I think this is a spark question

I have an '82 maxim 550 and I am having a problem. When it is cold in the mornings my bike won't start, but as the day progresses and it gets warmer outside it fires right up.

And on a side note I calculated my fuel economy yesterday and I am getting a whopping 35 mpg.

Someone please help me. These small problems are driving me nuts.

 

Until it warms-up ... you can do a few things.
Keep the Battery up.

Run a length of Windshield Washer Hose into the Airbox through the Intake.
Tape the other end where you can insert the Plastic Hose of Carb Cleaner of Starting Fluid.

Give it a shot of Starting Fluid or Carb Cleaner to get her to Run.
ORCHESTRATE the Enrichment and Throttle to warm-up the Engine for two minutes ... at least.

The XJ Engine HATES to Start from a "Chilled" Dead-cold condition.

 

I live in South Alabama so my winters here aren't really all that bad, so I was wondering if I could just run a drop light under my tarp that covers my bike up to do a little warming up on the motor?

 

That might do the trick down where you are.

Wouldn't hurt to have the Battery tended all-night, ... too.

 

On a 550 you should do better than 35mpg going 100 miles per hour up a steep hill with a fat chick on back. You've got some issues there.

XJ ignition systems are marginal at best. When battery voltage is low the bike will crank just dandy with no spark. Batteries don't like cold temps. Couple a failing battery on a cold day with an XJ ignition system and it won't start.

My 650 with a good battery that lived in a barn (on a tender) would fire right up at 17 degrees with just a bump of the button.

 

ya somethings definately wrong if your getting only 35mpg. Last summer I averaged almost 50 mpg and I'm a pretty big guy 6'2" 260 lbs. although most of my riding was freeways. Lots of paved back roads.

 

thanks for all of the input guys. I really appreciate it. I am just going to have to track down my fuel problem now

 

First..after it's warm out,.pull the plugs and check the
color. black and wet, either too much fuel or oil-no spark
or sticking valves.
Black and dry/sooty- rich condition.not enough air.
grey or tan-good. white and clean,do not ride-severly
lean-can damage engine. Your prob going to see black
sooty looking plugs meaning a rich conditon.
next-take a good 15 mile ride and check the plugs again.
you have to know whats going on in the cylnd'ers to deside what
to start with.
The cold start prob is most likley your batt or a voltage
drop between the batt and starter.

 

I am going to check my plugs today. Also going to try to FINALLY hook up my led turn signals. And lastly attempt to change my fork seals.

 

+1 on all of the above.

I regularly get 52-56mpg from my 550 Secas and I'm not a small individual nor a conservative rider.

The XJ ignition system IS marginal when cold as Carl describes, even a slightly flat battery on a frosty morning and you're going nowhere.

The 550s seem to be REALLY sensitive to float levels; I'll bet anything you've got one or more floats set way too high or just not shutting off. This would also be consistent with the other symptoms you're experiencing.

Might want to drop the float bowls and make sure the enrichment wells are clean and clear as well. You may have them off anyway to set the float levels (check with clear tube method first.)

 

PLEASE do not put a "drop" lite under your tarp to warm your bike. Not trying to lecture or anything ,but as a career firefighter[30+ years] when I hear this I get the shivers,[no pun intended].

 

Okay I have found my starting problem. All this time, I do believe that I have been flooding it out. I tried starting it without the throttle. And voila it starts well before the battery gets low.

 

I think theres a few way to start it if you have that problem I had that too cause when its cold out you need to hit the spot just right.
When I start my 550 I do no choke just turn the fuel tank to Pri to fill the bowl and a little throttle and pow im on. But have your left hand on the choke right when it has some lif give it some choke to keep the idle up.

 

I will be sure to try that. I rebuilt my carbs and replaced my intake boots this weekend as well as putting hose clamps on my fuel line. Hopefully all of this will impact my economy.

 

I decided that I would stop by the local parts house yesterday and pick up some more spark plugs just for snorts and whistles. And lo and behold she fired right up, and I haven't had a problem since. I have filled up my tank and going to see if it has had any impact on my fuel economy.