Maxim 650 Won't Start

Hey everyone, first time motorcycle and trying to learn all I can. I bought a 1983 Maxim 650 this Summer with 19.6k miles on it. Ran well when I bought it, put on new tires, changed the oil, and life was good. Then recently I started to hear a machine rattle coming from the engine. There was no change in performance but I figured it would be best to park it and investigate. Did some research and thought it could be a valve clearance issue.

Took the engine apart, measured the clearances, and swapped out three of the shims based on the chart in the manual. Put the bike back together and still the noise was there. Then it appeared that maybe there's an issue with my cam chain.

In order to make this adjustment I had to take the carbs off. After making the adjustment the chain seemed to be on much tighter, so I put it all back together, and now it won't start. The engine turns over just fine but it won't fire up. Thought it might be a flooding issue so I drained the float bowls, and when I tried starting it growled at first like it was going to fire up and run, but then when quiet and back to the I can turn over but won't start issue.

I'm nearly 100% positive I connected everything correctly but can't figure out the issue. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Your bike has an automatic cam chain adjuster.
Please state exactly the steps you took to adjust the cam chain tensioner.

 

The manual states the 650XJ has a non-automatic tensioner, which is why I made a go at it.

As the book stated I turned the crankshaft to match up with the "C" mark, then slightly loosened the locknut on the back rear of the engine so the spring could re-align itself. From there I put everything back together and tried starting it up with no luck.

 

ARE YOU SURE YOU HAVE FUEL? I'VE ALREADY CHASED MY TAIL A FEW TIMES FORGETTING TO OPEN THE PETCOCK.

 

what manual did the chart come from?
does vin on motor match vin on frame after the jya

 

my xj650j manual states automatic tensioner xj650j is an 82 not 83

 

Which manual do you have? There is a supplement manual for the 82/83 as the motor was different and has an automatic tensioner. If you are using the manual for an 80/81 it will have a non automatic tensioner. The installation procedure is different for both so you need to follow the correct procedure.

 

Below is the manual I've been working from, but I'm now seeing there's an extra chapter specifically on the 1983 models that somehow isn't included in the PDF file I have. Searching around online all I can find is physical copies to be ordered.

If I do in fact have an automatic tensioner then it appears I'll have to remove the tensioner assembly and have it completely refitted from scratch. At least that's as much as I can read from the manual I have.

 

the file suplement in the back of the manual is for 83 xj750 maxim , midnight maxim and Seca.

what it says about 650

 

this is all that is in the supplement for 83 650

 

This may sound irrelevant to your situation.... but I've always had a hard time getting the bike up and running after it's sat for a few months.
I found over the years (30), that She just wanted new spark plugs. So, every spring I put in new plugs and it will start very easily.
A shot of starting fluid in the airbox under the seat, no choke, and crack the throttle maybe 1/16". Mine would start, and I'd keep the rpm's above 2500 until it would run smooth under 1500rpm (no popping). Then slowly add choke, and reduce throttle pressure until she ran/idled on her own (@1200-1500). Let her warm up for a few minutes, and I wouldn't have any further trouble with starting until the following spring.... even if she sits for several weeks.
In all your cranking/fouling, and trying to get it to start... you may have a spark issue at the plugs. You have spark, but it isn't enough to fire the mixture. New plugs have less resistance and fire hotter. As cheap as standard plugs are... it's not worth cleaning old plugs.

 

It is possible you may have disturbed the cam timing you released tension on cam chain , I would inspect to make sure all marks are where they should be ... I would do this first , and not crank engine till this is checked and verified . But this is just me

 

I have all the FSMs for the 650 in a PDF, if you have a gmail address I can share it with you. PM with your address if you'd like a copy.

 

DURING MY BUILD, IVE PURCHASED A $10 SPARK PLUG CLEANER FOR HARBOR FRIGHT. AT 6 BUCKS A SET FOR NGK PLUGS, IT HAS ALREADY PAID FOR ITSELF.