xj700x maxim x starting issue

Hi guys

Problem starting my ride from cold, or when not been used for a few days.

Engine fires (choke on), first press of the starter, then immediately dies out. Sometimes if im lucky and catch it right i can get the engine past the first few seconds and then all is ok. Once started and warmed up bike idles and runs perfectly.
Dyna coils and ngk iridium plugs fitted by p.o, + New battery last week.
Carbs removed, cleaned, color tuned and vacum balanced last month.

Doe's anybody have a technique for starting these engines from cold, or is this a common problem?
I would like a permenant solution if there's one out there, willing to try anything - driving me nuts.

Thanks guys

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85 xj700x maxim x

 

Even a perfectly tuned XJ-Engine is tough to start when the temperature out-of-doors dips below 12 C. (50-55-degrees F.)

I route a length of Windshield-washer Hose from the Seat side-rail ... down and into the Air Intake of the Airbox.
Duct tape secures the Hose from being lost.

I tale the Nozzle and Tube from a Can of Carb Cleaner and afix it to the top of a Can of Starting Spray.

I blast a few shots of Starting Fluid in the Box before cranking the Engine.

 

Have you tried different amounts of enrichment (choke)? My XJ tends to like 3/4 enrichment when it's below 55F (12C) or 1/2 when its above.

You could also use a small heater or a hair dryer and warm up your carb bodies before starting. Rick's method should get you there also.

What octane are you using? Are your plugs good and gapped right?

 

How good is your battery? Even if the volts read right, they can drop too low while cranking if the battery is bad. The battery has to be good enough to crank and fire all the electronics.

 

My FJ based XJR can be a bit of a pig to start in cold weather.
I find that using no choke is better than using the choke, and just try and coax it along a bit on the throttle.
And as Orange n Black says, a good battery helps.

 

Honestly?

I'd lose the Iridium plugs and run the recommended "normal" plugs. Try it and see what happens.

(This assumes it's not a case of the battery not being fully charged.)