A major plea for help on carb

Hi All-

Been a few weeks since I've posted. Let me just say I've been spending those few weeks working on these carbs and it I'm almost defeated. Everytime I step forward, I soon find myself stepping two steps back. (Can't wait to take this moto repair class but its in Oct) I don't want to give up on this bike. I had a great time riding it for the two weeks it was working. And I certainly learned alot about motorcycles working on my bike. I feel that I am a lot better rider for it. However, its been 3+ months since I was able to ride. Right from the MSF course, got the bike, rode for two weeks then boom, stops working. So before I get anymore discouraged, here is my plea... Would anyone be willing to help me. I was thinking of sending someone the carbs and get it to the condition where I can just slap it on the bike. I really think that its just an issue with the float level adjustment and the mixture screws. But I can't get it to run right. It starts on choke but it rev's incredibly high. I think I did a good job cleaning and making sure all the jets are clear. Perhaps I need some new butterfly valve seals too. I know there are a lot of variables in this. Does anyone here think that this is doable? Once I get the carbs back, i think i can synch myself. I just got to get it to the point were it's running semi-decent. I tried to find someone here in the bay area for some help (besides going to a professional mech and paying hundreds and hundreds of dollars), but its hard to find someone that is familiar and someone you can trust. I certainly trust the people in this board. Here is the bike again: 82 seca 550 with mikuni carbs. I also have a brand new colortune (which I have not been able to use since i havent gotten to that point) that I could lend if that will help. I would certainly compensate monetarily as well....

Thanks for letting me rant ... I know this is chickening out...

seca550_sf

 

I think Robert is located out your way, you might try sending him a PM.
He is quite Knowledgeable. And I'm sure if he's close enough he wouldn't mind giving you some help.
Sorry Robert if I'm speaking out of place.

 

Hi jd.. I have been in touch with robert.. he has been a great help.. definitely goes above and beyond. I believe he is coming to the area soon. Just a little impatient I guess. Also, it would be nice to get the bike in running condition (not necessarily perfect) before he gets here so i can just ask him for a little help instead of alot.

Hope things are okay over there out there in NC - esp with this heat wave. I use to live in the northeast and I know the heat and humidity can get oppresive.

 

Gentlemen, I WILL be visiting the Bay area around the second week of August. I have planned to bring my sync gauges, YICS tool, and my Colourtune. Seca550, I will get in touch with you to arrange the date. Please lay in a supply of carb and brake cleaner, clean rags, Q-tips (I'd say cotton swabs but I've found that the Q-tip brand is superior in quality and performance), a method of catching the spent chemical solvents (a shallow cookie pan will do nicely), a can or two of Dust-Off (compressed air, unless you've a compressor), a selection of a toothbrush and small acid brush, lint-free wipes (KimWipes are perfect!), annnddd, huff puff.... lots of patience! I have plans to visit two other members in the Sacramento area and will make the time to catch you too! Is it possible for you to bring your machine to Sacramento? We might just set up a Carb Tuning Clinic, but I'd have to ask my hosts first. Don't fret about asking for help, this is what I love to do so no problem, bring it on. Rich, no trouble, thank you for your recommendation, it speaks volumes. I appreciate it.

 

Peter Karup is having his SFBCC , San Francisco Bay area Carb Clinic this weekend. I asked him to invite you and you are go! Sent you a PM with all the info. Hope this will get you going.

 

Well Robert, since you may not be needed in the bay area, can I assume you'll be altering your plans to come to NJ instead?

Greg

 

And hey, if you heading out to NJ, stopping in Minneapolis isn't all that much of a hassle.

Free room and board for the duration of your stay

 

If you're in the area, come on by the SFBACC (San Fran Bay Area Carb Clinic) hosted in San Jose this year on July 30th. PM me for addy, phones, etc. 8+ people so far (the springtime one was almost 20 folks!), it must be summer vacation.

BBQ & tuning of whatever needs tuning. We've got the tools, we just need victi... bikes to work on, that's the ticket...

Bring your bike or just carbs if they need tweaking.

Peter

 

Again with you California folks!

Lucky devils, I still have yet to find another XJ rider here in Minnesota. Lots of parted out XJ's (all 650 seca's) but no one riding 'em.

Must be something in the water...

 

Robert that's a really awsome thing you do helping out like that.
Sure do appreciate people who care enough to help others. Very commendable!
If you ever get to the White Mtns of Az give me a hollar maybe I can show you around.

 

You are welcome to come to Chicago. I know there's at least 2 of us here(myself and Oblivion).

 

I haven't been to chicago since 2000, had a damn good time.

I'll definately keep that in mind

 

Fellows, thanks for your words, they encourage me. I do this because I love to wrench, you all just provide an opportunity for me to enjoy myself. I will, alas, not be able to join you folks on the 30th. I'm neck deep in logistics and last minute details arranging my retirement from active service on the 5th. I would love dearly to be there but duty calls one last time. I'm sorry Geebake, I know I mentioned a desire to head out on the road but I'm looking at picking up employment immediatly after I'm out. The extra paycheck is sorely needed right now. I will treat myself to two weeks off but I'm not sure beyond that. Hvnbnd, I love Skull Valley, Bagdad, and Prescott (HWY 96/97 Yavapi county). Had some wonderful times there. I'll try to get out that way sometime. Family and friends out in Phoenix/Mesa area. Seca550, I'll be in touch soon, we'll hook up and get your bike ironed out.

 

Robert, those places you mentioned are awesome places but when your cruzin along I-40 I'm on the east side of the state by New Mexico about 50 miles east of Show Low.
give a yell

 

I'm in Eau Claire and am thus quite close to Minneapolis. I possess and ride an '83 Seca Turbo. You wouldn't be up for going out riding sometime would you?

 

Oh, yeah, I know Eau Claire, I'd be up for a ride some time. I love taking 94E out of St. Paul over into Sconnie, the change of scenery is great. PM me and we can talk schedules, etc if you like.

 

Nice, where exactly are you? I grew up in Show Low, moved only a couple years ago down to the valley and planning on taking a bike trip up there before the winter hits.

Also, Robert, if you ever decide to set up a carb clinic in the Phoenix/Mesa area I'll be all over that! Although, I dont know how many other people are from around these parts

 

Had a buddy named Kos who's folks lived out in Show Low. Ain't heard from him in 18 years. Kinda miss the fellow. What a character. I'll be sure to give you a call should I find myself out that way.

 

I'm in a town called St. Johns, ever hear of it?
Take hwy 60 east of Show Low and turn onto hwy 61 (10 miles east of Show Low)
Take hwy 61 about 32 miles to St. Johns, once your in St. Johns you turn onto hwy 191 south like you are headed to Springerville but before you get out of town I live on the west side of the hwy and 7th south

Awsome run to leave out of town and ride thru Springerville to Show Low and back about 175 miles but some really nice forest.
Another is to ride to Alpine and back.
of course those rides can start and end from many places.

Never heard of anyone named Kos but have plenty of family in ShowLow

 

Nope. Sorry, I don't get out that way much. Bounced through White Sands once, beautiful place at dusk. I gotta remember his sirname, oh yeah, Knecktl (at least I think it was spelled that way). Said his mom and dad moved out of there back in 87. Who knows, they may have returned. Let me know if their name rings any bells, I'd love to catch up with him.