What are the next steps?

I have gone through the basics with my bike. After testing the compression again ( first time was done wrong), it was determined that that all cilynders fall within the 130-160 psi range. During the ignition testing all spark plugs created a blue spark when put up against metal. Lastly, the float bowls were opened in the carburator while fuel flowed through it. So, the carbs are getting gas. After all this, the bike will not start. What should my next step be?

 

Need some more info bud.... how old is the battery? What is the output of te battery? What have you done so far? When you try to start, what happens?

 

Have you tried starter fluid in the air box to see if she runs for a few seconds?

IF you try that and it DOES run for a little, it's fuel delivery related still.

I'd bet it runs on the ether.

 

Krs14, tank you i will try the starter fluid to test that out.

jmilliken,
ts isabrandnew battery that is completely charged. believ the output is 12 v. hav changedth spark plugs, changed oil and oil filter and all he test i mentioned above. When i try to start: the starter turns but the bike does not start up. The previous owner gave me a starter rebuild kit he bought (not sure if that is important information)

 

The carbs probably require complete cleaning. The enrichment circuits are likely gummed up. Before doing carbs check valve clearance.

You have a 12 volt battery but the output is rated in amps. A fully charged 12 volt battery should be about 13 volts. During the cranking process it will drop to 9.5 to 10 volts. If these aren't what you have the battery may need charging or the starter might need doing. But that is another issue.

 

Stewart,
this many sound dumb, but what do you mean by checking the valve clearance?

 

He means check the valve clearances. The valves are what control the flow of intake mixture into the cylinders and the flow of exhaust gasses out. The clearances between their activating mechanism and the cams have to be kept within a certain spec for proper operation, so they require periodic inspection and adjustment.

Why? Read: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=32118.html

How? It's covered here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=14827.html with additional info here: http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=29209.html

And as pointed out above, it is necessary to have your valve clearances in spec before beginning any carb work, as final adjustment will be impossible if the valves aren't in spec.

 

All I can say in this is listen to fitz.... he's a good guy + wont steer you wrong. That being said... after you do your valves.... look up "in the church of clean" and "the whole nine yards" for some carb cleaning magic.

 

Thank you fitz, ill get working on the valves today then!

 

You might not know this, but an XJ will not start if you twist the throttle while cranking.

You might want to get a friend (or a hill) and "bump" it in 2nd, throttle closed, choke "on" and a whiff of starter fluid in the airbox.

If THAT doesn't start it - there's an odd chance you got your coil power wires crossed - something to check.

Get back with us - it'll start!!