a couple of questions, XJ1100

[stereomind]

hello folks.

First off... Is there a difference between the '78 XS and '82 XJ carbs? I ordered the rebuild kits (K&L) that were labeled as '78 XS, but I noticed that the float needle seats are thread-type, and the idle screws do not fit. So... If they're different, what would be the proper rebuild kit for the '82 XJ carbs?

also... When installing new carb boots... Do you apply any kind of gasket sealant to the paper gaskets? or just bolt them straight on?

Same Q for the valve cover gasket. Any sealant or just a dab of oil? I still have a tube of 1104 that I've been using on the baby XJ's with much success...


thanks!


Vlad

[AlanB]

Hi Vlad,

All of the XS/XJ11 range use 34mm mikunis........ but there are MANY different versions, and many sets of jetting.

If you replace carburettor internal parts, the new must be EXACTLY the same as the old, unles you are specifically trying to make the bike run differently to stock.

Internals to suit one body type will generally NOT swap successfully into other bodies.

If you change over to new parts you must carefully check each part for compatability; emulsion tubes must have the same amount of holes; pilot screws must have the correct taper, etc.....

I would guess that MOST of the parts you want to change only need cleaned; It is very unusual for carbs to need more than the float needles and gaskets.

New, unworn, but WRONG carb parts will cause many more problems than correctly selected, but "old" parts..... and be impossible for almost anyone else to diagnose.

I would guess that the correct kit for your '82 XJ would be likely to be marked "1982 XJ1100"........ But I bet you can get it running at least as well if you save your money, and just buy the bits you actually need.

Newer is not always better.

AlanB

[stereomind]

Alan - thanks for the info. I totally agree that it's not a good idea to mix and match carburetor parts, especially ones that meter fuel or air flow. But... I had no idea that the "Elevens" have so many different versions of the carbs.

This is why I got the kits:

The carbs in this XJ have been neglected by an un-caring PO. The main and idle jets (air and fuel) are still usable, the jet needles and emulsion tubes appear to be ok (the needles might need a bit of polishing). The idle mixture screws have been buggered up pretty bad... I had to soak them with penetrating oil and heat the bodies to remove them, not to mention re-cutting the slots for the screwdriver with an engraving tip on a Dremel tool, with the screws still in the carbs. Thankfully the threads on the bodies cleaned up nicely. The o-rings on the mixture screws are shot, so are the o-rings on the float needle seats. The float needle tips are questionable. The old bowl gaskets are pretty rough as well.

So.. therein lies my dilemma.. Do I source all the parts individually or continue the search for the correct kits?


Thanks,

Vlad

[CarolynS]

The answer is....

This was answered by Prometheus in an earlier post.
There are certain numbers that have to be ordered in the K&L kits, else it won't work.
Do a search for those posts and I'm sure you'll have your answer.
AlanB is right. Use the correct pieces. It will save on headaches.
There is another site dedicated to only XJ's. PM me and I will send you there.
Good luck with it.

[AlanB]

Hi Vlad,

You will need to replace the float needles and gaskets, along with the idle screws (and the teeny "O" rings which live under there!)

Prom likes to polish the float needle seats with some ally polish on a Q-tip in the drill; I am lazy and replace 'em! LOL......

The rest, as you said, is re-useable after a clean.

For me it is simple economics; is it cheaper to buy what you need individually, or to just buy the (Proper!) kits?

Depends on what you can find, and how long you want to spend looking!

I have been told that K&L do kits for almost all of the versions of these carbs; Prom (who did this sh!t for a living for a long time!) posted a very useful piece on this subject very recently; try a search.

Best of luck!

AlanB

[stereomind]

Ok, I did a search (duh! )... I'm going with the float needle assemblies, bowl gaskets and idle screws from mikesxs.com... Sending the K&L kits back.

sorry for asking something that has been asked a million times before... That's what happens when ADD takes over.