83 xj750 running issue

I have a 83 xj750 maxim and the other day I was running with straight headers and no canisters and the bike started missing under acceleration and idle. Now it is very hard to start and will die after a couple of minutes of riding around the neighborhood. I was wondering is it possible to jump a tooth on the cam chain or have a stuck lifter bucket.

 

Both are possible (hightly unlikely) but would not be a likely cause of your problem.

We need more information to help diagnosis.
How long have you had the bike, what work was done to it, and what other modificaions have been made aside from removing the majority of the exhaust system?

 

yes it is possible and very easy to check it chain has jumped a tooth
follow procedure to replace cams,, chain and sprocket . you want the alinement section of the instructions.

you want to check the alinment marks on sprockets and cam shafts

and when doing this check valve clearances

 

I have had the bike for like a year and it is all stock except for not having on the exhaust canisters. I need to get a service manual so I can check my valve clearances and alignment marks. I was racing a mustang right before the problem started, and I may have over revved it.

 

The engine is very forgiving of over-revving. I think (my memory is fuzzy on this) that they can see 12,000 RPM before running into valve float issues. Again, not saying that the chain couldn't have skipped, just that it's not common.

This thread will lead you to the gateway of all things XJ.
Read This First

Valve check and adjustment instructions here:
AIRHEAD VALVE ADJUSTMENT with Pics

 

You guy's are great on here!! I am going to get some room cleaned out in the garage and try to find my tools the kid has scattered all over and get to work. I will keep you posted
Thanks again.

 

Are not.
You take the back!
We are super-mean, tuff biker dudes.