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**prometheus578** · 08-27-2010, 02:50 AM

First, you're going to have to get a manual for the bike. Now, yes... all bikes are similar, but it'd be hard to give you the particulars for your machine unless someone here owns one, too and has the manual for reference.
Your first problem is that the bike is not charging; you're running off of the battery. Could be something as silly as an electrical connection has pulled apart or could be the generator, regulator/rectifier, etc. Without a manual to state what the numbers are supposed to be when checking components, there's little we can mention.

Second issue: High revs and leaking carb. You need to pull the carbs and clean them. You also may have a vacuum leak. As for the leaking fuel... 90% of the time it's due to worn float needles, which you'll have to replace.

Don't feel frustrated... this is all normal stuff and we've all had to do it.
First step, though, is to get the Clymer's manual for the bike.

Edit: just reread your post. Brand new rebuilt carbs, etc. Who rebuilt them and how long ago? Unless you have a leak in the fuel tank that's dripping down on that carb... they're gonna have to be pulled and inspected.

**XS1100 Newbie** · 08-27-2010, 09:35 AM

I agree with the former post. Pull those carbs, do a complete clean, and reset the floats. That alone could solve a lot of problem. I did not see where you specified whether the motor turns over, and won't start, or just won't turn over. Makes a big difference, as if the motor turns over and won't start, it may be the carbs, but if it won't turn over at all, then something may be draining the battery, like a short. Be aware that with the batteries these have, that even a new battery has a short life in cranking these.

**kierensmith** · 08-27-2010, 09:42 AM

thanks for the replies.

i pulled the battery last night and charged it, she started fine this morning. the wires do look old/dirty. so that may be the problem. im getting the manual today, so hopefully, I can start on that issue and get it starting consistently at least...

second issue, when riding this morning, I realized as I stop when the rpms shoot up to 3.5-4, if i let the clutch out to the point where they go back down to 1.2, it will stay there and idle nicely. i have to work the rpms down basically. is this a sign of anything? when i pull the clutch out i do not give it gas when working the rpms down.

**XS1100 Newbie** · 08-27-2010, 10:32 AM

I wonder if the clutch cable is routed wrong. I would check to see if the cable is somehow causing a movement of the carb linkage when pulled. There is a certain routing for the cables, and the manual should show it. Keep asking questions, and take pics of what you think the problems might be.Use photobucket for the pics, and put them on the thread. Most of all, don't get discouraged. The answers are there, sometimes it just takes a bit to find them. Remember that these bikes are not youngsters, and things probably have been replaced, and not always right.

**prometheus578** · 08-27-2010, 11:26 AM

I'm sure you'll find that the charging system is toast. With the bike idling, the battery should be reading around 12.6 volts or there about. when you rev the engine up to around 1,200/ 1,300, etc... the charging system should kick in and the voltage will go up. Without the data from the manual.. I can't tell you at what RPM that should take place nor what the higher voltage should be. But, if you see no voltage rise when the engine is revved, you at least know that the charging system isn't working.

Your other issue is carb related. With the engine at idle, turn the handle bars fully in each direction. If the engine revs, the throttle cable is too tight or routed incorrectly.
Your carbs may be out of synch... one carb doing more work than the other which could give erratic rpm spikes.
Carb passages could be plugged mit gunk and not firing on both cylinders evenly until at slightly higher rpm when the faulty carb finally kicks in.
Vacuum leak at the carb manifolds will also cause madness.(hanging RPM)

**fredintoon** · 08-27-2010, 12:41 PM

Hi Kieren,
here's a Q&D charging check:-
Point the bike at a wall after dark and rev up.
If the patch of light from the headlight gets brighter, the alternator is charging.
If it don't, it ain't.

**kierensmith** · 08-27-2010, 09:50 PM

here is a gallery with some pictures i took today after riding for about 30 minutes... you can see, everything is wet... it doesnt smell or look like gas, I am praying to god it isn't an oil leak, my oil level seems fine. is a little wetness like this normal/ok?

http://gallery.me.com/kierensmith#100113

as far as the starting issue, I tracked down the previous owner, he said to put the gas switch to prime when starting and it has been working much better, i may have just been killing it due to too many failed starting attempts..? i took the positive cable off the battery while it was running and it didnt die, this is an alternator test I was told.. I tried the light trick in the dark and didn't notice too much of a difference.

I got the manual and carb cleaner today, I will tackle this tomorrow. any tips/advice?

also, I know for a fact i didnt run over any paint, what the hell is that white stuff all over my chain/kickstand in the pics?!

sorry if i seem clueless, I sort of am, I am just getting into all of this, and I appreciate all the help/advice! this bike has taught me a lot already and I am eager to learn more!

**XS1100 Newbie** · 08-27-2010, 10:10 PM

It is hard to see the wetness you are talking about. I would say you need to do a good cleaning with gunk or something, and then see what it is like after a ride. The white on the chain may be grease somebody put on. Clean and follow directions.
On the carbs for the float level check, i took a credit card, and measured my distance and cut it so it would span both floats, and rest in the right place. Worked really well. Look at the breadown of the carbs, and remove and clean all parts. Do a bench synch on them as well. There is a thead on here somewhere about doing a bench synch.

**kierensmith** · 08-27-2010, 10:50 PM

I also just looked through the service manual, it is in pretty bad shape... does anyone know where I can get a download online for it? I have searched all night for one!

**fredintoon** · 08-27-2010, 11:37 PM

Hi Kieren,
I just looked at your photos. If the black thing with all the cracks in it in photo #1027 is the leftside sparkplug wire, best you change it.

**fredintoon** · 08-27-2010, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by kierensmith View Post

I also just looked through the service manual, it is in pretty bad shape... does anyone know where I can get a download online for it? I have searched all night for one!

Hi Kieren,
you need a real hardcopy. Your local library's tech shelf should have one you could borrow while your local bookstore brings one in for you.

**rpgoerlich** · 08-28-2010, 04:35 AM

Originally posted by kierensmith View Post

I also just looked through the service manual, it is in pretty bad shape... does anyone know where I can get a download online for it? I have searched all night for one!

Check your PM's.

**petejw** · 08-28-2010, 07:31 AM

Hi Kieren,
When u adjust your idle, wait til the engine is fully
warmed up, adj the idle when the engine is cold can
cause the problems your having with a hanging idle.

also never disconnect the battery on a running engine
that can cause all sorts of problems with the electrical
system.

Bit hard to see your pics, that white stuff isnt battery
acid is it?

**kierensmith** · 08-28-2010, 11:15 AM

i actually just replaced the battery... maybe it is? if so what do i do? do i need to re-grease the chain?

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