Problems with 1982 XJ550 Maxim

I have had this bike for about a week and it has ran fine. The other day after riding for about 10 minutes is started sputtering when I tried to take off. I stopped let the bike cool off then it started up and ran fine for about ten minutes then completely died. I waited 5 more minutes then it cranked up and ran fine all day. The next morning I got up, clean the carbs and dumped the tank and put new 93 octane in it to clear everything out. It has run great for two days, this morning It died again on the way home from class. So I waited a few minutes and sure enough it started and ran fine. Any suggestions on this? I am afraid to ride it very far in fear of it dying and not starting back.

 

Check the valve clearances.
AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT with Pics

What have you done to the machine since buying it?
Nothing?
It's safe to assume that nobody else did any of the regular maintainace either.

Have yourself a good read and then get to work so you can have a safe and reliable motorcycle.
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/

 

I have cleaned the carbs. and the plugs and oil was changed about two months ago

 

Have you checked your fuse boxes for loose/corroded clips? These old XJ550's are notorious for that. An intermittent fuse from corroded clips could cause intermittent running and dying. Instructions are on this site for replacing the fuse box. Prior to my reading those instructions, I replaced them all with inline fuses. It worked, but looks like a rats nest.

Check your valve clearances as indicated above.

When you say you cleaned carbs, what exactly did you do?

 

+1 for checking fuse box/electrical connections. I had a similar problem that was caused by a wiggly connection where ignition circuit connected to fuse box.

 

+1 on fuses. My old crusty fuse box had 2 fuses that had "welded themselves" to the remaining part of the spring clip after the other part broke off. not a solid situation. I upgraded mine w/ parts from Chacal and it's been solid (and I swear the lights are brighter).

 

Check the date codes on the brake lines. IF more than 4 years ole, replace them, and rebuild the entire hydraulic brake system. Check the rear brake shoes for delamination.

 

These are not symptoms of shim clearance issues. This sound much more like

1. TCI issue
2. Fuel line/ vacuum line collapse
3. Plugged fuel cap vent
4. Possibly intake boot collapse
5. Other electrical issue

 

When I say cleaned the carbs i mean dumped the bowls and took the tops off and cleaned everything and made sure no jet were clogged. Trust me I made sure the carbs we spotless. I have had to rewire a few things on the fuse box (like lights and a turn signals) I haven't looked much else into it but I will check that out. I am starting to wonderer if there is just some crap in the bottom of the tank that is getting sucked in every often. (multiple pieces of crap) Lastly I noticed the other day while cleaning the carbs, the previous owner has blocked off three of the four air intakes. They only have the vacuum hose running into one cylinder. Problem?

 

Welcome to The Church of Clean; a Pharisee is clean on the outside, a true believer is spotless on the inside as well: http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/in-the-church-of-clean.14692/

As for the vacuum hose, that is correct. Only one is used (normally number 3, the others are capped.

 

I beleive you, but almost everyone says that and finds out much later on that they missed something.

Carbs however, are not likely causing your current problem. I'm starting to lean toward electrical just like Hogfiddles, however making sure the other systems are functioning correctly should be on your to-do list.

 

The PO didn't do that; the factory did. There is only one vacuum line (to the petcock) so the other ports get caps.

 

Ill check into the electrical! Thanks guys!