How to adjust idle

How do I adjust idle speed on my 82 maxim 550? Is it the knob that sticks out under my carbs pretty much in the middle of the 4?

 

Yes it is the knob in the center of the carbs . It is hard to reach with your hand. I use a straight bladed screwdriver to turn the knob.

 

Also make sure the bike is warmed up good or your setting may not be sufficient when cold

 

Thank you,I set it where it would idle fine.However,tried to start it the next day and it wouldn't start.Went down on my adjustment and it started right up.Kinda has me confused

 

Sounds like you may have something going on there. Background info on the bike? Valves adjusted? Carbs clean by church standards? Throttle shaft seals? Intake boots cracked? Air box or pods? More info will be needed

 

Carbs just cleaned to get running,been setting 15 yrs.Valves not adjusted, but no ticking. Throttle shaft seals,don't know what they are.Intake boots are a little cracked.

 

Airbox,yes

 

valves should be ticking check the valve clearances.

clean intake boots with carb cleaner and coat them with black rtv work it into the cracks

throttle shaft seals are on the throttle shaft running horizontaly through the carbs 2 on each carb if they are gone/bad you get a large amount of air sucking into the carbs

what rpm are you trying to set the idle at?


stock paper filter?

 

Check the valve clearance ticking valves are happy valves. I need to type faster. Good work XJ 550h.

 

I figured around 900/1000
Do I have to have shims to adjust,if so where do u buy them?

 

Yes,stock filter

 

Measure your clearances first, then see what shim is in there. Record this for each valve in order. That will tell you if you need shims or can simply swap around. I believe hogfiddles runs the shim pool

 

spec is 1200rpm set it to 1300 rpm

corrected error

 

1200 rpm is spec

make sure to check and adjust throttle cable too

 

If you go to the XJ how to instructions and click on the fifth thread. It is a how to adjust the valve clearance. The thead was wrote by a great man Bigfitz. A factory service manual will come in handy.

 

Carbs cleaned, or carbs taken to church?

 

Do what they say ^^^
Read this:
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/