Entered a world of pain (Air filter cones) - 1985 Maxim XJ700

A bit of history: I bought my '85 Maxim XJ700 about 6 years ago, rode it for 2 years, then put it in storage. Took it out this spring to realize I completely forgot to winterize it or get it ready for storage and the carbs were one big mass of gummy what-used-to-be-gas.

I had my buddy, who owns a motorcycle shop show me how to rebuild the carbs properly, and I did so. He then mentioned in passing, that it's "easier" to just cut the airbox off and put cone filters on. I pulled out the dremel and went to town cutting out the airbox, not knowing any better. I got four cones, spent a week cleaning and rebuilding the carbs, and put everything back together. I now know, in my couple weeks of frustration since then, that the airbox thing was a mistake. I am reading that I really need to re-jet the entire carbs now and re-tune them.

1- I carefully rebuilt the carbs twice, following very detailed step by step instructions and can only say that I BELIEVE I have them put together properly, but with stock parts and the carb rebuild parts I bought off ebay.
2- I bench synced my carbs and BELIEVE I have that part correct.
3- New plugs, and cylinders are not full of gas at all.
4- I set the screws to 3 1/4 turns (found that recommendation somewhere in the dark bowels of the internet).

Problem:
When I start the bike, it revs to about 3k rpm for 4-10 seconds, then dies. Sometimes I can keep it going a bit longer with choke control, but ANY throttle instantly kills it. I usually have to have it at full choke to get it to start.

I have recently read that I have to "re-jet" the carbs because I put the cones on. I have the carbs taken apart now, and am looking for some guidance on what to change out before I continue, as these stock parts obviously won't work (from what I've been reading around the internet).

The reason why I'm here is I was told these forums are the end all be all for my particular bike and could get some great advice on what direction to proceed.

Thanks in advance for any help, and I apologize for any important information I've left out. And yes, I am fully aware I'm an idiot for taking the airbox out without knowing what I was doing. First of all, do I have a realistic shot of getting her going again?

 

I have an 85 XJ700 and it's bone stock. That makes it much easier to tune. Sorry to hear that you got some bad advice on the airbox.

You will have to rejet. Contact Chacal (XJ4Ever) and he will set you up with the correct jets. Even then from what I've seen and heard getting the bike tuned will be a real pain in the backside. The standard initial setting for the pilot screws is open 2 1/2. Don't know where you got 3 1/2. After a lot of trial and error I finally used a colortune plug and set the pilot screws at a lean setting (probably around 1 to 1/1/2) and then installed new plugs. rode the bike and then tweaked the pilots until the plugs looked great. All of my pilots are around 2.

 

THE guide to cleaning your carbs: http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/in-the-church-of-clean.14692/

You didn't mention valve clearances. They are critical and MUST be done: http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/posts/122016/

Inexpensive manometer for the running synch: http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/posts/130106/

The Information Overload hour is linked in my signature. That covers almost everything else that you need to know.

I suspect that the high revving may be due to a vacuum leak, but you absolutely MUST get everything else in order as well.

One more VERY IMPORTANT thing.
Is your bike an aircooled XJ700, or is it a watercooled XJ700-X? Many details of how to proceed will be different if you have an X.

 

if you listen to these guys you will get her going again, and running well.

 

You are on the road to redemption!
As mentioned above by other members. This is THE place for the best information, and for future reference XJ4Ever is THE place for ordering parts.

Is your 'friend' who recommended the pods (cone filters) still around helping you?
News flash, you don't need him, ask your questions here; be honest in your replies to the questions that get bounced back at you and follow the advice given (start with the links that K-moe posted).

 

I would get your buddy with the motorcycle shop to hunt you down a new airbox and help you put it in.

 

I'd have him get one. but I woundn't let him touch the bike again.

 

Have you found a solution to your issue?

 

@motosin: eliminate headaches...come back stock, make it purr then f@!k with pods if you want.

Gary H.