Problem With my XJ11 when it's wet

[werewolf]

Hello..

My Maxim 1100 stops (suddenly) when it's wet under my gaz tank, but works very well when in neutral. When shifting into gear, it dies.

It's like a foot switch problem, but the previous owner of the bike had removed the switch and all the electric wires.

Does someone know a simple way to find out what is the good wire and/or what to do to correct the problem ?

Thx a lot !

[foxjohnc]

Maybe one of the wires that he cut is grounding out when wet? Or when it is wet, one of the coil wires is shorting out and causing it to run on 2-3 cyls? It would sound good when there is no load, but die when you try to go.

[Jerry]

The XJ has a pair of related circuits you should check. The first is the side-stand circuit. If the switch has been removed, the 3-conductor connector (under the rear of the gas tank, left side) should have all 3 wires connected together. This makes the circuit think the side stand is always in the "up" position. I made my jumpers (switch is no longer available from Yamaha) using 3 each 1/4 inch slide-on terminals and some speaker wire.

Second circuit is at the clutch lever. The XJ has an extra cable, not found on the XS, that has a switch built into it and fits into the clutch lever housing. It is similar to a door-open switch in cars, a simple plunger that is up or out when the lever is pulled and in or down when the lever is released. This cable plugs into a connector in the headlight bucket. Still available from Yamaha, I replaced this cable earlier this year on my XJ. Cost was around $8.50 from Zanotti Motors. I ran mine for a couple years with the wires jumped together until I replaced the cable.

The purpose of these circuits was to prevent a rider from taking off with the side stand in the down position. You could start the bike in Neutral, but as soon as you tried to let out the clutch with the transmission in gear the engine killed. The Neutral switch also figures into this, but rarely causes any problems. If your green Neutral light comes on in Neutral and goes out when you are in gear it is probably OK.

I suspect the 3-wire connector under the gas tank. One of the wires may be bare or pinched, and is grounding out when wet. This would interrupt the circuit, causing it to shut down the ignition system.

Intermittent problems are the worst to find....good luck!

[werewolf]

Thanks guys for the reply, especially Jerry, who gives me answers that I need =)

I'll take care of the 3 wires under gaz tank, cause I've already try the clutch switch, filled the light bucket with water, and nothing happens. It's always when I spray water from the front of the bike, aiming under the gaz tank (as the water spreaded from the front tire).

Hope I'll find the problem !