KEEP FOULING THE PLUGS

I just bought a 82 xj750.. i drove it around for about a week... just around the block and stuff.. but then, the plugs started fouling... i can smell the exhaust and the bike is running rich... yet it has a hard time running with the choke all the way off.

can anyone offer advise ?

 

My 1985 xj700 had a problem with fouling plugs when carbs were leaking gas into the crank case change your oil and see if it runs better until gas drain down again sand blast plugs clean or replace them to test it.

 

Evilcougar, time to pull the carbs and clean them. Having to run with the choke on, especially for short rides, will load up the spark plugs quickly, leading to your issues. Get those carbs sparkling clean and have a spare set of plugs on hand.

 

specificaly... what parts would I be looking to clean .... needles ?

 

Therein lies the problem. The carburetor needs to be approached as a whole, not just parts. Dirt cleaned out of one area does not mean it will fix problems in another, if that makes sense. You need to concentrate on cleaning ALL of the pieces and the carb bodies with their little holes and passages.
I wish there was a simple way of doing these things but there just isn't. You will have to pull them apart and take the time tested and true method of cleaning them spotless in order to get reliable behavior out of them.
Be of good cheer, you are tackling one of the hardest jobs on these bikes, the rest will be a piece of cake!

 

if you find the carbs have been cleaned let us know, that's a whole new discussion! problem could come from reassembly mistakes and may be the reason for the sale

 

this is your new bible

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=8918.html

http://www.xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=2908.html

 

You shouldn't be running on the choke. The choke should be off after the engine warms up. As Robert said, that is what is fouling your plugs.

Be prepared to take the carbs apart and clean them about three times until they REALLY are clean.

 

Just a thought.
I too had fouling issues after the cleaning.
The carb end of the choke cable sheath needs to sit in the hold down on the carbs.
I mounted mine behind the hold down and it was keping the choke on ever so slightly, causing the plugs to foul.
I still to this day carry extra plugs and sand paper with me.