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I'm F**ked ... or at least clueless

Discussion in 'XJ Modifications' started by supernube, Aug 5, 2008.

  1. supernube

    supernube Member

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    Recently I bought an 82 seca 650 that the po had installed a 4 to 1 exhaust and pods on, but hadn't rejetted. When I first bought it it ran fine, but on a ride it was increasingly losing power until finally I was limping home in first gear at about 15mph. It's all gone downhill from there. I cleaned the carbs and rejetted with 116 mains and 41 pilots (Thanks Chacal, Great service! I'll recommend you every time.) But I can't even get the thing to turn over now.
    When It's trying to fire I can reach forward and feel the exhaust pipes and only the second seems to warm. My guess is that this means that's the only cylinder I'm actually working with. But I'm lost as to what I should try next.
    Any direction I could get would be awesome.
     
  2. wizard

    wizard Active Member

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    stage 1, charge battery, pull plugs and check for strong spark. report back.
     
  3. supernube

    supernube Member

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    Holy crap, man! you're a savior. I had no idea the lean mixture I'd been running could screw my plugs so bad. They were filthy, but with a good clean it fired up better than ever. I wish there was some way I could repay you, man.
     
  4. pvtschultz

    pvtschultz Member

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    Its the simple things in life that are sometimes the hardest learned. At least she runs good now!
     
  5. crimsonlung

    crimsonlung New Member

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    I just recent had a similar problem, my spark plugs were covered in disgusting filth, I replaced them and my bike was at least 70% better
     
  6. YankeeSamurai

    YankeeSamurai Member

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    maby we need self cleaning plugs.....
     
  7. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    Supposedly they are self cleaning by design. The problem is that this process occurs at freeway idle on a hot engine. How many commuters get to these conditions regularly?
     
  8. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Equine plumage. Even CLEAN old spark plugs get weak after a while, even though they look fine. Just went through it myself with my '83. Plugs LOOKED fine, but were producing a weak, watery spark. Fresh plugs produced nice fat sharp spark. Bike fired right up.
     
  9. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    Equine Plumage? Gracefully said Fitz. However, I stick to my story. You may have had issues with your "looks clean" plugs but quite a few of us know that even a new plug can fail (bad plugs do exist, sadly). This has nothing whatsoever to do with the self-cleaning properties of the plug (red herring). Whether new or old all spark plugs are designed to be self cleaning. Bear in mind that it is not uncommon for plugs in a bike that is used to zip to work and home often are not old but short out or are compromised. This is because the plug does not get to the self-cleaning temperatures for sufficiently sustained periods to function properly.
    Now I'll agree that spark plugs can and do wear out, it is the nature of the thing. If in doubt about plugs, replace them. They are cheap enough and the results can be rather startling (in a good way). I've had similar experiences as yourself with new plugs, bikes love them! It can be rather annoying to chase a bad plug, especially when you just replaced them! Keep on truckin' bro.
     
  10. grimreaper169

    grimreaper169 Member

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    I bought one of these just so I would know where to start looking

    [​IMG]
     
  11. Ass.Fault

    Ass.Fault Active Member

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    I replace the plugs EVERY year, usually around the begining of riding season(early march or late febuary)
    I either keep 4 BRAND NEW BACKUP PLUGS
    or
    4 of the best looking "used" plugs

    Cheap insurance, and I know a thing or two about insurance.
     

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