Help Please

So, I just purchased a 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim, under 10K miles. I was able to get the bike for $700. The bike leaks a blackish colored fluid out of the tail pipe connection (where the drain hole is). I've posted about this before but I have added a photo of what I wiped off of the pipe. It smells like gas. The bike has not ran today and there was some leaking out of it (a few drops every few hours). When the bike runs it has a steady drip. Obviously there is something not in order with the carbs because it dies when the choke is turned off and the crank case has what smells to be fuel inside (no im not running the bike, just fired it up to make sure it ran before purchase.). There doesn't appear to be any "oil" coming out of the header/block connection. Any suggestions on what this might be?

New to this any help is appreciated. Thanks in advanced.

 

Your carbs are overflowing and raw fuel is getting into the oil and into the exhaust pipes. Stop running it and pull the carbs . Replace the needles and seats and do a complete dissambly and cleaning. Search the site for " church of clean " and you will find many thoughts on carbs.
While you are at it, adjust valves, check front and rear brakes for delaminated pads and shoes. Spend the time to catch up on all the neglected maintenance before you ride. Get a service book and get reading.

 

First things first. You have carbs that are allowing fuel to leak into the crankcase (mentioned in your pre-purchase thread). This HAS TO BE remedied. You need to visit The Church of Clean. You will also need to drain the oil/gas mix that is in the crankcase, put in a new oil filter, new oil, possibly rebuild the petcock, and.........

Read The Information Overload Hour which covers nearly everything else that you will NEED to do before considering that a safe and road-worthy motorcycle.

The short list:

Rear brake shoes checked for delamination
Front brakes fully rebuilt (lines, calipers, master cylinder)
Carbs cleaned, fuel levels wet-set, bench synched
Valves checked for clearance and adjusted as needed
Final drive oil checked (replaced is even better)
Wheel bearings checked and final drive splines regreased
Tire date codes checked (new tires bought if the installed ones are more than 6 years old)

That is the BARE MINIMUM you need to do before your motorcycle (any old motorcycle really) becomes a rider.

At $700 you made a pretty good buy, and (barring any more issues) should be able to ride her soon.

 

Pretty looking bike - too bad PO neglected the basics.
LISTEN to the advice given. Both previous posts are correct statements; there are no short cuts.

And plan on spending approximately another $700 more on parts.

And seriously consider only getting you parts from XJ4Ever (icon on the upper right hand corner).

Ask questions as you move through it, I was a motorcycle dummy when I came here - I still am but can now check my valve clearances on a regular schedule without screwing anything up!

 

Nick, if you're new to bikes and are not comfortable going into the carbs, I offer a carb teardown/cleaning/rebuilding service. Start a conversation with me, and we can talk more.

Also, since you're next door in Ohio, next Saturday, the 8th annual Central New York Carb Clinic will be held just about about 20 minutes south of Utica, NY if you're up for it! Contact me for more details on that, too......directions, etc-----

Dave Fox

 

thanks guys!