xj550 wont idle!!

bike starts and warms up fine on full choke but when i start to back it off it idles down and with the choke off it dies. bike has been sitting for a while but i put new plugs battery and gas in it. just got the bike and dont really know its history. any thoughts????

 

Could have blocked jets and it will only run with the fuel the choke provides. Could simply need the idle speed increasing. There is a knob between carbs 2 and 3, that adjusts the idle speed, Turning it counter-clockwise (looking from above) will increase idle, and turning it other way will decrease it.

 

when u say blocked jets do u mean just gummed up??? the bike did sit for about 2 years with the same tank of gas.

 

Two years?
That's a Loooong time to sit!

You have to start thinking about removing the rack and doing a thorough cleaning of those Carbs.

After a few WEEKS of sitting and not moving ... the Gas in the Fuel Bowls evaporates away leaving behind a varnish-like substance that needs to be cleaned-out and washed away with Carb Cleaner.

 

ok will do can somebody link me to a rebuild kit??

 

Oh, chacal...

 

until you get the rebuild kits you can try this, which worked for me when my car was in the shop and I needed a vehicle to get to work (I don't take transit- ever). Get a can of some good quality carb cleaner in liquid form, not a spray can. Also get STP fuel system cleaner that's poured in the gas tank. Now pour out all your old gas and fill it up with some nice Sunoco 94 octane or Chevron 96 octane.
First drain the float bowls of old gas.
Then remove the gas tank.
Then take the tops off the carbs.
Now pour a few ounces of carb cleaner down the throats of each carb.
Now put the carb tops back on.
Replaced the gas tank.
Pour the fuel cleaner into the tank.
Move the bike side to side so it mixes in real nice.
Now turn on the choke, fire up the bike and let it run for a few minutes.
While it's running, put a good fan on it so the engine doesn't overheat.
After the bike's warmed up, turn off the choke, grab the throttle and start revving it. Rev it up to 5 grand or so a couple times then let it drop to see if it'll idle. If it idles but extremely low, turn up the idle using the idle wheel at the bottom of the carbs on the airbox side.
If your bike sat a long time, you may have to repeat this procedure.
It worked for my maxin after it had sat in a garage untouched for 5 years.
Good luck.
baz

 

will do sir. thanks a lot guys this is one of the best forums ive been in terms of prompt responses and knowledgable members. Too bad its 10 degrees here in pittsburgh or else id be out there working on my xj.