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First Bike/Few Problems

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by phillroc, Jun 9, 2011.

  1. phillroc

    phillroc New Member

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    So I just picked up an 81 Maxim 650 last week and have been working on it ever since. With the help of this site I have gotten it almost to the point of being road ready.

    The bike had been sitting for 3+ years so I got some of the obvious stuff out of the way first. (Oil change, Carb Clean, Air Filter, New Battery, and Spark Plugs). It WAS running/starting fairly strong last week but after a few days of sitting won't start anymore. I suspect that there may have been some old gas left over in the tank which re-varnished the carbs. But this isn't what has me stumped...

    When I had it in semi-riding condition the front brakes had maybe 50% of their potential stopping power. This prompted me to open the up the master cylinder (which I had to drill out to get open) and I found big brown chunks and almost no brake fluid.

    I took apart the master cylinder, cleaned everything as best I could, and reassembled exactly the way I had found it . After that I flushed the brake lines and reassmbled. Since then I have been stuggling getting any type of fluid back in the system. I unhooked the brakeline from the MC and tested the pressure by putting my finger over it. (Both pushed and pulled with the lever) Is it supposed to 'suck' back in when I release it? I have been reading other threads and actually went out and rented a Mityvac in an attempt to get fluid flowing again.

    I guess I could try getting a MC rebuild kit, but only want to go that route if you all think that is definitely what the problem is. THanks in advance to any help that you can provide because I've been at this for 3 days on the brakes alone!
     
  2. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    That's because you're spinning your wheels.

    YES, you need to rebuild the master cylinder. AND the caliper, and replace the thirty year old brake lines that were only supposed to last for four years.

    Factoid: According to Yamaha, the seals in the master cylinder and caliper were supposed to have been replaced EVERY TWO YEARS.

    Check the rear (physically inspect) for delamination before it wrecks you: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15874.html

    FIX the brakes before you ride the bike!

    Then get after the valves: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=32118.html
     
  3. RickCoMatic

    RickCoMatic Well-Known Member

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    Get yourself a Factory Workshop Manual.
    The "Factory Book" comprises the Owners manual & Workshop.

    Look at the "Scheduled Maintenance" due at 30,000 Miles.

    Even if the Bike has only 1,000 Miles on it; do the entire Recommended Maintenance for 30K.
    As you come to what is suggested for Mantenance, ... you simply look-up HOW to perform that Maintenance.

    If you got gunk in the Brake MC; you got some work to do.
     
  4. phillroc

    phillroc New Member

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    Thanks Guys.

    Unfortunately, I am a bit short on cash lately and didn't want to spend money if I didn't have to. I know, Fitz, you are a big advocate of good brake maintenace (and for good reason obviously) You're right though, shouldn't risk injury/death for a couple bucks.

    And yeah, valve check/reshimming and sync is last on my to do list after I get these pesky brakes figured out.
     
  5. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    It's not a matter of brake maintenance so much a matter of replacing all the 30+ year old rubber parts.

    Once you've rebuilt it, "maintenance" will be the same as it would with a new bike.

    If you want to save a couple of bucks, just use (new) rubber lines instead of stainless steel; but everything made of rubber in the braking system needs to be replaced. And I would not trust 30 year old pads with my life.

    Rear shoes should be fine unless they've begun to delaminate.
     

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