1985 XJ700N Fusebox - Cleaning connections

Hey Guys,

So I am having trouble starting my 1985 xj700n. When I first bought it the engine would turn over and never fire but I got some good advice and decided to replace the battery. With the new battery I was able to start the bike although inconsistently. Most times it will start up no problem but other times it will just turn over and never fire. (It seems to start fine when it knows I have to take the car but I may be imagining this!) When it doesn't start I just leave it and try again later that day or the next morning and it usually starts without charging or jumping. (I just bough a battery tender today.)

I have been reading the Information Overload and have started working my way through the XJ Owners Electrical System FAQ. I have read that it is important to make sure that the connections are free of corrosion. The first few sections of the FAQ reccomend replacing the old glass tube fuse boxes with in-line blade type fuses although I beleive that this is aimed at XJ650 and XJ750 models. The xj700n comes from the factory with a single glass barrel-style main fuse and a blade style secondary fuse box behind the gauge console.

Question: Would it be wise/nessisary to replace the balade style secondary fuse box with inline fuses?

I can see that one or two of the connectors do have some corrosion on them so I would like to clean them up although I am not sure what the best way to do it is as the points are sourrounded by the plastic housings.

Question: What is the best way to clean connections in plastic housings?

I appreciate your comments and advice. I will try to upload some pics.

Thanks
Paul

 

Can I ask you where is the secondary fuse box...or the primary for that matter. Have the same bike

 

Hey Rod1,

The main fuse is under the seat just behind the battery. It is inline in a rubber housing just big enough for the one fuse plus a spare.

The secondary fuse box is behind the gauge console between the tach and speedo.

 

Got you...the one with 30 amps... I thought there were more...thanks man...

 

No need to replace that fusebox. It's the good one.

 

DeoxIT D5 spray is a great flushing contact cleaner that is safe on plastics. I've had great success with this stuff on many projects (vehicles, boats, guitars, old stereos, amps, etc.). The manufacturer does recommend testing on older plastics but I've never had an issue and I have a bunch of old stuff. If you go this route, make sure you get the regular D5 and not the gold as the gold is more of a conditioner for use on clean contacts and won't be as effective.

 

My XJ650 is had similar problems. Did you ever find a solution to this?

 

Have you done the work that was suggested in your thread?
Paul's XJ is a fair bit different from yours.