XJ550 Starting Problems

I just stared working on a 1982 XJ550 Maxim but I can't get it to start. I changed spark plugs and changed the oil and got it to run for about 5 seconds but then it dies. I cleaned the carb but when I put it back on it was leaking gas. Not sure if it's an issue with the floats? Any advice would be great

 

carbs leaking gas is likely to be the float valve assembly.
when you first put carbs on and fill them you have to tap the bowls with a screwdriver handle to keep floats and float valves from binding.
what did you do to clean the carbs?


the carbs have 3 circuits that need to be cleaned
enrichment circuit
pilot jet circuit
main jet circuit

 

I your petcock set on PRI or ON ? If it is set to PRI fuel flows set ON only delivers fuel when engine runs (vacuum) Did you replace needle and seat? if they are vitron tipped are they grooved ? if they are solid brass this is better ( recommended due to the crap fuel we have no worries about ethonal break down with these) Agree with XJ550H your floats are hung up ... since you stated you changed oil ... be careful your crank case maybe full of fuel/oil now. ( You may have to change oil again take off filler sniff opening if it smells of oil and you do not have a bubble in sight gauge ..there is the sign)

 

I just used gasoline and a tooth brush to clean them.

 

I had the Petcock set to on. I didn't replace the needle or seat

 

30 year old carbs don't need cleaning, they need rebuilding. http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/in-the-church-of-clean.14692/

30 year old motorcycles need more than just carbs rebuilt. http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/the-information-overload-hour.27544/

 

CurlyJ00 -
Take a deep breath, slowly exhale, fill a glass of your favorite beverage -
Read those links from K-moe - probably the bottom one first.
Plan on spending time and a few more $$$ to get your bike into a safe and reliable condition.
The reward is worth the wait, doing things half-arsed will create frustration - do it right, ask questions here.

 

YES ^^^^+1 you need to take your carbs to church and get real religious with them...Full tear down replace throttle shaft seals will have to "break the rack" after full tear down soak each carb body in carb cleaner NOT spray soaking is only way to fully get into all the passages I use Berrymans 1 gallon carb cleaner has a basket inside soak bodies about 45 min to hour ..pull out wash with dawn and hot water , blow out all passages and dry .. reassemble ...repeat for other 3 carbs then reassemble rack set your bench synch ... it is all in the link Kmoe sent you. Cheers

 

Old quote Buy the best, cry once or something like that.