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POOR gas mileage

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by erockswheeler, May 24, 2009.

  1. erockswheeler

    erockswheeler New Member

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    Hi all, first let me say that I'm new to the forum...and to the bike world so please bear with me.
    I recently got my 1st bike..a '82 maxim 550. After cleaning the carbs it runs and goes but gets really bad gas mileage (like 15mpg). It runs a little on the rough side at idle and the plugs (especially #3) were dry but black (running rich?). I'm wondering if changing the plugs and wires might help at all or should I it take her to the shop...I really don't want to spend a arm and leg. Any help is greatly appreciated.
    Thanks in advance.
    P.S.-how to adjust so that is doesn't run so rich (if it is).
     
  2. ktcubed

    ktcubed Member

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    Rich. Need to make sure carbs are really clean, then bench synch then on the bike sink.

    Search form for the whole nine yards on carbs and follow it religiously...
     
  3. bill

    bill Active Member

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    Do your own work - not hard and cheaper. Check for gas in your oil. You will have a strong smell of gas in it is gas is leaking through. Could be leaking needle valves. A carb clean in order.

    You have Minkuni carbs but these instructions are fairly universal

    Clean enrichment circuit
    http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=8918.html

    Clean carbs
    http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2908.html

    Carb Sync
    http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2132.html

    Bench sync
    http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=6366.html
     
  4. erockswheeler

    erockswheeler New Member

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    Thank you both for the input...I was hoping that it wasn't a carb problem as i have already took them apart and cleaned them twice. I noticed that the o-ring on the float needle seat were pretty bad on two of the carbs, could this be part of the problem?
    I cleaned them as the clymer manual says to..might be taking her to the shop after all.
    Thanks!
     
  5. bluepotpie

    bluepotpie Member

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    o ring could do it if it's really bad. you'd have gas seeping out of the seal AND the main jet. i'd check those first since it's probably the easiest.
     
  6. bill

    bill Active Member

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    Don;t take them to a shop - wasting your money. Take a look on this site you will see most of us "cleaned" our crabs 3 or 4 times until we got it right.

    There is no quick or partial clean. You have to take your time and get them surgically clean. Follow the link I provided religiously ad you will be fine. Rick (RICKOMATIC) has written a great instruction guide.
     

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