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Unable to push start 1982 Maxim 550

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by camelCase, Nov 6, 2018.

  1. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    I've been having some issues starting up my bike. The brake light works and comes on when I turn key to engine on. Kill switch is off. Spark plugs should be good, I'll check them when I get home. They're only about 2 months old.

    I put the bike in neutral and get some speed before pulling in clutch, stepping up to 2nd, then letting the clutch out. The engine starts to turn and the back tire locks up.

    I have to start in neutral because it's getting cold out and the oil isn't hot. Can't go far in 2nd with clutch pulled in from a stop.

    So besides getting a new battery, do I just need more speed before she'll start up again? I'm getting a trickle charger after this ordeal.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2018
  2. fiveofakind

    fiveofakind Well-Known Member

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    "ENGINE STOP" switch needs to be in the "RUN" position.....if you want to start the bike by pushing it or electric start button.


    Not the "OFF" position.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2018
  3. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    It's in the "RUN" position.
     
  4. fiveofakind

    fiveofakind Well-Known Member

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    Then I mis-interpeted what you said...
     
  5. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    Yeah no worries. I was trying to go back and edit it.
     
  6. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    when you try to bump start it does the headlight come on? your alt may not be putting out enough voltage to fire the tci

    also try getting your weight over the rear tire

    my 750 will lock the rear tire when bump starting

    try priming the carbs to make sure you have enough fuel
     
  7. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    Yeah the headlight came on! Very dim though. I suspect that the battery is very dead. Would that matter? I mean the neutral light is on, the brakelight is on, the headlight is on (dim) but they all kinda dim after each unsuccessful bump start.

    How do I prime the carbs?
     
  8. k-moe

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

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    The battery being very low wont keep it from bump starting, but you might need to get her up to a bit more speed to do so.
    The petcock has a prime setting (PRI). Set it to that, wait 30 seconds, then flip it back to run.
     
  9. camelCase

    camelCase Member

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    I was able to start it up by jumping it with my jumper cables. Maybe I just wasn't getting enough speed?
     
  10. Colin 85 700

    Colin 85 700 Active Member

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    Likley the issue, if the engine doesn't turn fast enough with a dead battery, loss on the electrical system can cause the ignition to not have enough juice to fire.
    Not sure on XJ models, but I do know many older bike and ATV engines need a battery to help power the TCI/CDI on low speed starts such as pull start, kick start or bump start. Even on non electric start engines. Once running, the system provides enough voltage and the battery becomes irrelevant. :)
     
  11. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    i don't even like to push mine out of the garage
     
    fiveofakind and Jetfixer like this.
  12. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    could be. when you bump start it letting clutch out then pulling it back in will work. you are not trying to drive away just get it started
     

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