started tuning my carbs, got a problem

[Bonz]

I'll be happy to take you through any type of maintenance or repairs on that bike. My 1200 has been touched on almost every nut bolt & screw either with maintenance or modification so I'm happy to share my knowledge.

What mods have been done to the bike since it hasn't been touched on the exhaust system? That's one of the first mods most guys do.
For under $500 you can uncork about 20 to 25 horses with a header, the slip-on you already have and a jet kit. The bike is taken to another level of performance.

The fact your XS is running well, that's great to hear!

[oldyam80sg]

Thank you for that Bonz-having the XS has made me a good bike mechanic-I can do most work on my bike as shops wont work on a bike this old. On the ZRX after my accident, I had to do work as I couldn't ride the bike to a shop. I took off the carbs for the 1st time and that wasn't so bad. I have since cleaned carbs on a friends bike that has no motorcycle knowledge at all. I will keep you in mind as you definitely seem to know your stuff!

[Bonz]

I look forward to hearing how the riding and wrenching goes with all your bikes!

[oldyam80sg]

I will ride the XS today when I go do my laundry at my Moms house.

[oldyam80sg]

Getting back to the original thread, I have had good results with Berrymans Chem Tool. Some people use Seafoam, but I personally think Seafoam is oily to work with, but using a bottle cleaner is no substitute for manual cleaning. You cannot get in the little holes and certain areas without taking the carbs apart. Its not very hard once you do it once.

[KIP]

I feel your pain

thebottle,

My 1980 XS1100 SG had a similar, if not the same problem.

Before all of your adjustments...... Do you know if your cylinder # four was firing properly with the choke on ?

If so, I believe your float level is fine.

[tbschupsky]

Intermitent cylinder going off-line

I have an issue that I think is fuel related too. 1 or 2 cylinders stop firing at times while I ride. If I just coast for a few seconds, it seems to be ok again for a while. Has anyone had this issue? I'd like to know where to start to solve this problem. Also, I don't use the octy set-up. Just ON-OFF-RES-OFF set-up on each petcock. (One barb is capped off on each petcock) What's the best in-line fuel filter to use on the two lines?

[soccer4m]

try these

Howdy TBSHUBSKY, a couple things to check,,

1. any fuel filter that fits the fuel line is good, any mc shop should have a couple
2. try running the bike with petcock turned to prime, to check just turn it and see if fuel is continually flowing, usually its straight back on the petcock
3. check plugs and the wires for shorting out, jiggle while running and see if its running rough, or arcing to the engine, pull plugs and check each for any damage

4. last but not least, your pickup wires in the side cover could be shorting out and can cause the symptons you describe,,,do a search for pickup wires in the search tab and lots of info, pics to follow. Many of us have had this problem and drove us crazy as it seems like a carb issue but causes the cutting out, misfiring problems....
5. keep us informed,,,,good luck, Mike in Sun DIego

[skids]

What's the best in-line fuel filter to use on the two lines?

I use Fram inline metal fuel filters. I have had issues with plastic housed filters and porous stone filters.

[KIP]

tbscupski

Your symptoms sound very familiar to a problem I had, years ago, with my 1980 XS1100SG.....My issue was not a fuel problem.....but was caused by my wore out pick-up wires as soccer4m describe.....follow his advice and good luck !!!

[KIP]

Your symptoms sound very familiar to a problem I had, years ago, with my 1980 XS1100SG.....My issue was not a fuel problem.....but was caused by my wore out pick-up wires as soccer4m describe.....follow his advice and good luck !!!

[tbschupsky]

Thank you for your responses! I never would have suspected the pickup wire issue but I will look into that first since it seems common. I enjoy riding this bike so much (XS1100SF '79) and just want to solve this occasional issue.

Here's a pic of the old girl. Lmk if you can't see it or how to post a pic.

https://s1049.photobucket.com/user/o...g.html?filters[user]=129234685&filters[recent]=1&sort=1&o=1

[tbschupsky]

https://s1049.photobucket.com/user/o...a/101_3759.jpg

[motoman]

Pickup coil wires is likely issue. Remove left sidecover, using both hands, pull on EVERY inch of each wire. If insulation stretches, wire is broken internally. If that being the case, cut wire at break, slide on a short piece of shrink tubing and using a short piece of naked butt connector, crimp on wires then slide shrink tubing over repair and heat it with a lighter to shrink it on repair. Do NOT solder wires back together as this weakens wire strands and it WILL eventually break again. Also, may wanna remove kill switch, take apart and soak pieces in a small glass of Evap-o-Rust. This WILL remove any corrosion on contacts. Kill switch COMPLTES running circuit and is known to create a voltage drop....not good. May report back as to your findings if resolved.

[tbschupsky]

Ok, so I just got back to working on this issue. You were right about the broken wires for the pickup coils. Multiple breaks on some. New wiring had to be patched in. I kinda got it back together. Not really happy with my work but I got the engine running and saw the vacuum advance in action. It's brutal on the wire loop. So just curious, is advancing the timing really necessary? And why? Can the hose be capped off instead? Thanks..