Need some advice!!!

I recently inherited a 1983 xj maxim 650 from a family member and brought it from florida to arizona. I was told that the carbs would have to be rebuilt because it would idle but as soon as it was given gas it would die. So when I got it home sure enough it idled ok but as soon as I touched the throttle it died. So I had my father in law help me rebuild the carbs. But now it will not start. We tried using the article on here for "bench synching" the carbs, but for some reason it doesnt seem to be getting gas enough to idle. After many attempts to start it we eventually used some starter fluid and left the choke on and it fired up but seemed to be burning very very rich. Lots of smoke and the obvious strong smell of gas. I have read alot about the YICS eliminator tool, but have not been able to find any diagrams on where it actually goes. I found the tool on ebay for $30 total but wasnt sure if this would fix the problem. I'm assuming this problem has something to do with the sync of the carbs as that is the only thing that has been changed. If anyone could lend some advise as to where to start and if the YICS tool would be helpful and where it goes it would be much appreciated.
This is my first motorcycle and I'm not experienced in anything mechanical, I appreciate any advice that you guys can give and I'm sure it will be very helpful cause I've noticed you guys have a ton of info on these bikes.

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

Welcome to the site.

How far did you break the carbs down? Did you remove pilot screws? I'd hope so for a good cleaning. If you did what are they set at now? Are your float levels set correctly (clear tube method)?

What all did you do to the carbs to "clean" them?

A bit more info and we can help you get this sorted out.

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

Honestly my father in law did most of the work but the kit were full carb rebuild kits, and we used an ultrasonic bath to clean them. So everything was nice and clean when put back together. We werent sure what to set the pilot screws to. Also could you elaborate on the float levels, I'll have him go over it and give it another shot if we need to.

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

You pilot screws should be set at 2.5 turns out from bottom. There should also be a small oring, washer and spring under the screws.

This thread http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2 ... level.html has a link to a PDF for setting the float levels.

Also, unrelated to your carbs, check your rear brakes for delamination.

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

and to answer your other question, the YICS tool is inserted into the YICS passage in the back of the cylinders to block the passages during a running vacuum sync.

In order:

-check and adjust valve clearances.

-float levels
-bench sync
-running vac sync
-ColorTune or otherwise ("idle drop" method) tweak mixtures.

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

Wow! Thanks for the quick response and advice. I'll try that when i get home from work tonight and let you guys know what happens after that. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks again
Tony

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

I don't want to steal the path you're on with the other members suggestions, they are correct. I just want to ask if you touched the spark plug wires and if the plugs were changed. you guys have a manual? if not, it should be the next 20 bucks you spend, but it won't tell you much about the mixture screws. 2.5 is a starting point but will probably be a larger # once it's right. Also, search 'colortune' and consider getting one. good luck and welcome. don't forget to check the rear brake shoes for delamination. that means the glue holding the pad to the mount is old and the shoe will fall off while riding and lock the back wheel. adding new shoes to the Service Manual order isn't a bad idea

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

Well guys turns out my father in law put the floats in upside down. After reading up on your advise and using the pdf for floats i decided we should take a look at them. Compared them to the handy photos in the pdf and sure enough they were upside down. Put them in right side up and she fired right up. Just have to getting the fuel synching issue fixed because its burning pretty rich on the right side. Getting to that another night. But i appreciate all the help and advice given to get her running again.
Thanks,
Tony

 

Well currently the problem seems to be getting the bike to idle correctly. It fires up and then the rpms race up to about 5 to 6k. then come down to about 500 and then die. We've bench synched, running vacuum synched, and still will not idle. Will run, took her for a ride around the block but will not idle correctly and has very poor low end response. We tried to adjust the idle screw every way possible, and also have adjusted the mixture screws to every setting possible but still no luck. Would this be where the YICS tool would come into play??? Any ideas of where to begin. We're kinda stuck and are actually considering taking it to a shop just to get it running right, but would love to avoid that because I would prefer to do it all myself for the cost and for the experience.
Thanks in advance again,
Tony

 

Re: Need some advise!!!

You need the YICS tool to do the vacuum sync.

Did you check the valves first?

Hanging revs are usually a sign of being out of sync, or a vacuum leak.

Are you running it without the airbox boots in place, or does it have "pods?"

 

I have pods, and they are on it currently.

 

pods ARE your vacuum leak. believe me.