81 xj 550 idle problem

I have a xj 550 idles fine on start up and when warm. Once I drive it and take it out of gear idle doesnt go back down to normal idle speed. Any ideas?
thanks

 

Floats sticking?

 

Yeh, lots, first check the cable isn't getting caught up, if that is returning properly & check that by pushing down on the linkage with a screwdriver, you are getting unwanted air, either around the carb boots, the ones between the carbs & the head, or the throttle shaft seals, or the caps on the vac' points, that said, are the slides returning (see clunk test).

 

Thanks again. Checked the cable and seems like there is a slight bend in it right before the carb. If it was sucking air would'nt the high idle be constant. I took her for a spin and I made sure the throttle was disengaged and it seem to be fine. I just got the bike and I wonder if I should take her in for a check up, cause I am just learning and don,t want to get in over my head. I'm not sure how to check the linkage with a screwdriver

 

The high idle won't necessarily be constant if it's caused by an air leak.

You could also have a sticking carb slide; or the carbs could simply be way out of synch. Definitely a carb/intake issue of some variety.

"Taking her in for a check up" is probably not going to work out the way you think it will. Very few shops will touch our old bikes; and a lot of those that will don't know what they're doing. We've seen many tales of woe from other forum members who dropped wads of cash with a repair shop that either missed the mark completely or made things worse.

Your best bet is get get a service manual (Clymer OK, factory better, both ideal) and learn how to maintain the motorcycle yourself. You will find a lot of valuable information here; use the search function and read up on your issues.

The first thing you need to realize is that for many of the problems your bike may have, there is no "quick fix." There is a lot of time and labor involved unless you have pounds of money to spend.

The outcome can be very rewarding. (Check my gallery.)

 

Sprayed wd 40 on outer carb boot connected to the head and the idle evened out I guess you could say. Do I need a new boot?

 

Whatever you deside to do, only do what fitz suggested.
the stealership will only cost you 10 times or more
the actual price of the repair.

Case in point-to balance the carbs the dealer will want
at leased $75.00 for what amounts to a 15/20 min job once
you know what your doing. They won't care if you haven't
adj the valves and will do the work even if it won't make a
diff in how it runs!!

Thats only one example...so do it yourself.

 

Possibly. Is it cracked? Are the carbs properly seated in the boots and the clamps tight? Intake manifolds (more than mere "boots" on the engine side) need to be replaced if they become cracked all the way through. There could be other reasons for an air leak there as well.

Removing them is not something to be taken lightly; the screws have an unhappy tendency to break off.