Project xj400zs -SF *reviving-restoring-modifying*

I've created this thread to show my progress on reviving,restoring and modifying the bike an xj400zs

my first problems were posted here

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=40911.html

**********************************************************
just an update....
it the bike started and growls like a beast!!

cleaned and refitted the spark plugs...
carbs re-opened and cleaned for the 2nd time...

i dont have an idea of the floats level and yes they are mikunis... i just took a lucky estimate of 20mm (if any one knows the right level please let me know so i can adjust to it)

camshaft cover removed and... my day ends.

i dont have the right tools for the valve job and do anyone knows the correct valve clearance? i think the valve's clearance on my bike is way too tight...

***summing it up....
the bike runs/started.
spark plugs cleaned.
carbs cleaned.
carbs gets "almost" synch

*****problems....
-optimum float level unknown
-optimum valve clearance unknown
-i think battery doesn't charge, battery runs dead after 10 starts...

PS

the camshaft head says "YICS" what does it mean???

 

Chacal's definition of YICS

I don't know much about 400's, so all I could do is help with your question about YICS. type YICS into google search engine for further reading if you desire

**EDIT: you certain this is a 400?? nowhere does Chacal say 400's had YICS integrated with 'em. also it seems like you need a manual, if you don't have one already.

 

First of all welcome, You had mentioned on the other topic that you were having trouble with the Valves. Here is a how-to on the valves. That includes the specs.

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html

you also mentioned that you measured the floats at 20mm. Sounds like you are measuring the floats when they are hanging, not where they are keeping the gas level. The way to measure float levels properly is to fill the float bowl with gas then see where the gas level is in relation to the bottom of the carb body.

http://www.xj4ever.com/setting%20fuel%20levels.pdf

There is a how to on that part.

Hope that helps.

 

Valve clearances are probably like all of the other aircooled XJs; .11mm ~.15mm intake; and .16mm~.20mm exhaust.

Is that bike WATERCOOLED? If so, disregard the above and track down a manual.

If the carbs are Mikunis, you can use the specs in: http://www.xj4ever.com/setting%20fuel%20levels.pdf that apply to the 550s.

 

Good catch on that one Fitz. I just looked at the picture of the bike and it appears to be WATERCOOLED. So sirMikel disregard the first link that I sent you if that is the case.

I know there is a thread on here somewhere about how to check the valve clearences on the watercooled bikes. If it is in fact WATERCOOLED let us know and someone will be able to help with the valves on that.

 

No, the link on here for watercooled bikes would refer to the 20-valve (5 per cylinder) Maxim X.

The bike in question, if watercooled, is probably NOT a 5-valve per cylinder motor. However, even if it's an 8-valve motor, valve clearance specs are likely different from the aircooled bikes AND from the "X" series as well.

SirMikel, you really need to get a manual for your bike; otherwise be VERY CAREFUL with the advice you're getting from this site; your bike, while an XJ, is different from what we're used to seeing.