84 xj1100

Hey folks how's it going

So I bought a 84 xj1100 that dosnt quite turnover so I've decided to see if j can fix it up myself however I have never worked on a bike before.
So far I've started taking side pieces and seat off I've undone and disconnected the tank and checked and cleaned the airfilter next on my list is to check the spark plugs once I figure out how to do that lol any advice or help would be great thanks guys

 

In my signature there is a link to The Inofrmation Overload Hour. Stat by reading that and ordering a service manual (they really come in handy).
You might also want to check out http://xs11.com. The XJ1100 has a lot in common with the XS11, so between both boards you'll eventually learn all there is to know about your machine.

 

How long has it been sitting? The carbs on that bike will not tolerate dirt, gunk or corrosion. TopCat on the XS11.com has some cutaways of those carbs. Once you see those you will know why the church of clean is so important if you want that xj to run correctly. We all started there.

 

Oh I understand the need for church and I plan to get there but I'd like to get the bike to start first make sure its worth putting all the effort into cleaning and resetting everything I font know how long the bikes sat I bought it off a guy who like me had planned to put some effort into fixing up a bike but never got around to it. So far I've emptied out the old fuel I've cleaned the airfilter out and I've pulled the side panels off and charged up the battery next step was checking the spark plugs

 

Pull one plug at a time. Ground it to he head (just lay it along a fin so you don't have to hold it). Thumb the starter. Repeat for each plug in turn, making sure to have the other three installed so you don't harm the TCI. You should see ablue spark, but it will look weak in comparison to what you would see from a car.

A compression test will tell you more about the engine than trying to get it to start will. Most auto parts stores have a toll loan/rent program.

If you really want to see if she'll fire before cleaning the carbs, get yourself a can of ether. open the airbox, remove the filter and spray a little (yea, just a little. you can always spray more if needed) into the front of the air box. Stand off to the right of the bike as you thumb the starter in case of backfire (unlikely to happen, but safety pays). Keep a fire extinguisher handy juse in case.

 

hey everyone i have as stated a 1984 xj1100 i have recently put new spark plugs and battery into the bike changed out fluids. The issue is the bike will crank over but not start running out of what i can think of on my own any help would be great.

 

Have you checked for spark?

 

yes i have a yellow spark on each of the four spark plugs

 

a shot of starting fluid (as suggested above)will fire the bike may run for a few seconds. you have a very odd petcock system in your bike. if you try to start it is fuel making it to spark plugs. they will be a little wet.
if not you need to start by cleaning carbs.
you should do a compression test before you start to spend money

how much new fuel did you put in tank?

 

Did you set the petcock to prime so the float bowls are filled?
The first start after a long sit is the most difficult.

 

Fuel is making it to the spark plugs started and checked all were wet as for petcock position i just turned them to on before attempting to start it . i know the options on mine say on p1 and reserve.
i will look into doing the compression test
as for fuel i didnt measure the exact amount but id say mabey a qurter of a small jerry can at most didn't want to much fuel sitting.

 

The first 1/2 gallon or so in the tank sits below the reserve pickup.
You are getting fuel or the plugs would not be wet.
You have spark, but do you have spark at the right time?
Double check that the plug wires are hooked up correctly. Left coil goes to #1 and #4; right coil goes to #2 and #3.

 

I was trying to find a schematic of the fuel lines on the XJ to see if they are the same as my XS. The XS has the Octo fuel line think that is nuts. All the spark plug boots on my XS1100 were cracked, so make sure you check that out. Pull the plugs and clean them a bit too.

Are you just trying to see if it runs before you pull the carbs and dive in? If your bike has been sitting for a season, two or more the carbs will have issues. The petcocks on the XS has two hoses coming out of it, one for "on" and the other for "res" yours? My petcocks were really gummed up as well and needed to be rebuilt.

The bike is a older bike, and rubber and some of the electrical connections on the bike will need some TLC. I know it sounds like a pain but going over the bike and taking apart one connector at a time and seeing how the wires and connectors look should be high on the to do list.

Best of luck and keep us posted.