Starter clutch slipping. White foam window & oil cap

Hello, 1981 xj750 Seca. Bike sat all winter went to start it and Tries to turn over then slips. I wanna start it to do an oil change in hope of fixing the issue. Gonna switch from yamalube to rotella-4. The reason for the white foam in Window and oil cover Are from short drives to work all summer. I assume that stuff is all over my clutch plated. Wondering in anyone has any advice on this. Should I do an oil change cold or try to start it in this state after putting a space heater on to heat the engine ?

 

I would do the oil change without running it. Most of the water that is in there should be settle down and hopefully will come out with the oil. Yes those short trips will do that. Have you made sure the hose from the crank case to the airbox is not plugged or pinched? That hose should help get rid of most of the moisture and or acids that build up in the engine. I use the Shell Rotella 4 and it works in these bikes just great.

 

That’s the kind advise I came here for. Never checked the hose yet. Thanks so much. I will make sure to do the oil change before running it and try to warm it the best i can with a space heater first to try to thin the oil some. Thanks again timbox.

 

Sea Foam in the oil will help clean things when you get it running. Add the Sea Foam just before an oil change.

 

Ok so is that the same seafoam as I put in my fuel? I did read in another starter clutch forum about people using seafoam but also others saying not to as you will not know if it’s all out. I do like seafoam but just a little nervous to make things worse.

 

Oh and thanks for your input lostboy. Loving the great feeback boys.

 

Using the sea foam just before and oil change to get all the gum out of the engine is good. Or pour some in, take a 20 mile ride and change the oil. I have heard most people do it in their cars about 100 miles before the change.

As for getting it all out, I would think that such a small amount might be left in the engine that it really makes do difference. The Sea foam will be overwhelmed by the new oil you are adding to the engine and no worries.

I have 3 project bikes now that are from 1977 to 85 and I will be trying this on all of them. I know there is sludge in these old engines and I want it out ASAP. So a quick few miles with some Sea foam and change the oil.

 

Ok that sounds good to me. So that’s the same seafoam as I use in my fuel or is there another type of seafoam in need to look for.

 

And how much should I put in ?

 

Yes the same Sea Foam that comes in a can with the twist off top. I would guess 1/4 bottle would be just fine. Nice looking bike, no gas leaking stains and nice crash bars.

 

Thanks man she’s my baby. Payed $600 for it 2 years ago and no issues til now.

 

I think you add an ounce to the oil. Read the can see what it says. Good choice on the oil.

 

Thanks man can’t wait to do the oil change. I was thinking about draining a little oil and topping up with some of the new oil and the ounce or so of seafoam. Then getting it running like that hopefully. (cause of starter clutch slipping) Then do a full oil change after that with new filter.

 

I’ve been reading a lot of different forums and I’m starting to get nervous adding the seafoam to the crankcase. You guys are sure this is a good idea. I’d hate to make thing worse but would also like to make things better at the same time.

 

Reading the forums is sort of dangerous. There are as many opinions on things like oil and tires as there are rectums publishing those opinions. Not to worry. My opinion is to read the Seafoam can. It will tell you that it is designed to put a tiny bit in the oil. It should help get the sludge out if you run the engine a bit and warm it up. Changing out cold and putting in fresh oil will help a little. Warming the engine first was the way I was taught. That will stir things up and get the bad stuff in suspension where it can flow out with the oil. A cold oil change lets it lay where ever it has landed.
Purely my opinion and the rational for it. I am not offended if you do something else.
John

 

Finally made the oil chage today. Had to do it cold as starter clutch wouldn’t engage. It came out like milk. (All white). I let it drain for a few hours. Put new filter in and filled it with rotella. Didn’t use any seafoam as I wanted to see if it would start without having to use it. She fired right up. Just gonna run this oil a few Km and do an early oil change. Also checked hose from engine to air filter and it was full of whit gunk so I cleaned that out too. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Nice bike you got.

 

Very nice bike! Got a 81 myself I just finished restoring. $600 Wow now that's a deal!

Even still has the chain lock! Nice!

 

Well thank you very much man I really appreciate that. Fell in love with it the moment I saw it. You have any pics of your bike.

 

Also just got tail light warning but brake light works. Is there another bulb in there besides brake light?

 

There are two double-filament lamps in parallel. So, two 8W filaments for tail, and two 27W filaments for brake.

 

Prefect. Thank you. Any certain type bulb I should be looking for and where would I be able to buy it ?

 

From some research, does a red 1157 bulb sound right. I’m awful at this kinda stuff lol. I just like riding her.

 

Yes, though it doesn't have to be red. The clear ones are fine.

 

Right on I can get the down the road At Napa for $0.63. they didn’t have any red and I was wondering if clear would do. Thanks so much XJBikes members. Your help has been great so far. Hope I don’t need much more help tho

 

And I need help lol. Can’t even change a bulb without you guys. I’m having trouble figuring out how to get into the bulb area to replace it lol. I’m scared I’m gonna break something and thought it would be easier to ask you fellas.

 

From what I remember, the panel at the rear of the tool box behind the seat comes out, and you can remove the bulbs through there.

 

Awesome buddy thanks

 

Before and After of my $400 81 Seca

 

Wow. That is beautiful. Awesome bike buddy.

 

Nice bike paid 850$ for mine. Got alot more in it.

 

Another beautiful Seca. Very nice. Just had mine out for a burn today. Replaced bulb before I left and it was out again when I got home. Hope it was just a bad bulb.

 

Here she is with a beam of light on her today. Work donee since I got it.
Valve cover gasket and new bolts
New plugs
New manifold gaskets
New front tire
New battery
New blinker relay
Fresh oil change and filter
Is it ever running great. Thanks for all the help guys.
Gonna be looking for help removing back wheel to take into shop to get a tire mounted. Looks like this could be my toughest job I have done to it yet. Any tips fellas

 

Hey guys I think I have a new peoblem. PO has a hot plug in cylinder 4. Sense I’ve changed plugs I have had a plug go in same cylinder. I’m wondering if I maybe I have put plugs in with resistors. There for I have resistor plugs and caps. Will this cause an issue on cylinder 4 ?

 

I’m almost positive I put resistor plugs in it cause every auto store in Canada sells them like that. I might have to buy from amazon. Hope someone knows if running both resistor plugs and caps would cause a problem.