XJ Resurrection

[Bigfoot]

Got an XJ that had been sitting for about 3 years. Got it into the garage easy enough (well easy for me). It's nice having a big friend that can throw these bikes around like they are toys. But it did roll (brakes were not seized up thankfully). Once I started working on it I found that the engine was locked up. Surprising for only 3 years sitting.

I mixed up some acetone and ATF fluid 50/50 and dumped about 6 oz in each cylinder and let it sit overnight. The next day, turned it over by hand with a wrench on the timing bolt. It went a ways but seemed stuck at one point (I was being gentle with it). I added more of the acetone/ATF fluid and let it sit another night, for something to do I relaxed and cleaned the carbs.

This morning it turned over freely by hand. I drained all of the fluid (only about half oil by this point) and put in clean oil. Squirted a bit of oil in the top or each cylinder before putting the plugs back in. Don't know if that was needed but I didn't think it could hurt.

I installed the carbs and started cranking on the starter. It took it a bit before it started firing but finally (with a HUGE cloud of smoke pouring out of my garage) it fired up and actually sounded pretty good.

Next is to synch the carbs, new tires, go through the brake system. That is about it, should be ride-able at that point. The rest is cosmetic.

[HalfCentury]

Sweet. Another XJ lives. I love my XJ1100.

I had an XJ650 that I restored and rode for 4 years. After that it sat for 1 1/2 years outside. That locked up the motor. The ATF/acetone thing did mot work for that bike.

Please post pics. XJ porn is always welcome.

[motoman]

Got an XJ that had been sitting for about 3 years. Got it into the garage easy enough (well easy for me). It's nice having a big friend that can throw these bikes around like they are toys. But it did roll (brakes were not seized up thankfully). Once I started working on it I found that the engine was locked up. Surprising for only 3 years sitting.

I mixed up some acetone and ATF fluid 50/50 and dumped about 6 oz in each cylinder and let it sit overnight. The next day, turned it over by hand with a wrench on the timing bolt. It went a ways but seemed stuck at one point (I was being gentle with it). I added more of the acetone/ATF fluid and let it sit another night, for something to do I relaxed and cleaned the carbs.

This morning it turned over freely by hand. I drained all of the fluid (only about half oil by this point) and put in clean oil. Squirted a bit of oil in the top or each cylinder before putting the plugs back in. Don't know if that was needed but I didn't think it could hurt.

I installed the carbs and started cranking on the starter. It took it a bit before it started firing but finally (with a HUGE cloud of smoke pouring out of my garage) it fired up and actually sounded pretty good.

Next is to synch the carbs, new tires, go through the brake system. That is about it, should be ride-able at that point. The rest is cosmetic.

Good find Harry...........glad to hear the motor finially freed up for ya'!

[Bigfoot]

Its not much to see at the moment. Tank, seat, side covers, etc all scattered around the garage. but here is an old pic of it.



It is the third one in line there. I owned the one in the middle at the time. My first real bike. I have regretted selling that one. It was a nice XJ. Funny thing, the fairing and vetter luggage that was on my bike, I had given to Vince (the previous owner of the bike i am working on) so that Vetter set has come back to me.

[BA80]

Is that Vince's old bike Harry?

[Bigfoot]

Yes it is Greg. I didn't want to see it go to someone that was gonna chop it up or part it out.

[BA80]

I know you've asked me for some other stuff and eventually I'll get to it if you keep badgering me but to get Vincer's bike back on the road I'm all in.

[HalfCentury]

Thanks for posting the pic. Congrats on the acquisition. I have seen enough regret posts about selling an XJ1100 to know that I will not sell mine. Mine is on the center stand now for refurbishing all of the normal stuff. I acquired mine in 2012 and just started working on it in 2015.

My only regret is not buying a parts bike or two. They tend to show up after the riding season is over.

[Bigfoot]

i appreciate that bro. I think it is complete. Even came with a brand new set of shinkos he had never mounted. Will let you know if I need anything.

[BA80]

just moving and my $hit is a mess right now.

[Bigfoot]

thanks Half, Here is the one I sold.

[Bigfoot]

just moving and my $hit is a mess right now.

you aren't moved yet?

[BA80]

Yeah, moved but everything is still in piles everywhere.

[Bigfoot]

I know the feeling, i have been through all of my stuff since my move, but the Wife and daughter still need to finish up going through boxes. they are taking up valuable garage space.

[BA80]

Moved the 4 dead bikes out in the driveway today so I could get some organizing done in the garage but ended up sitting in the AC watching movies.

gotta go move them back in now.