Bump Starting an '82 Seca 750

I recently bought a non-running '82 Seca 750 with <10k miles. It has starter clutch issues. I've cleaned the clutch with carb cleaner and that temporarily helped a bit, but with fresh MC oil in the crankcase, the starter does not catch. The starter will spin with a known good battery, but does not move the crank.

Splitting the cases to change out the starter clutch does not scare me, but before I put a lot of time and a several hundred dollars into the bike, I'd like to be sure that it runs well and tracks straight.

I've cleaned the carbs and the plugs look good. Any tips on bump starting this beast? I live in Houston, so running it down a hill and popping the clutch is not an option.

Thanks!

 

get some friends to push you.
How did you clean the carbs?

you may want to ohm out the ignition circuit to make sure the bike is capable of starting
the specs are in the first link below

some links for you
The Information Overload Hour

free down load haynes manual
XJ750 manuals

this is what the carbs do.
THE SECRET LIFE OF CARBURETORS
this is how to claen carbs
IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN

this links to cutaway of the carbs to show you all the passages and how they connect to each other and where carb spray should flow when you spray it in a passage
Something New, Something Naked

 

As far as bump starting goes, I would just put the bike in second gea and, if necessary, spray some starter fluid in the air box under the seat. A friend might help as xj550h suggests. I had my starter clutch give out as well, so I am fairly familiar with pop starting a 750 xj. Mine ran fairly decently when the starter clutch went out, so that probably helped.

 

Completely illegal, not very safe and generally not recommended because LOTS can go wrong, but.... if you have a deserted or otherwise secluded area of asphalt, and a buddy with an ATV, towing may be more productive than the run and jump. If it was a known running machine I'd say push away, but it may take a bit of turning over to get going after sitting for however long. The key is not to tie the tow rope off on the bike- just loop it once around and then hold the end under your hand- so if a problem occurs, you can release the rope and be un-tethered. This prevents anyone from being dragged against their will.

 

I fully disassembled the carbs and cleaned the passages and all the orifices. They were actually pretty clean to begin with.

Thanks for the ignition tip. I'll take a look at it.

 

I was able to bump my '82 750 after quite a few attempts and two guys helping push, but it was already "running"--it would start occasionally with liberal application of starter fluid. I'd go ahead and try bumping it, but without knowing if it CAN run before trying to start it, I wouldn't have my hopes too high. Follow JX550H's links and make sure that you're not missing any essentials.

 

If the engine starts easily (aside from the starter issue) then it will bump start easily. I find that the easiest solo method is to find a slight downgrade (even less than a 1% grade will work), put it in first, gold the clutch in, fast walk alongside for a few steps, hop on and dump the clutch. If there is enough of a grade you can duck paddle it. Even when cold it should start within 20 feet or so.

 

Before I got my starting issue worked out i pulled one spark plug out sprayed a little carb clean in then would waddle down the driveway and it would start almost every time