82 xj650 carb issues?

I recently bought my first bike and have had to put some work into it, but for a $300 bike that's to be expected. I did a basic carb cleaning (should do the church of clean), changed the plugs, purchased a new Battery and some other basic maintenance stuff. I also have done a bench sync but now the left side of my engine is running significantly hotter than my right. For example after 5 minutes of idling the left side is too hot to touch where the right side is still cool. I'm thinking I need to sync the carbs to even everything out but I have no idea how to do that. Does anyone have any suggestions or photos or videos on what to do? I know ill need a manometer if nothing else (which can be made for pretty cheap).

 

You need to do as you said - go to Church. No short cuts on a $300 bike.
http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/in-the-church-of-clean.14692/
Don't be afraid to ask questions.

 

the engine or exhaust?
could be you need to trim back your spark plug wire due to corrosion inside the wire keeping the plug from firing.

have you ohmed out the ignition system? pick up coils, ignition coils, and spark plug caps.?

spark plug caps unscrew.

 

check your valve clearances and get them in spec FIRST. DIY forum mentioned in READ THIS FIRTS has all the guides on valves and
do a compression test on the motor the video DIY forum has a compression test video


specs on ignition system can be found here ,also specs on charging system.
The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide
you may as well check that too while you have your meter out.
get a note book and write it all down


this link has 3 links you will find helpfull read it
Read This First

and this link has some downloads for you to save and read
http://www.xj4ever.com/downloads.html

 

Expect to spend 3-5oo$$ to get bike running reliably , Tires, brake hoses ,pads and shoes, carb overhaul kits . etc Don't take short cuts you will only get frustrated AND spend a bunch of money you would have saved if you did it right the first time. Never trust the previous owner if the tell you a "professional " went thru the carbs .. but bike has a hanging idle or wont idle at all There is your sign . You can be the "mechanic" as long as you research how to do the task from the manual and this great web site your set . The upper rt corner of the page is xj4ever click on Len has most parts great service and it will be the CORRECT part ,yes price might be higher than what you see on eBay ... but take your chances it will fit or is the same part in the picture. When it comes to the carbs I read on hear it all the time when folks say "Cleaned Carbs" but never replaced 30 year old shaft seals ... The ONLY way to replace is to "break" the rack fully tear down to bare carb body and Soak carb body in fully submersed carb cleaner for about 1 hr for each carb. This is why all rubber seals have to be removed and ONLY NEW seals put back in. (Please note xj4ever has the shaft seals .the kits on eBay DO NOT come with these seals , why your at it replace the fuel rail seals this is mandatory ...you do not want a fuel leak after you put carbs back together . Good luck hope this helps no reply is long just want to offer advise .

 

Both the engine and exhaust, also I have ohmed out the ignition coils (thought they were part of a no start issue) and they are within spec.

I have been looking for carb rebuild kits but I just can't seem to find a reliable place to get them. Does xj4ever sell the whole kit or do I have to buy each piece separately?

I'm honestly not comfortable doing all of this myself (don't know much about engines and such) but no one local is willing to do carb work or even work on a bike this old.

My original question still has yet to be answered. How do I sync my carbs? I know there is a screw you have to adjust but I have no idea what one, a photo would be of great assistance.

 

How does one buy stuff from xj4ever?

 

Send Chacal a PM message he will send you a code to use you order from his catalog Paypal is easy and his shipping is quick longest I waited was 3 days.

 

Chacal can get you any part you need for the bike. He had a variety of kits available for carbs. Browsing the site can be a little overwhelming at first, but once you understand the structure you can find anything you need. Ive bought all my carb parts from him. I ordered things individually as I needed them.

As far as what to do once you have the parts, there are some awesome write ups on xj4ever.com. As well as you can check the information overload hour. (Search for it) and you'll find almost anything you need.

 

what about the pickup coils??

full kits or separate parts also standard and delux kits.

Member Hogfiddles rebuilds carbs you can start a conversation with him.

first you buy or build a sync tool .
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/how-to-make-a-2-bottle-synch-tool.15650/
or
Old School Method of One Vacuum Gauge Carb Sync
or
$5 Carb sync tool



there are 3 screws plus the idle screw to be adjusted
sync 4 to 3 then sync 1 and 2 then sync 1,2 set to 3,4 set

premium rebuild
OWWW, My Eyes!

in third photo do you see the three screws aside of the carb throats them be the screws you adjust for a sync

 

Clean you carbs proper first, then worry about the synch. You will become educated about carbs as you enter the Church of Clean. (Link in first reply - )

 

I didn't grow up in a motorcycle family and never did much more than change oil in my car. Until 2 months ago, I couldn't properly explain what a carb even did, except "mixes gas & air." With the help from this group and all of the information they have assembled, I've done my valve shims, rebuilt my calipers and master cylinder, changed my rear brake shoes and am in the process of tackling my carbs. Read, read, read and then print everything and bring it with you when you work on the bike.

I have to add, go slow, do it right and do it once. I planned to just tackle my carb lowers to ease in and figured I'd break the rack at the end of the season. Yeah. That didn't work out so well and now I have to go back in.

 

I completely agree! I was the same way. This bike has been my first attempt at diving in and I've jumped in head first. Take photos of anything and everything along the way so you have a reference to how it should go back together. Take your time, and ask questions. The forum is here to help.

 

as long as you do that in the deep end of the pool or with questions to the many lifeguards here