Trouble Starting my XJ650

Hello everyone! I recently bought a maxim 650 ~1982 that was, well.. Treated like sh*t. Bought it for 500 cash, so I'm not expecting much to be in great shape.

Issue: My bike won't start! It will crank, very well, but something is just not right. Here are the symptoms it's showing me:
1. Main fuse gets REALLY hot when I turn the key to the "on" position.
2. Bike cranks strong, but even with starter fluid, will not fire.
3. Wiring has been obviously worked on; there are new splices and connectors that have been put in all throughout the wiring.

Here is what I have done since I bought the bike:
1. Cleaned fuel tank
2. Cleaned fuel selector (forgot the actual name)
3. Checked fuel line for clogs; fixed.
4. Cleaned carbs (internal and external)
5. Reset butterflies to absolute zero (they are all at the same position)
6. Adjusted cables for throttle, choke, and clutch.
7. Checked spark plugs (all fire)
8. Re-sealed and corrected loose intake tunnels, both pre and post carb.
9. Checked for leaks; none visible.

I'm getting ready to take out my harness and wrap it with some 30 grade electric tape (I was commo in the army, I'm good with wires) to make sure that there isn't a grounding issue that I'm missing.

Any other suggestions? Thanks a bunch guys, I'll post updates as they come.

Update:: didn't touch ANYTHING and the bike now fires up strong with starter fluid. Won't wuite hold idle yet so I'm adjusting the carbs, going to bring the idle up (or down if it doesn't work)

 

Seems to me that the problem is with the PO "fixing" the wiring harness. Easy solution: buy a good used replacement. Less easy solution: trace and inspect every wire, assume that nothing was done correctly.
That addresses the hot main fuse.

To address the ignition problem, make sure that the coils and plug wires are going to the correct cylinders. I'll get you that info tonight if nobody else does before then.

 

^^ check out the harness or replace +1

Have you replaced the fuse holder ?
when you turn key on only the tail lights and lic plate light should be on is this the case?
did you clean all the little passages in the carbs
not just the parts?
fuel in the carb bowls?
are your plugs wet after trying to start bike?

you will find the specs here
for charging system, ignition system
The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide

turn your idle knob up a little to open carbs up
put petcock on prime.
is your petcock stock and does it have a vacuum line hooked to it?

 

wiring diagram if you need it it is a pdf file down load it

haynes 650/750 manual down load if you need one
XJ750 manuals

 

New spark plugs are about 1hr out, I think buying a harness is much safer than trying to fix this one.
Not sure about wires and coils.. Placement info would be awesome.

To others: only brake light and license plate light come on when key is turned.
I cleaned every orifice I could find in the carbs, fuel switch, lines, etc.
Yes there is fuel in the carb bowls.
Plugs aren't wet, but now the bike fires up. Just won't hold idle.
That screw is ALL the way forward. Won't turn any more.
Petcock is stock, vacuum line is good.

Already downloaded the diagram to Double check wires; thank you!

 

Here are two pictures of the (1) fuse box and wires and the (2) wiring from battery and immediate solenoid.

 

You should have those and the gauge back lights. The headlight comes on once the engine starts.

 

M

My headlight is always on, and I need to check wiring because there is no turn signal or brake indicator.

THE BIKE RUNS NOW!!
Didn't touch anything (except) my petcock. When it's on Prine, it runs. When I switch it to "on" it eventually dies out.

 

You should rebuild the petcock so your tank doesn't empty into your engine.

http://xjbikes.com/forums/threads/xj-petcock-rebuild-pics.14120/

 

you will want to replace that fuse panel with a block or inline fuses
HOW TO: Install an aftermarket fuse box

turn and brake lights run off of the signal fuse I use one of these to test the connection of the fuses. clip it to the wire crimp with a 10 amp fuse
the head light should run off of a relay unless op removed it