New owner and new user of an XJ550RK...of course I have questions...

Hello, everyone. I just picked up an 83 XJ550 seca yesterday. It was one of the purchases that I knew I should have just walked away from, but I had driven 3 hours to look at the bike. The guy was a shyster in the highest form and everything out of his mouth was obviously bullsh*t. When I got there, the bike was already warmed up, which is a good first clue that something is amiss. Well, he was dead set on $750 because "some collector from California was going to come in a couple weeks and pay him $1000" for the machine. I talked him down to $600 because the tires are shot and there is some other issues cosmetically from thebike (exhaust was hacked and baffles removed---according to him).

So, I get the bike him and go to start it (ice cold motor-temperature outside-probably in the teens). The bike is super hard to start and when it does it shoots a flame out of the right exhaust. It runs poorly for a few seconds and dies. We go to push the bike in the shed and the front caliper is seized...don't know how I missed that. I decide to start it again and it backfires loudly. I give up as it is like 10pm and I don't want to make the neighbors angry.

So, where should I start? I am assuming access fuel would cause the flame and the backfire. Should I pull and clean the carbs first? It is strange because the individual had installed an inline fuel shut off switch right after the petcock. I wonder why they would do this, unless they somehow converted the petcock to no longer be a vacuumed system.

Any thoughts, ideas, or further questions you would have for me to help me get this lump of turd back on the road?

 

I have the a XJ550R as well, 82 model year. Picked it up for $250 after it sat for twenty years. Best advice I can give you in pull the valve cover off and check the valve clearances. Replace/swap shims that are out of spec. (You can get a copy of the manual online which will explain this is more detail). Once the valves are in spec, tear the carbs down and give the jets and passages a thorough cleaning. Check/replace o-rings and carb diaphragms as needed. Also check the rubber air intake boots for cracks which can cause vacuum leaks and lean running conditions. After all this is completed and providing compressions and spark is adequate it should run much better. These are the exact steps I took to resurrect my Seca and it started up in 2 seconds after sitting for twenty year.

Just one thing to note, these bikes are a bitch to start cold, make sure the battery is in good condition. I prefer using a large car battery when working on my bikes so that I don't drain the motorcycle battery down to quickly.

 

first starting in 15 degree weather is a tough start you want to make sure the oil is correct for temp. and you use the proper rated oil
Choosing Oil for a Wet Clutch Motorcycle
it is a good sign that it starts.
you will want to evaluate motor first before you start spending money
as suggested check valves go to auto parts store and buy this tool KD 2274 feeler gauges
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/airhead-valve-adjustment-with-pics.14827/

then do a comprestion test

ohm out the ignition system to check coils ,pickups and plug caps specs can be found here or in the information over load
The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide


clean carbs 3 links to help
IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN

Something New, Something Naked

THE SECRET LIFE OF CARBURETORS

some solid reading for you-read it
The Information Overload Hour,

we will help you
you will need a manual as well

 

Tried to start the bike again..did it until the battery was almost dead....pulled the plugs and they are extremely fouled.

Trying to clean them now with a wire brush. It obviously runs somehow as he had it started and it ran when I picked it up. I am hoping from just letting it idle for awhile it caused the plugs to foul.

Does anyone on the site make and sell the YICS tool for when I get to cleaning the carbs and need to sync them?

Thanks

 

ok listen about this. the battery must be fully charged to start bike as soon as it goes below 10 volts the tci ignition will not fire. starter will still spin strong

12 volts on battery when you press starter button if voltage goes below 10 volts you wasting your time.
sent you a conversation check your inbox at top of page

use some starter fluid spray into airbox opening under seat.

the ycis tool is considered not needed by most of the forum members you can make one
search the DIY forum for instructions

 

Man, I am dying to find a 550 Seca and you guys are picking them up for pennies!
Good luck, you definitely have a bike worth bringing back to life.

 

Ok, thanks for all the information. I pulled the battery and have it on a tender. Will buy some new plugs tomorrow and go from there. Off topic, but what kind of dog is that, XJ550H? It looks just like my shelter dog.

 

[QUOTE="DigitalDwarf, post: 495495, member: 19324"
Does anyone on the site make and sell the YICS tool for when I get to cleaning the carbs and need to sync them?

Thanks[/QUOTE]
I will be one (of few) who will tell you that the tool is not needed to get a good running synch. It is handy to have, and might be good if you have to pass emissions testing, but it's not needed otherwise.

 

So, I can sync the carbs without it? This will be my first time messing with multiple carbs. I am used to single cylinder machines (pedal mopeds, and ATVs), but never messed with multiple carbs. Thanks

 

yes you can.
he is an Irish JRT 20 lbs of pure attitude he has no problem facing down bears, he has kicked the asses of a few pit bulls. they now wimper like little sissies and lay on the ground when he struts past.
JRT Jack Russell terrier

 

got mine for $100 it had no keys will be firing it up this week when it is a little warmer
temp is supposed to hit 40

 

if there is a petcock after the oem one you will need to rebuild the stock one or check it out it could be just a bad vaccume line or petcock needs to be rebuilt or replaced

 

Well, I got it running! Fired right up once the plugs were cleaned and the battery was charged. Let it run on choke for a couple minutes until it started choking itself out, took choke off and it died...guess I should have moved it to half choke (it is cold here-31°). unfortunately there is no room in the shed to work on the bike, so carb cleaning/syncing and valve checks will have to wait until spring .