A very "newbie" question?

I recently acquired an '82 XJ550J. The problem is is that it runs very, very, badly....to the point it sounds like it's missing on 2 cylinders! Here is the dilema...Is it worth the effort to fix it? If so, what should I do? Or do I just not bother?

 

That is a loaded question and depends on your cash flow, patience and willingness to wrench your bike.

The short answer is YES.

Check and adjust valve clearance.
Compression test.
Check and/or update fuse panel and fuses.
Empty gas tank of old gas.
Clean, sync, balance, etc the carbs (lots of posts and good detailed ones).
If you do all of that correctly and thoroughly you will probably have a sweet ride. If not keep posting specific questions!

Check rear brakes for delamination before you ride again and consider redoing front brake system asap!

 

Coming from a relative newbie (see join date) I would say it is definitely worth it. Even if you have no mechanical inclination you're about to acquire one! This board is very friendly and a wealth of information freely shared - I don't doubt that with a little time, sweat, and patience you can have that bike in whatever shape you want.

And then you ride and the fun really begins . . .

 

newbie here too and I had lots of help getting mine running great. worth it to me.

 

Hold the phone.

Start with the basics; then decide what you're going to do.

You need to run a compression test. The results will give you some kind of idea what shape the motor itself is in (pistons, rings, valves; its ability to compress air) and then you can go from there.

If you've got two "holed" pistons, unless you're a masochist or well off, you might not want to proceed. If it simply needs carb or igniton work, then it's WELL worth it.

This are just two possibilities of many, representing the extremes of what you might find; start by finding out.

 

Thanks everyone, for your input. I think that there's been a lot of tinkering with the carbs....and none of it done correctly from what I've been reading. Would that alone make the bike run so terribly?

 

Bad carb tinkering can definitely make it run very poorly/not at all

 

I've got fresh gas in the tank, fuel pump is clean, cleaned the bottom end of the carbs, and never touched the slides. It only fires on the two center cylinders. Changed the spark plugs around and no difference. It appears to have decent spark on the outside plugs. Wondering if the diaghrams may be leaking on the outside carbs?

 

The question is not: "What do I do now?"

You should have done a modicum of "Due diligence", ... BEFORE buying the bike.

During "The Season" ... when buying a "Running bike", ... you don't buy the bike without taking it for a test ride.

If you are buying a Used Bike, ... that's going to need, ... (as they say) ... a "Little T-L-C" ... you got to figure that the T-L-C the seller has in mind is a:
Tremendous - Load -of- Cash to fix up.

I wouldn't put a lot of money into making that bike go.
I'd bring it back to where you got it.
It's a "Motor Vehicle" in the eyes of the Law.

"As is" doesn't pertain to a Motor Vehicle sold with the understanding the Buyer intended to obtain Tags and Ride it.
Unless the Sales Contract specifically states: "With ALL Faults" and lists the "Known latent defects", ...

Just go and get your money back.

You don't fix a bike during riding season.
You ride it.

 

I'd say Rick hit the nail right on the head!!
But if you do want to fix it Fitz told you right, do a compression test 1st to see what you are working with.
Do the test dry and then wet.
If the compression improves on the wet test test... worn rings... engine worn out and needs an overhaul.
Then right back to what Rick said!!!
If this bike isn't really something you intend to ride but want to wrench on.... well good luck.

 

Clueless whats your location what did you pay for the bike what had you planned for the bike commuter, hobby, just wanted to try riding?

 

Whoa....I didn't "buy" this bike. I pretty much inherited it! It was something the father-in-law had and is scared of, so I just thought I'd look into trying to fix it. I've been, as they say, "the bitch on the back" all my life.....this is a little bike for me to play with...if it's worth it

 

Alright thats a step in the right direction. First thing then scroll back up and do what Bigfitz said to do. Wont cost you a thing. Sounds like your carbs need a little work no big deal probably wont cost you much if anything to get those going. What kind of tools ya got to work with?

 

If you take your time and listen to what people say it'll be worth it in the end.

 

Keep it, play with it, learn it, fix it, ride it, love it.

 

All valid points guys but if you read the post it sounds like an electrical problem.

Leaking carb diaphragms won't cause loss of spark. Try removing the plug wire then switching the connectors to the coils. See if the problem goes to the outside plugs.

 

Once again; DO A COMPRESSION TEST. Cylinders that aren't making compression won't fire.

Yes, it could be electrical; but right now you have no idea what you're up against. Guessing and fiddling will get you nowhere; you need to be logical and methodical in diagnosing the issue. Start with the basics.

And for future reference, the diaphragms in the carbs are what actually lift the slides once the RPMs come up enough to bring the motor off the idle circuit. While it's very possible you have a pinhole in a diaphragm or two, it's not the cause of this.