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carb seems to loose prime

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by lawnmower man, Jan 24, 2020.

  1. lawnmower man

    lawnmower man New Member

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    the longer my motorcycle sits , day, week, month, the more time it needs turnings over before it starts., almost wears the battery down, my other same bike starts right up first time it turns over, 1983 midnight maxim 750. does anyone know what it could be it doesnt seem to be flooded.?
     
  2. FJ111200

    FJ111200 Active Member

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    I know what the title of your post is but do you turn the petcock to prime and pull the choke out before attempting to start or just pull out the choke without using the prime?
     
  3. Timbox

    Timbox Well-Known Member

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    Depending where or how you store your bike, it will lose some of the fuel level in the carbs. They are open to air so evaporation will happen. Putting the bike on prime and then adding choke to start the first time after sitting for a while. That and make sure you have a good strong batter that has not sit for a while and drained the charge down a bit.
     
  4. lawnmower man

    lawnmower man New Member

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    usually I just use the choke
     
  5. FJ111200

    FJ111200 Active Member

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    Well try what Timbox and me were suggesting and set your petcock to prime for a few seconds as well as using your choke before hitting start.
     
  6. lawnmower man

    lawnmower man New Member

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  7. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    on the back side of the carbs in the throat there are 2 holes that go directly to the bowls. air compensaters to allow air to escape when bowls fill plus I belive the holes help draw fuel into bowls when bike is running.
    the holes allow fuel to evaporate from bowls when bike sits or is hot outside and bike is hot.
    so prime setting on petcock for 5 seconds then start bike. choke which is not a choke is optional.
    if bowls are low or empty choke lever does nothing until bowls fill enough to allow fuel to be drawn up into enrichment circuit

    the 1 and 2 carbs get most of the fuel from fuel line when bike is resting on side stand
     
  8. FJ111200

    FJ111200 Active Member

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    So there you go then my old. Sorted or what?
    Take care, all the best.
     
  9. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    mine does the same thing. get a clear in-line fuel filter, turn it to prime and don't try to start it until the bubble in the filter stops moving, starts right up
     
    jayrodoh likes this.
  10. lawnmower man

    lawnmower man New Member

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    thanks i will do that!
     
  11. lawnmower man

    lawnmower man New Member

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    thanks for the info
     

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