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Help! What are these bolts?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by MikeMatt, Feb 18, 2016.

  1. MikeMatt

    MikeMatt New Member

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    This may be a dumb question, but I have recently picked up a great little xj550 Maxim (1981) from an older man who had it in the barn for 20 years. I've got it running and am really enjoying building the project, but I have come across these bolts/plugs on each side of the engine.

    I have circled them in the picture, and was hoping someone could identify their purpose. Thank you!
     

    Attached Files:

  2. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

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    Do not try to remove the bolts they are part of the oil passage and are used for machining the block. They are easy to brake if you try to remove them. Nice looking bike.
     
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  3. Bigshankhank

    Bigshankhank Active Member

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    IIRC you could drain the engine oil using either of these bolts, but as stated above they are easy to break and the proper drain plug is so much easier to use. Leave them alone.
     
  4. MikeMatt

    MikeMatt New Member

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    Thanks for the feedback!!
     
  5. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

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    The rear brake foot arm looks a bit high. Is should be level with the foot peg or slightly lower. Still a good looking bike.
     
  6. Stumplifter

    Stumplifter Well-Known Member

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    True that.
    I believe XJ 650 Maxim is supposed to be 1/8" above foot peg top.
     
  7. rocs82650

    rocs82650 Well-Known Member

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    Welcome aboard. I agree it's a good looking bike. The rear brake lever should have a location detent that should align with a marker on the spline. Looks like this...
    20160219_174723.jpg

    Gary H.
     
  8. k-moe

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

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    Oil will come out of those holes, but only with the engine running. The sump is below them.
     
  9. Steve M.

    Steve M. Member

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    I wish my xj looked that nice.... Heck, I wish any of my bike's looked that nice.
     
  10. k-moe

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

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    Go > show.
     
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  11. Steve M.

    Steve M. Member

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    true, mine do go faster than they look it's that sleeper thing.I really enjoy that look you get when they pull up at the next stop light.I call it the how did that just happen look.Its priceless...
     
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  12. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    you need rear brakes. your adjuster on the drum is too long your pedal should be aprox 20 mm below foot pedal .adjusted to suit your foot movement more than the spec
    it has an level adjuster at the front of the brake rod
    read this link
    SAFETY ALERT Drum rear brake bike owners please take a look
    freeplay.PNG
    you will have to make your own mark on the spline when you remove the lever

     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2016
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