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Yamaha XJ550 Maxim

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by old's cool, Nov 18, 2020.

  1. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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    Hi,
    I need to pick your XJ bikes' owners' and enthusiasts' brains about my XJ550 maxim! :)
    hopefully your expertise would help me with this bike!
    I need you to find out if the engine is making noise(s) which it shouldn't and is NOT supposed to!
    P.S. I can't upload the audio/video file!! :-(

    Thanks
     
    Last edited: Nov 18, 2020
  2. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    the valves should be taping like an old sewing machine.
    rpm spec is 1050 rpm but better at 1200rpm due to oil tensioner for the primary chain

    keep posting after a few more posts you can do links and uploads
     
    k-moe likes this.
  3. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    If valves are out of spec on an XJ550, they are quiet. If in spec, they "tap" rhythmically like a sewing machine as described.
     
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  4. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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    would you mind leaving me your email address here or have it send to me by "the admin" so we can discuss this faster and with no obstacles(such as limitations on uploading any link, ....)?!
    Thanks
     
  5. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    click on my avatar and star a conversation with me
     
  6. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    one noise you will want to check out is if it is coming from the clutch . there is a steel pin that needs to be replaced .
     
  7. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    You may also hear a sound coming from the top of the engine that I describe as "clattering the end of a coat hanger back and forth inside an empty tin can." As mentioned, that can be the cam chain tensioner. It is apparently hydraulic. Low oil pressure, or the wrong oil, can exacerbate it, as can low rpm idle. I run mine around 1200 rpm to avoid it.
     
  8. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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    any tips on how to winterize it in a cold underground parking lot?!
    thanks
     
  9. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    cam chain tensioner is spring loaded and adjustable
     
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  10. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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    any idea of the how big of a job and the costs of each and every possible scenario you've all mentioned above?!
     
  11. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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  12. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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    this is the moment we've all been waiting for! :)
    finally we can listen to the sound/noise that this engine makes hopefully nothing out of the ordinary! :)
    please help yourselves to it https://we.tl/t-iGViywgueO
     
    Last edited: Dec 3, 2020
  13. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    Link isn't working for me.
     
  14. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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  15. k-moe

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

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    The same way as I winterized in an unheated Kansas garage (it could get below freezing inside the garage on a cold night).
    Stabil in a full tank.
    Ride to make sure it gets into the carbs.
    A post-ride oil change.
    Park it on the center stand.
    Let it sit until Spring.
    Occasional rides when the wheather is warm enough won't do any harm, just make sure that the rides are at least 20 minutes long so the engine gets warm enough to drive off moisture from the crankcase. Top the gas tank off before going home.

    Since your garage is underground it will have a very stable temperature in comparison to an above-ground garage. Condensation should be minimal, even though the humidity is higher there (no matter if LA means Los Angeles or Louisiana).
     
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  16. cgutz

    cgutz Well-Known Member

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    The only thing I add to K-moes process is to hook it up to a battery tender (I have a lead acid battery - maybe AGM doesn't need this?)
     
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  17. k-moe

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

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    AGM does need that (AGM is a type of lead-acid battery). So does any other battery stored long-term. Thanks for the reminder.
     
  18. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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    still NOT working for you?!!
     
  19. old's cool

    old's cool New Member

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    what if just starting the bike every now and then(4-5 days) if there's NO power outlets around?!
     
  20. Huntchuks

    Huntchuks Well-Known Member

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    Starting will drain the battery a bit and if the bike is not run long enough or at higher RPM's it will not have a chance to charge up. Better to take the battery to an outlet.
     
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