hard cold starts

I have a 81 xj650 maxim,have had for about 2 months always started right up.But have been sick for about a week and hadn't rode it.Now can not get it to start,even have some backfire....any ideas. :?

 

I'm with the SnoSheriff.

Sounds to me like you went out to start it - perhaps it was a bit colder, perhaps the battery was a little flatter... you did your normal start up procedure and the little things added up - it didn't start right away and it got flooded.

What you should do now is - check the spark plugs and charge the battery.

I don't think the gas would have gone bad in a week, but if it was stored outside it could have got water in it I suppose. ( Gas floats on water so the carbs could be full of water instead of gas...) To check that you could get a rubber hose and a container - drain a bit off each carb and inspect it for crap/water... it's not a bad idea to do this once in awhile as a systems check - see what's left in the carb bowls. Often you'll find a bit of fine grit.

Backfire is a sign of richness - signs are pointing to flooded and/or improper starting procedure for the conditions [ like it's really cold now and you have to change your choke procedure].

One other comment - as it gets colder the oil gets thicker. I find it helps to put the bike in gear and rock it back and forth with the clutch in. Bump it over a few times by releasing the clutch. Put the bike in neutral and hold in the clutch while starting. This helps to get things moving - reduces the load on the starter motor making it easier to start and help it last that little bit longer.

cheers,
woot.

 

Thanks for the imput I'll give it a try.Don't think it's the gas,garage kelp.But will check it anyways.Will change out the plugs. Has far the weather that's whats so stange it was a unusally warm day about 74.Thats what sucks,we have had some really great bike riding weather the last few weeks.But between being sick and work and now this.But it'll work its self out.Once again thanks.

 

Ok check gas was fine.Change plugs fired right up. thanks again for your help.

 

What did the old plugs look like? I'm guessing really dark - clean them off and put them in your spare travel kit - some day you might need working plugs on the road... also keep an eye on your new plugs, if they start turning black you're still running rich and should consider getting that remedied.

 

i took the plugs off my seca

it was scary how lean it looked!!

is this normal for the factory setting??

u see they are sealed and can't adjust.

 

What can't adjust? The carbs certainly can be - just a matter of knowing what you're supposed to do.

If you get a chance swing by a carb clinic - that'll be a big help for the person who wants to do their own wrenching.

With regard to factory settings - they are set for one particular place at that particular tempature with brand new carbs. As carbs get older and a few tanks of gas sit too long - they varnish and the small passages get constricted... causing it to lean out a bit.

Move up a mountain and you get no air - the change in air preasure reduces the ammount of air in the mixture - lots of people have experienced bad carb problems climbing mountains. Move to the lowest point you can find and the air is much much denser.

Tempature also effects air density - which is one reason why engines behave differently at -40 than at +40. Higher tempatures mean less air available.

just some comments... but if your plugs are white then it is probably a good time to clean then and start the whole carb business.

 

hmm i thought the mixture screw was factory set!

and that u cant adjust it until u drill a cover or something.

i guess im using the factory setting, is this bad?

i live south of the border so maybe

the dallas clinic, but it would still be a bit far off!!

 

here is some advanced reading on the topic:

http://members.tripod.com/dave_jack/id38.htm

and

some more reading...
http://totalmotorcycle.com/XJ650.htm ( Near the bottom)

interesting read I found.

 

Hey Woot, sorry it took me so long letting you know what the plugs look like they were black. But been riding a lot lately so far the plugs have been fine. I might have mess them up when I was having trouble starting it before,no sure but will keep a eye on them. Thanks for the help