little bit of smoke??

I just got my 82 xj650 running.YAHOO!

I still have a few things to do but I wanted to make sure it would run before I sink anymore cash in this thing.

I replaced the plugs and she started right up. It wouldnt idle or rev up because I had to leave the choke on, it wouldn't correctly idle without it nor would it rev up without bogging. but I found in the forums here that i needed to adjust the idle and I did this and now she idles fine and revs up fine.

i noticed a bit of white smoke on the left exhaust when I had the choke on. it seems to have diminished now. should I be wary of this? or was this because when the choke is on? or does this indicate something else?

Another question would be ... if it seems to be running pretty good do I assume the carbs are synced?

JY

 

A bit of white smoke at start up w/choke is ok. I expect that it is water vapor and should go away after a minute or so.
What you need to keep an eye out for is blue or black smoke.
Do not ever assume the carbs are synced unless you have done them. You ought to spend some time and go through the carbs to ensure a trouble free riding season. Assume nothing has been done if this is a bike you have purchased used.

 

How long since it last ran? Could just be the rings 're-seating' letting a little oil by or some moisture in the cylinder. If it doesn't go away once you get it running better, that's when I would worry.

A compression test would tell you volumes about the condition of the rings. It's easy to do and only requires and inexpensive gauge available at all auto parts store or your local Harbor Freight. Look for consistent readings across all cylinders. If you have one or more that are significantly lower than the others, time to start thinking about a ring job.

 

Thanks Guys , Good tips.

The white smoke did go away after it warmed up and I got the idle set correctly.It had not run in 9 months, and the crank case was filled with gas because the PO left the pet cock on pri. I flushed that out a couple times.
I will tackle the tuning and synching, I was just wondering if I can wait.

I need to put on a new back tire. Deal with a seized oil filter bolt and get my motorcycle license.

But it is running, baby steps baby steps.

JY

 

That is great news !!! Congrats

NEVER ASSUME !! :wink: Sync those carbs like they have never been synced before.
On second thought, they might have never been synced before... 8O
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2132.html

Dont forget to get the mixture screws set so that the plugs are a beautiful tan color.

Add a fuel filter while you are at it, its only a few dollar investment.
And will save you many dollars worth of hassle latter on down the road.
Other members will back me on this upgrade.
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=6352.html

Hey you can even clean those carbs too
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2908.html
You know seems to be easier during Non-Riding season too.