Ready to get started on my XJ...

[gringojason]

Hi guys...

I bought an XJ last year and posted a few times on here. Here are the pics of the bike when I bought it...

http://livefitrevolution.com/?page_id=472

I have been using it as a daily driver and not giving it much TLC. I had plans to work on it, got busy, let life get in the way...blah. blah. blah.

So, I am now ready to get started. I know VERY little about bike mechanics, but want to learn. Part of the reason I wanted this bike was to be able to get an education by working on it.

I want to start simple, by doing my own oil change and adjusting the carbs. There are bigger issues that need to be addressed (like 1st gear not working at all anymore), but I feel I need to work my way up to that.

My Dad has some tools and bike experience, but has never worked on an XJ. Is there anyone in the Southern CA area that would be willing to lend a hand and show me a few things? I don't have a lot of $$, but I will pay for your time. I am willing to tackle it on my own as well, using some of the how-to's on this site, but nothing works as well as having someone there to guide you. Thanks...

[soccer4m]

Hi

HI Jason,,you might contact Planedick, or 3Phase, in the members list. BOth are fairly close to you and are excellent mechanics.........Mike in S.DIego

[3Phase]

Jason, I'm kind of busy this week but figure out when you want to do the work and I'll see what I can do!

[gringojason]

Thank you both for your responses. Scott, I am pretty flexible to work around your schedule. I will send you a PM and figure out the details. Thanks so much for the offer!!

[Jerry]

You may want to check out this thread on the XJ's YICS intake system:

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...ight=YICS+tool

Also look for posts by CatatonicBug; he has the XJ shop manual available for download from his personal web page.

Good luck!

[CatatonicBug]

Here's a post for you, so you don't have to hunt. XJ manual is on my site, in the link below.

What exactly is wrong? If it's been a daily rider, it must not be all that bad. Are there specific things you want to tackle?

[gringojason]

Catatonic...thanks for the link. I'l download it now. It rides...just doesn't ride WELL. I know it could run a lot better.

1) 1st gear is out...not sure if it is a clutch or transmission thing, but I have resorted to taking off in 2nd for the last few months.

2) I can hear the chain rattling, so it needs to be adjusted.

3) The speedo doesn't work and now the RPM meter is hit and miss (have a new one I bought here on the forum, just need to install it)

4) Left turn signal stopped working

5) Overall, it's running rich and just isn't running smoothly. Carbs?

It is just a lot of little things that are adding up and getting bigger. Since I have zero experience, I would love to have someone who knows XJs to look at it and and walk me through some things, just to help me get my training wheels off, so to speak. I sent PMs to 3Phase and Planedick, so I am hoping I'll be able to work something out with one of them.

[cywelchjr]

If the tach (RPM meter) just stopped working, and the turn signal stopped as well, you may have lost the charging system. I would suggest starting there, as with the mix of symptoms that could be the issue (charging system packing it in could cause all of those).

Ok, not the cam chain rattle and not the 1st gear issue, but even running rich could be caused by weak spark caused by low voltage.

[gringojason]

I am happy to report that, thanks to the help and guidance of PlaneDick, my bike is running great!! We tore it down completely...fixed the first gear issue, took off all the covers, replaced gaskets, fixed the turn signal, cleaned up the carbs, replaced the octopus hoses, and a few other things I am probably leaving out.

I left it at his house for a few days and drove up there everyday to wrench on it with him. He did most of the work, but I was there every step of the way helping out as best I could. In the process, I got an XJ/XS education. It was more than I could have hoped for. In addition to having my bike running great, I have a much better understand of how it is put together and what I need to do to keep it running well. Now I just need to get some tools and a space to wrench on my own. I did my first solo project today...replaced the speedo cable. Small and simple, but a great feeling to be working on it on my own.

Richard...thank you. I really appreciate all of your help and taking the time to explain everything to me. And to everybody on this forum who responds to questions and is willing to help...you guys rock. Thanks for being there for us newbies!!

[3Phase]

Right on, Jason! Glad y'all got it running!