starting issue, where do I go from here?

I started fiddling with my new XJ a couple days ago and noticed some problems with the electronics. I pulled the seat off to check fuses and found this...
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unacceptable, so I fixed it...
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Now everything lights up and the engine turns over but won't run. From what I have read here so far I know I need to pull the carbs off to clean and inspect them, should that be my next step? This is my first bike so please excuse my lack of knowledge...does the gas tank need to be removed in order to remove the carbs? I was looking at them today and could not really tell how to get them off.

Thanks!
-doc

 

Welcome Doc; might help if you put the model/year etc in your signature so the Wizards can help.

 

Well I would start with the valves...
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

Then the carbs...
http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14692.html

Your also gonna need to check your brakes...
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=1 ... art=0.html
http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/p=3 ... tml#362577

 

Z32800, thanks! Bike is now listed in sig.

xjrider, thanks for the links!

 

Choke full on? Battery healthy?

 

Have you checked for spark at the plugs ?

 

choke is on full. Not sure about the battery...it dies really quickly and I have to jump it. I am going up pick up a charger snd see if that helps.

 

I'm not exactly sure how to do that. I have been told you check for spark by removing the plug, grounding it on the frame, and hitting the ignition while watching for a spark. Is that correct?

 

That'll do it. But that only tells you the ignition is working to a point. In particular, plugs that fire in the air won't necessarily fire in the engine.

Throw new plugs while you're at it. They're inexpensive and rule out one problem area.

 

Good advice on replacing the plugs & checking for a spark, I'd still say it's worth pulling the carbs and going through them using the "Church of Clean" or "Whole 9 Yards" threads as guidance, also checking valve clearances & going through the brakes as suggested is essential on an unknown quantity like a new-to-you bike.

The valve clearances nearly always get neglected & can ruin an engine eventually, and the rear brake in particular is an issue with delaminating shoes potentially jamming the wheel. One more thing I'd suggest (with a fully charged good battery fitted, all spark plugs out & most importantly the TCI disconnected) is a compression test, although if the bike's stood a while the numbers may not seem great, all you're looking for at this stage is that each cylinder at least makes something rather than nothing.

 

I ended up pulling the carbs off a little while ago due to finding what, based on my limited knowledge of carbs, I think may be a not so good thing.

I got home from work and wanted to give it one more attempt at starting even if it promptly quit running or whatever, just to see if it would at least kinda run. I had been thinking there was fuel in the tank because I could hear a little bit moving around when I moved the bike but it appears it was just a very small amount. I added one gallon of fuel and immediately fuel began pouring out of carbs #3 and #4. I tried switching the petcock to stop the flow but no matter what position it was at the fuel just kept pouring out.

I clamped off the fuel line coming from the petcock and figured out how to remove the carbs. The previous owner stated that he had cleaned them, but it definitely seems otherwise. Additionally, I found what looks like some "good ol' Appalachian engineering" on carb #3...is this supposed to be there?

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Based on the fuel pouring out of the carbs is it possible that there are missing, broken, or stuck internal parts? And would it be advantageous to carry on with taking them down, cleaning, and rebuilding? Or would it be best to attempt to find a new carb assembly?

Thanks for all of your input guys, your advice is much appreciated.

-Doc

 

-Very possible.

-By all means, tear them down (don't break the rack yet) and be sure to keep everything organized separately, by carb.

-Then based upon what you find, sourcing another rack (either to rebuild or as parts for this one) might not be a bad idea. You already know you need a float bowl.

 

That drain screw in cab 3 has the wrong thread size and won't stop the flow through the drain, so you'll never keep gas in 3 with that there. I suggest replacing all 4 with good ones from Chacal (pm him, and see the info on that link from Xjrider92117 above). Get the ones that use an allen wrench, those stick out more and can be grabbed with a vice grip if needed.

While you're at it, check the intake manifold vacuum port plug caps, they need to be somewhat flexible to seal and often are hard as granite. As a habit, when I replace one thing on one carb, I get 4 and replace all if feasible.

 

When I bought my XJ700 I really had no idea what problems I could be getting into. After seeing the condition of some of the bikes I've seen on this site, I was very lucky. Everything--except the carbs--was stock and in good condition. The carbs were actually stock 86 carbs on my 85, but even they were in good condition. Finally replaced them with 85 carbs and they work much better. I would have sold this bike long ago if I had not found this site. All I can say is "ask and you shall receive" great advice. No short cuts, do it all and don't get in a hurry. A good running XJ is worth the wait and effort.

 

Sound advice right there :wink: Tabaka, I've been away from the site a while, you've corrected your fuel consumption worries now then? Cool

 

With the new carbs I seem to have picked up 4-5 mpg, so the last tank I got a tad under 40 mpg overall which included some in-town. I'm still tweaking the pilot screws to try and get the plugs perfect, and they are getting close. So I've probably got all the mpg I'm going to get, but it runs so d--- well that I pretty much don't care if I can't get it any better.