xj700x No Start on fuel but starts on starter fluid

Been awhile since i've been here. It's a 1985 xj700x with mikuni carbs. i rebuilt the carbs back in 2016 but the number 4 was still leaking and bike wouldn't start. i thought i had no spark back then but fast-forward to today it seems i have spark but no fuel. Now it seems all the carbs are leaking so i contacted Len for a complete rebuild kit. I guess my question is even if say the carbs were in rough shape or leaking wouldn't the bike at least try to start or run rough at the least?

 

It should have Hitachi carbs.

 

I believe the Hitachi carbs are on non water cooled models no x if im not mistaken but these are indeed mikuni.

 

You are correct all water cooled x models have Mikuni carbs including 750x in Canada.
You may have rebuilt them 5 years ago but just like any carb that has had ethanol fuel in it they are not good with time and looks like your doing it again

 

Use non ethanol fuel if available in your area...

 

Just happen to have pure gas at a new gas station. I got the carbs out right now. I'll tear them apart check seals and clean them. Then give it a shot.

 

The X is very sensitive to the carburation. When not clean or setup correctly it's very possible it won't show any life when trying tot start.

 

Did you check the enrichment circuit jets at the bottom of the float bowls? If they are blocked it won't start.

 

Not an issue at all if the bike is prepped for storage. Carb gumming predates ethanol fuel by more than a few years.

 

Forgive me but is this the brass tube that protrudes for gasket lip?

 

Wrapping up the cleaning and I noticed all the videos I watched people had these rubber plugs. Do I need these?

 

Yes the brass tube fits into a drilling in the float bowl. The fuel in the bowl passes through the jet and up the brass tube of each carburettor. Be careful cleaning the jet, you do not want to enlarge it and wear eye protection.

 

Any idea on if I need the rubber plugs above?

 

Thanks everyone for the help!! It's running!!! I guess the first time i didn't do a thorough enough cleaning to carbs.

 

The carbs at the picture are not the Mikuni carbs of the X. The X doesn't have these rubber plugs.
Nice that it runs now.