1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

Maxim 650- Engine Won't Start

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by AndrewLAVA.unltd, Aug 4, 2014.

  1. AndrewLAVA.unltd

    AndrewLAVA.unltd New Member

    Messages:
    14
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Kenosha, WI
    So a little back story.

    I used to have a starting issue with this bike (1981 xj650), but could occasionally start if I shorted across the solenoid terminals with a screwdriver. As such, I went ahead and replaced the starter cable, starter solenoid as the previous owner shorted it often, and rebuilt the starter as the brushes were worn down almost completely.

    I also changed the oil with 20-w50 as the oil was looking pretty grim. Battery was trickle charged for good measure.

    2 weeks of sitting, And on my first attempt to start after all of this, the starter sounds good. No longer sounds like a bunch of rocks spinning around. Problem is, the engine simply won't start. I can hold the start button for 15 seconds, and the starter sounds relatively strong throughout, but still no go.

    Suggestions?
     
    AndrewLAVA.unltd, Aug 4, 2014
    #1
  2. PilotSmack

    PilotSmack Active Member

    Messages:
    372
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Calgary, Canada
    Re: Maxim 650- Engine Won't Turn Over

    Your terminology may be off. You're saying it TURNS OVER (as in, the starter spins the motor), but the engine fails to start?
     
    PilotSmack, Aug 4, 2014
    #2
  3. AndrewLAVA.unltd

    AndrewLAVA.unltd New Member

    Messages:
    14
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    3
    Location:
    Kenosha, WI
    Forgive me, corrections have been made! Yes, that is correct.
     
    AndrewLAVA.unltd, Aug 4, 2014
    #3
  4. wink1018

    wink1018 Active Member

    Messages:
    420
    Likes Received:
    51
    Trophy Points:
    28
    Location:
    Muncy, Pennsylvania
    Time to verify a few things.....

    Valve shim clearance checked?

    Carbs clean?

    Petcock working with vacuum?

    Are you using enrichment to start?

    Let us know. Then the brainstorming can commence.
     
    wink1018, Aug 4, 2014
    #4
  5. k-moe

    k-moe Pie, Bacon, Bourbon. Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    19,647
    Likes Received:
    6,754
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    The City of Seven Hills
    Are the float bowls filled with fuel? After sitting for a few days the bowls will be dry since the fuel can evaporate. Put the petcock on prime and try again.
     
    k-moe, Aug 4, 2014
    #5
  6. hogfiddles

    hogfiddles XJ-Wizard, Host-Central NY Carb Clinic Moderator Premium Member

    Messages:
    14,850
    Likes Received:
    5,163
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    near utica, new york
    Verify the voltage on your battery WHILE your a cranking. A weak battery can still turn the engine but you need a strong battery to get spark. My bet is on the battery.....
     
    hogfiddles, Aug 4, 2014
    #6
  7. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    2,663
    Likes Received:
    356
    Trophy Points:
    83
    Location:
    Middle Tennessee
    Might check the resistor screws in the ht caps and screw in wiring connections while you're at it.

    Gary
     
    rocs82650, Aug 4, 2014
    #7

Share This Page