Stalling no neutral .

ok I have a few things going on, I have a 1982 xj750 maxim and I don't seem to have neutral and it keeps stalling when throttle is applied or when clutch is released . Also no matter where I shift it its always is in gear. I can't seem to find neutral or it just won't go into neutral . The neutral light doesn't come on either. Now as for the stalling , the bike with choke off idles great , but as soon as I hit the throttle it stall and as soon as I release the clutch it stalls.Also when the choke is on it revs really high like around 5000 rpms. And when I shut it off it will take some time to come down. I got this bike from a guy who said he cleaned and synced the carbs but I'm not sure how compentant he was . The bike had other issues I had to fix to get it running. I am pretty new to this so treat me like a nubie.

 

Certainly, the carbs should be gone through (and check valve clearances). Like others here, if you don't know what's been done, assume everything needs to be done. The carbs are complicated and there are lots of passages and parts that can be clogged or out of spec. I sent my carbs to hogfiddles to re-build and my bike runs beautifully.
About the neutral, if the neutral switch or light are broken, it means you don't have an indicator of when you find neutral. Of course, maybe there's a transmission problem and other can probably chime with ideas.

 

Sidestand switch can stick, and not allow the safety circuit to work, cutting power from the TCI when the clutch is released. Clean the switch.

Neutral can be difficult to find, but it's there. Put it in second and do a slow 1/2 shift down.

 

Can a bad neutral switch cause it to not go into neutral. I tried finding neutral but every available gear is a running gear and when I release the clutch it moves forward and stalls. How much does a carb rebuild cost . Anyone know anyone in the lansing mi area that could check it out for me? Or at least know a reliable shop.

 

1. Do not go to a shop.

2. You can do the carb rebuild yourself IN THE CHURCH OF CLEAN.

3. A faulty neutral switch will not prevent the transmission from finding neutral, but it will prevent starting the engine with the clutch out. It's easy to shift past as you do not make a full shift. Even just a bit more than a 1/2 shift will put you into the next gear.
The light not coming on is not necessarally an indication of a fault, bit can simply be due to a burned out bulb.

 

Also the vacuum tube on the petcock is on the #1 from the left carb nipple , is that ok ? Seems like I read it's supposed to be on the third one. I left it there because that's where it was .

 

A vacuum is a vacuum. It's on carb #2 normally (counting from the left as you sit on the bike).

 

hey k-moe, if ur free for a minute i need ur smarts about front caliper problem on xj 700, tell me which thread to go to if you have time please.

 

Neutral issue could be from material jamming shift drum?

 

I'm local to you, and will gladly look at it! Shoot me a message with your contact info.
Do not even think about taking that bike to Full Throttle, or Fast Lane. They have no clue how to work on theses bikes.

~Ghost

 

Put the bike on the center stand, engine off, and slowly turn the rear wheel while going through the gears shifting with your hand. That will help you feel the shifts. When you get to 1st gear then pull up slowly and see if you can find neutral before it goes into 2nd. That way you can shift between 1st and 2nd to see if it will go into neutral.

 

The high revs with choke on and stalling whilst giving 'er throttle almost sounds like the cables were attached to the rack 'backwards'. Not even sure if it is physically possible by those PO's sure can be crafty.

If it were me I would have some pizza and soda (I never drink and ride) awaiting MiGhost's arrival.

 

Making arrangements to go look at it friday.
Till Then. I'll take mine HPMB XC!

~Ghost

 

Ham, pineapple, mushroom, bacon, and extra cheese?

 

Got to looking at the gas cap and does not get a good seal on the tank , can that cause any issue with how it runs?

 

A good seal is required to keep from getting gas on your crotch. There is a vent in the cap that must be clear so air can come in to make up for the gas that is removed while running.
Gas cap repair

 

What would be a good fuel additive to help clean the fuel system and carbs ?

 

Also what type of oil does everyone run , I have the 10w40 valvoline 4 stroke oil in it right now .

 

Nothing.
Additives don't clean carbs, they help keep them clean. Seafoam is my preference, but only occasionally. All pump gas has addative packages that help keep things clean. Use a fuel stabilizer before parking it for the winter.

Oil info link in my signature.

 

I put Sea Foam in a couple of times a year.

 

I think 10W40 is a good year round oil and Valvoline motorcycle oil is good. I prefer the synthetic oil and have Mobil 1 10W40 in my bike right now. Some Walmart stores carry a Valvoline synthetic in 10W40 and it is $2-3 less. I stay away from 20W50 because I don’t like to change the oil just because it gets cold. Some folks seem to have problems with synthetic oil but it has worked for me in all 4 of my bikes.