just got an 82 xj 550 its leaking gas i found where its coming from not sure how to resolve it

thanks for taking a look i just picked up an 82 xj550 with 10k on it for 250 bucks
the carbs are leaking a small amount of gas (probably the float valve) its got an inline filter which i can see a small amount of tank rust in
there is also another gas leak after a few minutes i finally found a tube that was not going to anywhere seams to let gas flow when on prime i posted a pic of it
is this suppose to be like this is it some kind of overflow maybe?

what is this black box like thing coming off the carbs to the left? thats where the hose is coming down from that is leaking gas


here is the hose right where you can't see the tip is where its not attached to anything and gas comes out when on prime


this is another hose i found that is not going to anything

 

There should be no fuel at all in that line. The black box is your airbox. It holds the air filter; there should never be any gas in it either. You are correct that you have one or more faulty float valves. Click on The Inofrmation Overload Hour link in my signature for a start. Then head to the Church of Clean, and start getting your machine road worthy. $250 is a steal, but you have a lot of work ahead of you before you can ride your motorcycle.

 

Like K-Moe said, you got lotsa work before you can safely call this baby rescued. Start reading up on the Church of Clean, and Information Overload Hour.

That hose going to nowhere from the airbox is supposed to be there. The second hose from the airbox connects to the crankcase for ventilation. That hose in your last pic looks like the battery vent hose, to vent acid vapors and possible acid from the bike. It goes between the rear of the crankcase and the swingarm.

<Insert obligatory "Check your valve clearance" message here/>

Welcome to the forum!

 

And I just noticed, that chain looks hella rusty!! Could be just dirty, but it definitely needs some love. Possibly even time for a new chain and sprockets. Safety first!

Also, your carbs are missing the heat shield plate.

 

That hose that goes to nowhere is the vent tube for the battery. It is to be attached to the nipple on the battery.

 

as suggested above check your valve clearances, also check compression, drain and change your oil it probally has gas in it if your carbs are leaking. read the first link on Kmoe's signature.
before you start to spend money start making a list of the things you will need.
my xj550h was free I am at the $600.00 mark $300 was an exhaust system. still need brake lines Master cylinder rebuild or replacment with a larger one for future plans. then replacing my 20 year old tires which are on the way and not part of the 6 bills.
i'll start your list .
chain and sprockets, brake pads and shoes,read warning about brake shoes at top of forum list. wheel bearings front and rear, maybe head stock bearings, fork seals, carb rebuilding parts
so make sure your engine is sound first.
in for a penny in for a pound. sorry if I scared you. the members are here to help and advise.
all that you have to do is ask.
you also need a service manual you can download one for $7.00 it will be for Seca /maxum.
best of luck there is also a link where you can get an owners manual here on the site which has a lot of info you will need to know.

Download service manual $6.99
https://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/179963190-download-yamaha-xj550-maxim-seca-repair

 

You are going to want to read this: http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/550-seca-airbox-tech-bulletin-important.31872/