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Finally got it running, but still have some questions

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by newbike91, Aug 16, 2012.

  1. newbike91

    newbike91 Member

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    So when I got the bike a few months ago it wouldn't do anything when I tried to start it. I replaced the battery and fusebox and got it to turn over. Rebuilt the carbs and threw them back on after a bench sync. I knew better after all the reading I have done on here but I had to try. Needless to say it still wouldn't start so today I reset the float levels (it was way off) and put them back on. It started with a little throttle but wouldn't stay at an idle, it would just die if I wasn't pulling back. Well turned it back on and was reviving it up for maybe 15 seconds and all of a sudden smoke was pouring up from all over the exhaust. It was really hot really fast. It scared me and I turned it off but it continued to smoke for another 15 minutes. Why is this? Should I be worried?
     
  2. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    Good chance the smoke is oil burning off from a leaking valve cover gasket or just plain crud from sitting.
    Did you do a total teardown on the carbs or just remove the bowls to clean? I think you still have plugged or missadjusted idle circuit. You will need to remove the idle mixture screws , spring and o-ring to clean.

    Don't forget to adjust the valves.
     
  3. newbike91

    newbike91 Member

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    Ok so nothing be scared of? The whole thing is pretty dusty from sitting in the shop. I did a total teardown and replaced those mixture o-rings so if I turned them out some that would give it more fuel right? Ill try that then after I blow all the dust off. Can someone explain what is so important about adjusting the valves? Everyone says you should do it but I'm not really sure what affect it has. Thanks
     
  4. jeffcoslacker

    jeffcoslacker Member

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    If the valves are too tight it will hold them open, run poorly and burn the valve face and seat. If too loose they don't open far enough and make it run poorly.

    When it ran, was it smooth and healthy off idle, or fighting you like only two or three holes were firing?
     
  5. newbike91

    newbike91 Member

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    Honestly I'm not really sure, first ever experience with a running bike. It think it sounded ok. A lot louder than I was expecting but I was in the garage. But I think it was ok but when I let off it would take a second for it to go back down. Maybe that's normal but I expected it to be more responsive. Then it would go slower and slower until it died.
     
  6. newbike91

    newbike91 Member

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    Also everytime I reved it up smoke would pout out of the exahust. Is that normal?
     
  7. mlew

    mlew Well-Known Member

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    Smoke from the exhaust is not normal. Black smoke is excess fuel(carb problems), white to blue smoke is oil. If the bike has been stitting for awhile the rings can get stuck in the pistons or oil leaking through the valve seals. It is possible it will clear up after a few times running the engine to operating temp and letting it cool down.

    Valve adjustment is critical. Out of spec valves affect valve timing and carb sync/tuning.
     

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