Halp!

Sorry to be a bother, but I'm really REALLY new to motorcycles. Wife just got an '81 XJ 650. Brand new spark plugs installed, turns over but wont start. Fresh battery is installed. Couple "newb" questions: Fuel line has a wing nut type thing on it... what do I do with that? And also the selector for "res", "pri" and something else on the left side... what do I have to have that on? Thank you in advance for all your help.

 

What wing nut thing? Picture perhaps?

PRI - Prime fuel flows from tank constantly. Use to fill empty carbs or when first starting the bike for the day.

ON - normal operating position fuel flows when vacuum from engine works fuel valve

RES - the last 0.8 gallons to get you to a fuel station when you run out of ON.

 

Okay well perhaps I can't start it because it's been on "ON". Thank you! Once again sorry I'm new.

 

Didn't work... Still just turns over forever.

 

Its supposed to be on "ON" Thats your primary running part of the petcock. Unless your really low on gas?

 

Have you tried any starting fluid?

 

do you have spark? and your carbs could be dirty, you up to rebuilding them?

 

Haven't tried starting fluid yet. How do I check for spark? And I'm definitely not up to rebuilding them. Luckily my neighbor has a bunch of mechanic friends.

 

This is probably the easiest way. Watch this video

http://www.howcast.com/videos/176258-Ho ... our-Engine

If you get it to start on starting fluid, but it will not run, its more than likely a carburetor problem. Was the bike sitting for a period of time?

 

Yes about two years.

 

Carbs will definitely need to be rebuilt then. Its a sad, unfortunate thing, but chances are you wont get it running at all until that is done.

 

Check for Spark:

Place a Spark Plug in one of the Spark Plug Wire Caps.
Hold the Plugs Business end to GROUND on the Head with a pair of Lineman Pliers.
Crank-over the Engine and L@@K for Spark to jump the Plug Gap.

<><><><><><><><>

Complete the Registration Process:

SIGNATURE SECTION:

Year – Model – Miles – Stock or Mods??

LOCATION Section:

Fill-Out Location.

 

Rick's right. Get us some specifics on this bike: how long it sat, its history if you know it or what you know if it, how many miles are on it, what the PO (Previous Owner) told you about it.

Then, some idea of where you are, both geographically and mechanical skills-wise.

Then, how committed you are to THIS BIKE or were you expecting a miracle cure (cuz that ain't happening.)

Because before it ever gets ridden ONE FOOT there is a lot more to be attended to than the carbs. You up for this?

Then welcome aboard. START HERE, honest: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

 

The thing is... the guy drove it the day we bought it. He drove it top a ramp at his place of work to load it into my truck. He said he drove it to the store all the time and the carbs just needed to be tuned.

1981 Xj650, 25k miles, stock.

Located in Minot, North Dakota. Purchased in Bismarck, North Dakota

Also... sediment in the gas tank...why??

 

Sediment in the Gas Tank is BAD NEWS.

It means the Bike is getting OLD and/or SAT.

The Petcock Screen cannot be depended upon to protect you from particulate that will foul the Carbs.