Plug gap, and fuel issues?

What is the correct plug and plug gap supposed to be on an 82 550 maxim? Also, I squirted fuel into the main line to the carbs and hit the start button. The fuel just sat there. I regapped one plug and squirted fuel into the cylinder and it fired. What is going on? I really need a manual, where can I get paper one?

 

I just bought mine at Amazon this week. Take a look for the 550 manual. I paid like $15 for the used Haynes and $40 for a used Yahama Manual. I can't wait till they arrive.

 

ebay also has them

 

The correct plug for all XJ550 models is an NGK D8EA or equivalent, although most people like to stay with the NGK brand.

They should be gapped to .024 - .028" (.6 - .7mm).

Manuals:


lm1) The ever-popular Haynes Workshop line of "enhanced" factory service manuals cover all major service, repair, rebuild, and maintenance procedures (sometimes in excruciating detail, and usually with many more pictures and illustrations than the factory service manual does), and also includes wiring diagrams and other useful specifications.


HCP1094 Clymer Service-Repair-Maintenance Workshop Manual, for all 1981-83 XJ550 models, as well as 1984-92 XJ600 and FJ600 models. Softcover, almost 300 pages, a must-have manual if you own one of these machines. Each:
$ 32.00


lm2) Original Factory Service Manuals are also available. These full-size manuals covers all aspects of diagnosis, repair, and assembly for specific model bikes. These brand new, official Yamaha manuals are one of those "must-have" tools if you're going to be wrenching on your own bike. Plenty of photographs, diagrams, flowcharts, wiring charts, torque values, etc.

HCP1128 Factory Service Manual covers all XJ550 Maxim and XJ550 Seca models 1981-83.
$ 54.00



http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... t=180.html

 

Thanks for all your help guys, my plugs are autolite 4164. What about my fuel issue?

 

You need to clean the carbs.

 

And while you're cleaning them why not get some rebuild kits and put in new float needles, float rings and bowl gaskets. Good, unworn float needles makes a big difference when trying to tune the bike to run properly. If they're worn, a bit of gas will leak past them, making synch values difficult to stabilize. I think carb rebuild kits are about $15. each and you'll need 4 of them. Not cheap, I know, but worth the money if you're in there cleaning them anyway.
thx,
baz

 

Three's a crowd, and I'm completely with Azsteve and baz in their recommendations!

 

4164 is the correct Autolite plug.

 

You can't hope that a pour-in solvent is going to clean the carbs. Carb Cleaning is something you have to put your mind too and get right in there and thoroughly clean the component parts and unclog passages with a Tool or a Flushing Syringe.

Some people get lucky and run the stuff in their gas and it cleans-up a stuck float or two.

But, the only way you are going to have the confidence in your Carbs getting Fine-Tuned is for them to be Cleaned by taking them down and inspecting and cleaning the individual parts.

Four Carbs can be a bit much for some people. You don't have to do all four at a time.

You can make it a several day project and do one at a time ... two at a time ... whatever you are comfortable with.

The Bottom Line is ... you won't be able to do Fine Tuning until the Carbs have been thoroughly cleaned.
And, the only way to do that ... is take them apart!