1. Some members were not receiving emails sent from XJbikes.com. For example: "Forgot your password?" function to reset your password would not send email to some members. I believe this has been resolved now. Please use "Contact Us" form (see page footer link) if you still have email issues. SnoSheriff

    Hello Guest. You have limited privileges and you can't "SEARCH" the forums. Please "Log In" or "Sign Up" for additional functionality. Click HERE to proceed.

will not start cold

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by nsosh5, Feb 4, 2008.

  1. nsosh5

    nsosh5 Member

    Messages:
    175
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    oklahoma
    I have an 81 650 maxim. when I try to start the bike it just cranks and cranks doesn't want to fire at all. So I did a little troubleshoot by shooting some carb clearner in the air box and the bike starts right up and runs and idles like a dream. I turn the bike off after it warms up and try to start it again and it starts right up without any assistance. But the next day I go out to start it and it won't fire again. I add starter fluid to the air box and it starts right up and runs fine. I know its a fuel problem but I dont have a clue on what to do???
     
  2. MiCarl

    MiCarl Active Member

    Messages:
    4,373
    Likes Received:
    23
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Livonia, MI (Metro Detroit)
    Are you using the "choke"? Check and make sure it is hooked up and that the little forks lift the enrichening valves on the front of the carbs.

    In your other post you mentioned the bike had been sitting for 3 years. Very likely you need to go through the carburetors and give them a thorough cleaning.
     
  3. nsosh5

    nsosh5 Member

    Messages:
    175
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    oklahoma
    yes carbs are clean enough to eat off of and yes the choke works perfectly
     
  4. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

    Messages:
    1,275
    Likes Received:
    19
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Granite Falls, WA
    For a minute there I thought you were describing my bike. I almost went out to the shed to make sure she was still in her stable. Your problem sounds exactly like what's been happening to mine. I know my problem and it's clogged enrichment circuit ports in the fuel bowls (terminology may be a little off).

    Anyway, to quote the carb master himself...
    More than likely, this port was never properly cleared before the carbs were reassembled. I've discovered most people do not know how to test to see if it is clear. I know mine are plugged and, therefore, I must use a couple shots of starting fluid to get her to start up on the cold mornings. I've got a set of refurbished bowls--complete with stainless drain screws (thanks, Chacal!)--ready to mount. This should fix the old hard-to-start-cold problem.
     
  5. Hired_Goon

    Hired_Goon Member

    Messages:
    619
    Likes Received:
    3
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Oz
    Check your float levels. I have the exact same problem with my bike at the moment.

    But I have found a way to make it start every time.

    Park it on the centre stand. ;)

    My floats are set a tad too high and when left on the side stand overnight the left two cylinders let too much fuel in and wet the plugs. No start till I pull the plugs and dry them off.

    Should pull the carbs and reset but can't be bothered. Nothing wrong with the centre stand. :)
     
  6. Ritz

    Ritz New Member

    Messages:
    21
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    1
    Location:
    Midlands UK
    +1 with Gamuru, that was exactly the same problem with my XJ600. I did at the same time clean the enrichment valves and passages too and replace the fuse box with the blade type but I'm sure it was carbs. Starts instantly now.
     
  7. philbrewer

    philbrewer Member

    Messages:
    176
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Livonia, MI
    Seems like this is same problem I am having. Anyone have pics of what I should look for? Do I need to pull the carbs off to clean this?
     
  8. blueseca

    blueseca Member

    Messages:
    135
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Berea, KY
    i had the same thing going on too. i put a new battery on it and it seems to work fine i do like to run a bottle of carb clean through the system every few tanks and this seems to keep the carbs in good shape hope this helps
     
  9. philbrewer

    philbrewer Member

    Messages:
    176
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Livonia, MI
    You just dumping the carb cleaner in the tank? Now that I have the air box out I think ill leave the carbs attached and just give them a good cleaning while they are on.

    Can anyone tell me where the enrichment circuits are located? I looked through my manual and cant seem to locate them.
     
  10. Gamuru

    Gamuru Guest

    Messages:
    1,275
    Likes Received:
    19
    Trophy Points:
    38
    Location:
    Granite Falls, WA
    [​IMG]
     
  11. willierides

    willierides Member

    Messages:
    228
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    NY
    Perfect timing! I am selling my Harley and now will HAVE to get the Maxim to be easy-starting and dependable. The bike started and ran well when I got it. I did a three year chop/cut/rebuild. I went through the carbs and thought I did a good job, but it does not start well cold, then starts and runs well except if it is allowed to cool down completely again. I had already determined it to be in the enrichment circuit (theoretical deduction), but have not pulled the carbs to address the issue. Now I am going to and this thread will help....thanks! :D
     
  12. philbrewer

    philbrewer Member

    Messages:
    176
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    16
    Location:
    Livonia, MI

Share This Page