xj600 1990 not starting :(

hi folks ma xj was running great after my carb cleaning and all of a sudden it decided not to start

when i try to start her it sounds like a car when its timing belt has snapped

any sugestions will be greatly apretiated

happy new year to all

 

Do you mean the pistons and valves are clattering into each other?
I once heard a Ford CVH engine with a snapped cam belt and it was spookily quiet.

I would check the basics, fuel and sparks. Are the plugs wet? Is there a spark? Is it damp?
A few posts recently have been from owners who are firing on two cylinders only. (One coil knackered)

 

Hi thanks for quick reply

no imean like a DOHC engine like a ford pinto were the valves clear the pistons

 

Ha! waiting for teenage daughter to come in, hence fast reply!

I'd check all the silly things unless you really think something catastrophic has happened in the engine.

Like plugs - are they wet? - fuel getting through but no ignition.
If plugs are dry - a fuel, vacuum, filter problem.

If wet, check for a spark on all 4 plugs.

Could be a pickup issue or perhaps bad/ corroded contacts on the TCI electronic ignition (Mounted on the battery cover).

Lastly, could it be a fault on the sidestand cutout switch (So you cannot start the bike with the stand down) - it the switch stuck?

 

Hi markie the side stand switch was disconnected but il will check it ince is started to touch but thanks i will will check all these things tomorrow

even though i wont be out on her i hate the fact she sitting there no running

 

hi took the plugs out they are soaked with petrol

looks like no spark from 4 pots

 

Corby, you need to pull the left crank cover and valve cover, then line up all the timing marks to make sure that you haven't skipped a tooth on the cam chain.
Another note, your sidestand switch might be disconnected but the contacts all need to be shorted to one another to engage the safety relay so your coils can fire.

 

hi i checked the sidestand switch both contacts are linked and secure

as for checking the timing i have no idea were to start lol
am an old two stroke man i am new to 4 stroke any tips would be most welcome

 

If there is no spark AT ALL, sounds and electrical fault but if there is a decent spark it could be a timing issue. Does the engine turn over with the ignition switch (On the throttle switch cluster) off? If it does - perhaps the switch is not making in the on position. My bike is in bits so cannot check!

Have you got a manual to check the timing? I have not done this myself.

 

I am not familiar with your model Corby but I know how check it on an XJ. Have you sourced a maintenance manual for your year yet? If not, you need to. Best money you will ever spend on a bike (or any other vehicle for that matter).
Generally, you should be able to find timing marks on the cams/cam sprockets and the crank/timing gear. Ensure alignment of all of the marks to verify you haven't jumped a tooth or two. Hopefully before you spin the engine over more.
I can tell you for all of the XJ's I own, you should be able to pull the left (as you sit on the bike) crank cover and line up the L on the timing reluctor. Then pop the valve cover and make sure the cam sprockets line up. On my older bikes they have dimples cast into the cam that line up with the arrows cast into the cam pillow blocks.
Good luck!

 

hi many thankis for replies i will go ceck the engine switch fist
cheers guys

 

Hi ok the run switch is fine you can hear the relay clicking when you turn it on and off if you try to start it while off it wont do nothing

ok i checked for a spark and there is no spark on any plug at all

i took off the ignition modual checked for dry solder joints and connection tabs were clean

but still no spark

i have no idea whats wrong

 

Sounds like coils to me. Fairly easy to replace if you got the $$. Shouuuld be a way to check your coils.. havent done it myself but I read about it once.. Guys?
-Chris

 

Imagine an XJ900 with a 550 engine in it - that's what an XJ600 looks like. It was sold in the US as an FJ600.

+1 on the manual - there might even be a free download version on 'tinternet.

 

Well it's very unlikely that it's the coils, i mean both coils would't die at the same time. You would have to trace where there is no voltage in the ignition circuit. Do you have a manual and a multimeter?

 

hi i have a multimeter but no manual

i was gonna use this guide http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic ... spark.html

but wasnt sure if it will be for my bike as am sure its a cdi

 

Did a check found no 12v going to the ignitor unit turned out to be a dodgey spade connector someone fitted all is good running great roll on spring

thanks for everyones help

 

Glad all is ok and thanks for posting the solution-might help others in the future!