Newbie needs help

Hey everyone. I got it! Started to do some work to it. Had the carburetor off and cleaned and put back on and put new spark plugs on. But it still doesn't start up. Also, one of the spark plugs had oil on the threads. Any suggestions?

 

Around here, we like and need specifics when someone says they "cleaned the carbs " glad to hear you made the plunge !

 

Took off the carbs, Started at the top, took out the diaphragm and vacuum piston and cleaned them (not the diaphragm. Just inspected it for holes). Then flipped it and took off the bowl, flapper and needle, and the jets. Cleaned them. Made sure it was all dry, put back together, and moved on to the next. Did that for all four then put it back on the bike

 

Oil on the threads is probably due to oil pooled around the spark plug hole and got onto the threads as you removed it. I would not worry about that yet.

My bigger question is: exactly how did you clean the carbs?

Dave Fox

 

Did you spray through all passages to make sure they're clear--

Did you make sure the enricher well, jet, and hole are clear--

Did you make sure enricher tube is clear--

Did you remove the mixture screw assembly

 

Welcome to the family....please do not get offended by anyone here stating their oppion we only want to help. You stated you "cleaned carbs" did you removed them from the bike? Did you pull float bowls and use spray carb cleaner ( this is not going to work) The only way to really clean the carbs is to take them to "The Church of Clean" full tear down of the carb body and soaking in cleaner each carb body for 1 full hour with body submerged. Replace ALL rubber seals especially the butterfly seals these are major sources of vacuum leaks. You can get the full kit at xj4ever click on upper right corner of the page....the garbage on eBay will not come with all the seals. Resist the temptation to rip out the stock airbox to put PODS on unless you like pulling cabs off over and over again to change jets and experimenting with them and flat spots in the power band. Being your first bike small steps first you can do as you please it is yours and your $$$ but as others have posted alot of reading and research and most important listening to advise can save you headaches and make your bike a real runner. Many fine folks have tried to make changes and the moto " been there done that" comes to mind. Good luck keep us informed as to your progress

 

Looks like im going back to step one

 

And it's not a problem… We're right here to help you every step of the way

 

At least getting your hands dirty and taking the project head on is a great start! Lots of great people on here to help out, they will and then some Keep posting pics and reading all the great links and information pages that are on the site. So much info, just got to take the time to read and then use that info to make your bike work great.

Keep us posted on those carbs....I took mine off many times before I got them running right, so take your time and when you have them off really go through them. Make a float bowl height jig and have them ready as you can before you put them in.

Good on you to keep the aribox in there, most of us think the airbox is the only way to go to keep the CV carbs running they way there were intended to work.

 

Hey guys, quick question. I was able to get back to work on the bike (still not running though) but did an oil change on it since I knew it would need it. When I did, there were little metal flakes sticking to the drain plug magnet. Am I looking at any serious engine problems or just a normal thing?

 

There's going to be some very tiny metal particles just due to normal engine wear - that's why we have that plug to stop them flying around the engine. Usually, these are no bigger than 2-3mm's ( yes I went metric). Always wipe the drain plug with a clean rag or carefully with a paper-towel and set it aside. Usually, by the time you're done with the oil change, it'll be dry enough to really inspect them. Anything suspicious you can take a photo and post here.

 

I am not sure what is totally normal but I did take a pic at the last oil change. Perhaps others can concur if normal or not.

 

As indicated above, it depends on the size and quantity of the chunks. Catching those flakes and keeping them out of the oil is why the magnet is there in the first place.

If the legend in Rooster's pic is accurate, that's way too big. I dunno how he got a 1000 mile plug out of the engine!

 

HAHA! - Man that is one big bike for sure....

 

Heard the bike fire up today with the help of starter fluid but it cut off right after. Any thoughts?

 

tell us how you cleaned the carbs . did you use the choke to start the bike?
sounds like a fuel issue. could be the enrichment wells in the carb bowls are clogged and do not allow the choke to work. choke is also called enrichment circuit.

 

just out of curiosity, what are the pros and cons to pod filters vs air box?

 

Pods can be a real pita.
Stock not so much.

 

There's plenty of threads on the pods vs airbox subject. Do a search

 

With constant velocity carbs, such as we have on our XJs, pods don't have many advantages; none if you consider the effort needed to make them work. Volume of air, turbulence of the air flow and the need to re-jet your carbs means a lot of work for what often ends up being a cosmetic change.

If you still want to go down that path, read carefully the posts of those that have done it successfully and hold onto the airbox so you can revert back if you need.

 

Ran out of starter fluid