XJ550 Clacking sound at 6k rpm

1981 XJ550 Seca

I love the bike because it was my first ever project that I got from not running to running and enjoying riding.
I bought and replace the valve shims according to the factory schedule.
Changed the oil.
Got fresh gas in the tank.
Went to the Church of Clean for the carbs - and synced them.
Starting was a nightmare: 12 tries to get something going - she ran, rough idle (I adjusted the idle screw) but she still died without my twisting the throttle a little.
The worst part was that around 6k rpm there is a loud metallic clacking sound (sorry that's the best way to describe it).
At lower rpms she runs smooth.
And cylinder 1 exhaust leaks oil
What am I missing with that sound (other than she won't start easily)?

Thank you for suggestions / guidance.

 

Sounds like either the shim job went wrong, or you've got the plug wires crossed.
Common to accidentally set a cylinder on TDC valve overlap and not TDC compression stroke.

 

Did you clean the tiny jets in the float bowls. They must be clear to supply more fuel for cold starting.

 

What is the difference?
How do I set / adjust that?
Thx

 

I thought I did a enough job - obviously not - lol.
I'll go back and make sure that I redo the cleaning.
Thank you

 

When you are sitting on the bike left coil provides spark for cylinders 1 and 4 right for 2 and 3.

 

Correct.
I'll double check just to make sure.
Although around 1,500 rpm the engine purrs

 

You need to shine a light into the float bowl and look for light in the hole the brass tube goes into. Be careful unclogging the jet you don't want to enlarge it and wear eye protection. Spraying carb cleaner into that jet it can hit you in the eye.

 

If it's running leads must be correct.


Fuel travels up tube if jet is clear to enrich the mixture for cold starting.

 

Thank you - that's what makes carbs frustrating (when it's not working) and oh-so rewarding (when it actually runs).

 

Carb cleaner eyes probably cleans more than the jet.
Thank you

 

Yes true but since you actually use the vacuum from each cylinder to set each carburettor when balancing them valve clearances must be done first.

 

I've done the shims according to the factory specs/table

 

Yes l forgot that. My bike wouldn't start and l cleaned the carburettors before l joined the forum. I didn't know about the jet at the bottom of each float bowl. When l found out and cleaned them bike started up.

 

Thank you - I was just getting excited to have her running again after a couple of years sitting