81 xj550 project

Very possible that the starter button has some bad contact Spot

 

Yes, possible. I opened the starter button assembly but didn't see anything that looked wrong.
Let's see how it behaves in the future. It was just really weird, especially how it got fixed.

 

When that happens for me, wi wiggle the button back and forth while depressing it to see if I can get a contact. More often than not, that works.....

 

Hmm, not much to wiggle. It's an aftermarket one that is basically just a small round button.

 

Correct, but the back of it is an even smaller point they can fill up with dirt, corrosion, or get worn. Wiggling it can often get that momentary contact that is needed

 

Cool, I will check that should it happen again.

 

Finally found the time to connect brake switches to tail light but will have to take bike to a shop for front brake. That's the last thing to do (other than building side covers at some point).
I just can't get any pressure into the system. I used this shop before a few times and he said he'd have a look.
I'll get my inspection done right after.

 

Is it possible that you're having trouble because of the low angle on the handlebars vs. the steeper stock angle?

Dave

 

Not sure.
I did make sure reservior is full at all times.
The old one I had (and could not find a lever for) made up for the clipon angle. The new one does not. But it should still be good.
One thing is can try is to put the bike on the side stand to really level it and try again.
Other than that, no idea.
Never had issues with bleeding a system, however this is the first time I do it on a completely dry system.

 

Finally managed to do the color tune. 1 and 2 were way lean. 3 and 4 were good.
Bike ran well, even better than before, until it stalled on me at a stop sign. And since it wouldn't turn on again because the battery was dead, I had to push it home. Walk of shame....
Now I'll have to check charging system just to be safe- thanks Dave for the phone call.
I did a lot without charging battery over the last weeks (bike on and off, wiring etc), let's hope it's just that.

 

Major Pita strikes again.
Just tested battery with bike off and on (revving the engine pretty good).
No change in voltage which leaves me to believe the charging system is no good.
And nope, other than putting a new rectifier on, I haven't touched anything else.
I'll browse the forum and/or manual later on for trouble shooting help..

 

BTW, i have a lithium battery, in case that matters for whatever reason...

 

But on a positive note, bike idles easier and quicker now after letting off the choke. Color tune helped there I guess.

 

The voltage did not go up at all when measured at 2,500 RPM, or when measured at 4,000 RPM?

Before you decide that the regulator is bad, have you (I forget) inspected/ cleaned/ replaced the alternator brushes and cleaned the rotor traces?

 

Since I don't have a tachometer, it is hard to say whst the exact rpm were. I revved it hard and no change at all.
Not sure if it's the regulator. This was replaced with a new part.
And no, I have not yet checked the brushes and or anything else alternator related.
Dave already sent me this link which I will use to troubleshoot:
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-ultimate-relay-switch-sensor-and-diodes-guide.27543/

 

Opened the alternator and it was dirty. I cleaned it up, brushes looked good as well. Still no increase in voltage at higher rpm.
Didn't have much time today, hoping to spend an hour or two tonight.
I did check the three white wires but a: not sure I set up the meter correctly (but I think so) and b: I am getting different readings than what's in manual. If I remember correctly, it says 0.5 ohm, I get 1.2 on all of them. So maybe there is an issue?
But I have no idea what that means/if it means that. Completely dumb when it comes to electrical stuff.

 

Have patience. We'll learn ya.

 

Thanks. Good to have that support. I'll dig into it tonight, hopefully, and report back.

 

At least I have an ambitious motorcycle.
The way things are going Major Pita will soon be General Pita. I hope I don't have to see the day when I promote it to Predident.

 

I read somewhere that you can check the alternator and whether it generates a magnetic field by holding a feeler gauge close to the cover and see if it gets attracted. Theory sounds good, but in practice?