this site is regarding these bikes well let's just say your co-worker might want to buy his/her former bike back. Welcome aboard and good luck with the recommission. You're on the right path.

    Gary H.
     
  17. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Thanks for the offer Biggs, it'll be a couple weeks yet until I'm ready; going to Chicago this weekend, and the kiddo's first Birthday is the weekend after.
     
  18. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Huh, well, this is something that got away from me... I'm finally back at working on my bike! Between work and school having the right combination of free time and money was practically impossible. Now I'm done with school, and I got a new job so free time is still a bit limited, but now I do have the money to spend to do this job right. I plan on ordering the rebuild kit for my carbs this week, and started sanding down and cleaning up the tank because I have what i need for that laying around the garage. I will be starting a progress thread elsewhere as to not clog up the lounge. But, that will have to wait for tomorrow, as it is already past my bed time. (The joy of having to be at work at 5:00 a.m. and having a 70 mile commute each way.)
     
    Beekman likes this.
  19. FtUp

    FtUp Well-Known Member

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    congratulations on finishing school and landing a job. we all have to pay to play, and to pay we must work. it sucks so bad sometimes when I am at work and the weather is sunny and warm.

    FU
     
  20. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Well, fortunately for me, I get to work outside when the weather is nice. Unfortunately, the same can be said for when the weather sucks...
     
  21. Skwerly

    Skwerly Member

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    Nice going on the job! Been following this thread, too.
     
  22. TomJ

    TomJ Member

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    Thanks, it has nothing to do with what I went to school for, but that's okay... it pays better! And I grew up not too far from you in Temecula.
     

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