could really use some help

i have a 81 xl650 which has been running like a tank since i got it in march , i have done oil change , and plugs lubed where needed ect , about a week ago it started acting funny. it misses and cuts out in 1st and 2nd gears , but runs like a champ in all other gears , almost seems like its not hitting on all cyl spits and sputters and then kicks in and takes off , i tried some sea foam , and also took apart the petcock and checked it , when i got it , would not run in the on position at all , only prime , it was a little gummed up , and now thats its clean it still does the same thing , any1 have an idea i can check thanks

 

CARBS.

you're going to have to clean them properly.

There's plenty of writeups and information here.

 

what i was afraid of , guess ill re-build petcock as well

 

xj4ever (chacal) is the man for the parts.

Where you located?

 

You might also want to check the inside of your tank. The carbs will get dirty more quickly if there's rust/sludge in the tank. Mine died a few days after I cleaned the carbs, turns out the tank was filthy and I was just cycling crud back into them. Electrolysis and an in-line filter worked for me.

 

tank was treated and coated right before i got her , looks new inside , and of course drained all the old gas out

 

humor me and check your battery terminal connections. It won't cost you anything but a minute and a half of your time and I am STILL amazed at how many "carb problems" (ie sputtering, backfiring, etc) are caused by a wiggly cable that cuts out spark at certain RPMs or certain speeds or whatever causes just the right vibes.

Just humor me, then carry on.

Also generally speaking ya ought to run an inline fuel filter. Most of our carbs have itty bitty screens buried deep inside the carbs that get clogged VERY easily and are a hassle to clean. Don't let anything get to them in the first place.

 

10-4 will check em today

 

checked the battery , was very tight no play at all , also checked the boots around carbs , made a video with it running , you can hear a miss at a certain spot , then it kicks in and sounds better , also a little backfire

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVGzeFuJv0U