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Xj550 Maxim tear down

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by colorado_okie, Nov 7, 2011.

  1. colorado_okie

    colorado_okie New Member

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    My father in law gave me an '82 maxim 550. Been sitting in his back yard for a loooooong time. Decided I'm gonna do a custom build on it. Though I'm torn on a bobber, or hard tail metric chopper.

    At any rate, the wiring was trash so I cut it all out. Tore it down to where it is ready for the engine to come out. I was worried about the engine being seized, but there isn't any water in the crankcase. I hooked up the starter to a battery and I'll be if it didn't turn over! Didn't hear anything out of the ordinary, just a good strong starter and the whumpwhumpwhump of the cylinder turning over from the exhaust. Good news there.

    I've got some good, some so-so and some junk stock parts. I'll put them in the classifieds.

    Just wanted to share my excitement.

    Randy
     
    colorado_okie, Nov 7, 2011
    #1
  2. LVSteve2011

    LVSteve2011 Member

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    Well Randy you'll want to meet BIGFITZ, he owns a real nice 550 Seca and can help you with any questions about any thing! Good luck and WELCOME!
     
    LVSteve2011, Nov 7, 2011
    #2
  3. bigfitz52

    bigfitz52 Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    Thanks, Steve.. I think. Actually, I own two really nice 550 Secas and one raggedy POS 650 Seca. So I can probably help you with any 550 questions you might have.

    Unfortunately, the initial advice I would have given you it's too late for.

    The first steps should have been to get the motor checked out, valve clearances checked, compression tested, and preferrably running BEFORE you ripped into it. DO NOT tear the motor completely apart, expecting to do a "complete rebuild." The parts just aren't out there to pull it off. Pistons for a 550 are unobtanium these days. They key to a successful "build" is to start with a viable power plant. We've seen way too many guys sink ungawdly amounts of time and money into an extravagant cosmetic "build" only to discover they've got a POS motor.

    The electrical system is primitive, NOT simple. You might want to just replace the harness, or get ready for some engineering.

    Don't start selling off parts just yet until you know exactly what you're doing. You might sell off something you end up needing.
     
    bigfitz52, Nov 7, 2011
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  4. LVSteve2011

    LVSteve2011 Member

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    Sorry bigfitz, I didn't have your list handy when I wrote the post. I don't think you are too late, Randy is just starting out and his post indicated he had an unseized engine to work with.



    82 XJ750 Maxim-sleeping
    Past rides
    82 XJ650 Maxim
    81 XJ650 Maxim
    81 KZ1300
    74 BMW R90s
    71 BMW R75/5
    71 Honda CB350 (twin)
     
    LVSteve2011, Nov 8, 2011
    #4

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