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help with xj650, dodgey coil????

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by madmorgan93, Jan 24, 2011.

  1. madmorgan93

    madmorgan93 New Member

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    hi all,
    i recently purchased an '82 xj650 seca that had been sat for a while, shes only done 4300 from new, replaced the easy parts:
    sparkplugs, battery, and then i realised the third cylinder wasnt firing due to crappy metal plug cap so i replaced all caps with NGK plastics and it ran fine

    took it out today and got about two miles and it just lost all power wouldnt rev at all and then the lights dimmed and it cut out
    managed to start it again but wouldnt tick over without holding throttle and wouldnt rev past 3000rpm

    1 and 2 pipes were hot, 3 was cold and 4 was warm but could hold my hand on it

    could this be ignition coil? gummed carbs? i havent yet replaced filters and oil could this be the problem?
    i would appreciate any ideas as i am a bit out of my depth with this!!!
    thanks
     
  2. markie

    markie Member

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    It is most likely the carbs, especially if it has stood for a while.

    There is possibly a long list of theings to check and you describe a couple of symtoms.

    I always check the easy stuff first!

    I would check the plugs to see if they are wet and you can swap the coils to test them - although you can use an ohm meter if you have access to one.

    Loosing power can be: Blocked vent in the fuel cap, rust in the tank, out of fuel, blocked fuel filter, vacuum fuel tap not working.

    The lights dimming could indicate the charging circuit is not working - if the voltage drops, electronic ignition will stop working so this could be a problem too.

    I would trickle charge the battery (DO NOT JUMP FROM A RUNNING CAR = DEATH TO YOUR TCI!) and try again.

    There are a lot of helpful "Stickies" with good information, so give them a read. Also beg, steal or borrow a manual - you really need one to keep one of these old ladies running.
     
  3. madmorgan93

    madmorgan93 New Member

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    ok, thanks for quick reply!!
    all the symptons came in one massive lump which is why i thought it might be one big thing, i will swap the coils over to see if that has any effect tommorow the lights only dimmed just as the engine cut out and then came on fine again and the lack of power came as i gave it some throttle. fuel and oil filters are easy so it cant do any harm replacing them
    could all these little thing lead to one big failure??
    i am not worried about buying parts as i only paid £600 for the bike so i got a little wonga
     
  4. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    The coils fire cylinders #1/#4 and #2/#3; so your symptoms rule out the coils.

    I agree that it's more likely carburetion, based on symptoms.
     
  5. madmorgan93

    madmorgan93 New Member

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    Thanks guys took carbs out (took some doing they are very tight in) and they were full of crap cleaned jets out and it runs much better, someone had tried to seal the carbs with silicone!!. All that's left is adjusting the mixtures
    Also does anyone know where to get badges from?? Or is chrome spraypaint any good to respray them??
     
  6. cutlass79500

    cutlass79500 Well-Known Member

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    you can probably get badges off ebay or recondition yours. Chrome paint will work but the problem with chrome paint is it looks like chrome paint doesn't look like real chrome
     
  7. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    chacal (XJ4Ever) carries 650 Seca tank badges and they're not all that pricey.
     

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