Idle problems

I have an '82 XJ550 seca. I have tried adjusting the idle screw but the bike will either race up to 4k rpm or i have to keep on the throttle in order to keep it from stalling. I can't find the "sweet spot" and so i am led to think that there is something else up with it. The only time i can get the bike to idle is after i get off the freeway. One theory i have had is that it is just too cold and maybe the problem will go away once the weather warms up.

anybody got any ideas? also what rpm should she idle at? Thanks

 

might be a vacuum leak.
try putting some propane torch fuel(unlit) near the carbs.
if it spikes then a vacuum leak is suspect.

There are other possible problems, but thats my starting point

 

I tried that with carbclean but found nothing. i'll try the propane, but could there be a perferation of one of the internal bladders inside of the carbs?

 

My 550 Maxim did exactly the same thing when the carbs were way out of sync.

What's the history on the bike? Has it been sitting long?

 

Sat for a long time, plus the dumbass that had it before me had the plug wires switched around and took the mufflers off. The guy seemed to be an idiot and what he lacked in knowledge he made up in ambition. How much would Yamaha charge me to sync up carbs do you think? The engine also seems to run a little rough and has a lack of power under 4500 rpm.

 

RacerMazda:

You need to Clean those Carbs right out.
You can't do that by adding anything to the Fuel. You have to take them off and break them down and Clean the component Parts.

Until you do ... don't expect the Bike to be able to be tuned-up and running right.
Bikes that sit for just a few months are candidates for total Carb Cleaning.

You don't have to go to the dealer. There might be someone near you that can help out.

Go to YOUR ACCOUNT and add your LOCATION to the Public Information appearing on the Forum Screen.
You might have someone near you with Carb Cleaning ability steo-up and offer you a hand getting them off and Cleaned-up right!

 

the guy i bought the bike from (not the dumbass who tore up the bike) is the mechanic at my work. One of the few things he did in the short time he owned the bike was to clean the carbs. I really dred the idea of pulling the carbs back off. I remember what a pain in the ass it was to get them back on.

I am in Spokane, Washington. If there is anyone who could help me with syncing the carbs please e-mail me at: racermazda323@yahoo.com