Gas draining help!!

Hi everybody, I'm new to this site and to the motorcycle world. I've just purchased a 1982 Yamaha xj550 maxim and I need to do a carburetor cleaning, oil change, and gas drain in the morning. I can handle the first two but is there anything anybody can tell me about getting the gas out?!

 

When the tap is in the PRI (prime) position, fuel should run out freely, in RUN and RES it needs engine vacuum to operate a diaphram in the tap. Or just pull the tank of and tip it upside down! The carbies should have drain screws on the bottom of the float bowls.
PeterN

 

Get some old garden hose (free is best) cut 2 lengths, 1&1/2 feet, 5 feet, and a cotton rag, the longer hose goes into the corner of the tank WITHOUT hitting the filter tower or the fuel sender (on other bikes)

Cram the hoses and the rag into the opening, sealing with your fingers. then do like the Big Bad Wolf.

You only have to generate a third of a PSI to get the siphon going, but for those with COPD or chronic asthma, you can use an air compressor.

The gas comes out in 20 seconds, along with any rust debris or water, but WHY do you need to drain it every morning??

 

Thanks, I will def give it a try.

 

He didn't say he needs to do it every morning. He's just telling us what he plans to do in the morning...........

"I've just purchased a 1982 Yamaha xj550 maxim and I need to do a carburetor cleaning, oil change, and gas drain in the morning."

 

Awesome input, and he's right, it's just a one time time thing. I'd rather not run old gas and oil through the bike after the carb cleaning so I just figured I would do it right the first time an make everything run smoothly.

 

Read the church of clean for garb cleaning everything you need to know about. Clunk test and getting floats in order. Do it rightthe first time

 

Here's a Mikuni just like yours, exploded: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=31061.html

You'll need to get your valve clearances in spec before you'll be able to adjust your freshly serviced carbs: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

If you don't have a service manual, find one. Clymer OK, factory better.

But before anything else, you have to visually inspect your rear brake shoes for delamination; this one can kill you: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html