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Starting problems , popping & banging????? Now sorted..

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by colxj66, Sep 26, 2011.

  1. colxj66

    colxj66 Member

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    Hi,

    my wee XJ550 cafe racer has doen around 100 miles so far without any problems other than flattening the battery initially (New regulator fitted now)but has now being a pain in the A***!!
    After a quick blast along to my mates the other day around 7 miles sitting at 7500RPM on the dual carriageway & going fine. It ain't wanting to start that easily???
    I left it around 20 minutes if that, so it wasn't fully cooled down from my run to his . Once we were both ready for a run my XJ wouldn't start & when I was turning it over it was missing & backfiring, eventually flattening the battery & wouldn't go with a push either.
    Since getting it home I have checked the timing, stripped the carbs & they are clean(pilots & main jets anyhow). The plugs are sparking & have been changed for fresh plugs to no avail..
    Waiting on a compression tester to arrive to check that..
    a bit stumped why from going to running sweet it suddenly doesn't want to start & when it does, it's rough as & backfiring, popping & farting away..

    Any ideas, help & advice much appreciated.

    Cheers
    Col. :D
     
    colxj66, Sep 26, 2011
    #1
  2. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Re: Starting problems , popping & banging?????

    How many miles are on the bike, and when was the last time you checked the valve clearances?

    Could be ignition related like a loose plug cap or resistor core, might have sucked something into a carb (running an inline filter?) Or you may have cooked a valve or two.

    The symptoms fit all of the above.
     
    bigfitz52, Sep 26, 2011
    #2
  3. MN-Maxims

    MN-Maxims St. Paul Minnesota

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    Re: Starting problems , popping & banging?????

    When you get your compression tester. Check compression with the throttle pulled all the way open. See what you have.

    MN
     
    MN-Maxims, Sep 26, 2011
    #3
  4. colxj66

    colxj66 Member

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    Re: Starting problems , popping & banging?????

    Cheers guys,
    Fitz. Valve clearances have been checked & only two of them were on the tight side but not by much...........

    Inadverently fixed it now I have to say which I'm chuffed about. After checking the valves, carbs etc.I thought I would fit the new alternator brushes that I recieved from the States.
    On removing the alternator cover a washer fell out of it????? Also I noticed that the ignition wires may have been trapped between the engine casing & the chain cover.. Doh!!! This may have been the cause of it . I don't know but it certainly couldn't have helped.
    Anyhow after fitting the brushes a neighbour came around & asked to hear it fired up... To my astonishemnt & joy it sounded as sweet as it had before this all came about.. Whoohoooo!!!!

    Thanks for the advice guys & at least my valve clearances have been checked now. Hopefully what Ive found with mine may help others too.. ???

    Cheers.
    Col.
     
    colxj66, Sep 26, 2011
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