why won't it start - I rebuilt the carbs...

[tab1324]

I finally got the needle valve seats and installed them. Cleaned out all the jets once more, new needles, set float heights to 23mm in all carbs, pre-synced the carbs with the 'bread-tie' method (seams to make sense), reset the idle mixture screw to where I thought it had been and installed the carbs... (sorry for the run-on)

Can't get it to stay running. Cranked and cranked and cranked some more on all choke settings, with and without throttle. Seamed best to use full choke with no throttle but even then it would start and then immediately quit. A couple of times after I released the starter button and things had stopped for a second, the engine turned by itself (if that makes sense). Once it backfired VERY loudly out the exhaust after I'd released the starter button. Enough to make me nearly soil myself....

I am trying to start it and work out the carb problems without the stock airbox on due to the difficulty in removing and re-installing it. Any suggestions to getting it running?

Could the idle mixture screw not be properly set and cause the hard starting and backfire? If so, would I want to open the butterly more or close it more? I reset it after the pre-sync.

Any help?? Please, it's too warm to be working on it - it needs to be ridden!

Tom Brant

[graybird78]

no start

what yr bike. how did it run before. sound like lack of fuel.i'm no carb guru, but did you check for fuel flow into float bowls. turn fuel on. try the prime setting to start. i just did my carbs and my bike was reluctant to start. then base idle was to low to keep running. no vac leaks? try to keep it running with carb cleaner.good indicator of lean condition.hope this helps


graybird78

[scalded dog]

Check, the black box, by tapping on it, sometimes I had to tap the box, now have another box, I got off e-bay, problem solved. also chec fuses. Later 'Dog

[Dennyz]

Try squirting fuel in the carb inlets, this will tell you if it is a fuel starvation problem.

If your battery is not it top shape, you could be pulling the voltage down to where the black box will not function.

[tab1324]

year of bike

It's an 82' XJ1100. I opened up the idle speed a bit last night and it started much easier - just wouldn't stay running. Then eventually it turns over by itself - after I release the starter button. I wonder if this happens when the plugs are hot and there's a bit of residual fuel in the cylinders that ignite.

Tom B.

[John]

Tom, it sound like the starter solenoid is hanging up. If you have a test light or a multi meter, it is easy to test. Locate the solenoid under the right side cover. I'm assuming that you have a good knowledge of mechanics, not trying to insult you...Test for power at both of the large wires on the solenoid. There should be power only at the battery side when it's not being cranked. If power is present, you'll need to track down the wires, behind the headlight, to the starter button and unplug them to see if the problem goes away. It not, then the problem is in the solenoid. If it does, then you need to check the starter button to see if it is sticking in the closed position. Disconnect the battery, and use the ohmmeter to check for continuity through the large terminals on the solenoid. It should read infinity (open). If not then the contacts in the solenoid are stuck closed. Test the starter button with the ohmmeter, with the battery disconnectd also. Do you have a manual with a wiring diagram? I would strongly suggest a Clymer. It has very good color schematics of all XS models.

BTW, I have a lot of family in your area. My Dad and Stepmom lived in Champlin, and Osseo for many years, and my Grandmother is in St.Paul. I have a stepbrother and sisters in the area also.