Recent content by ebond

I had the same problem, brought up here: http://www.xs400.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11283 The adjustment screw and nut backed all the way out of the rocker arm and were sitting in the top of the case. I think getting the lock nut nice and snug will solve the problem.

Thanks for the advice! I found an unexpected solution. I went in to re-check and set the points, timing, and valve clearance. I opened up the exhaust tappet on the left (weak) side to find that the adjustment screw and nut were missing. I pulled off the top of the case to have a look around...

Hi guys, I'm having an issue with losing power in my left cylinder when the RPMs get anywhere above 4000 or so. It's a 1978 400E. It will idle nicely right around 1200 rpm. The exhaust pressure feels identical on both sides at idle, however the left pipe feels cooler. If I give it some...

Captain, is the kick starter available? I'm interested in the whole assembly.

xschris, I wish I would have seen this sooner but I already ordered the parts! (more expensive too :banghead:)Thanks for the offer though. I don't plan on running it until its fixed and the pieces are fished out, but do you think I did any damage running it for a few minutes this past...

Hey everyone, I got my 78 xs400 running this past weekend but the success has been short-lived. I started the process of checking my valve clearances today only to find that one of the adjusting screws appears to have sheared off and took the locking nut with it. Hopefully you can see in...

Good news! Tested the battery with a multimeter, all good there. Decided to sand the battery terminals and leads in hopes of a better connection and she's alive! I'm slightly annoyed but very relieved that it was such an easy fix. Now on to getting it road worthy...

Thanks for the tips, I'll take a closer look at the fuses this afternoon. Is there an easy way to check continuity of the wiring besides a visual inspection? Or is tracing with a voltmeter going to be my best option? If so I'll have to pick one up after work today. Anybody have trouble with...

Hey guys. I just thoroughly cleaned my carbs, installed an in-line fuel filter, replaced my oil, and ordered a new battery. I installed the battery, turned the key...and nothing. No indicator lights, no horn, no turn signals, no starter. I could hear a faint crackle from the battery when I...

Thanks for the welcome! I'll try to get pictures up soon. Another quick question: I'm going to change the oil and filter within the next few days. I realize that draining the oil from a warm bike is ideal. Should I try to get it running with the old oil and do the change once its nice and...

Edward-I'll check the valves once I get a set of feeler gauges. Only 11,000 miles on it. How about the breaker points, worth checking? I'll have to adjust the timing if I mess with those, right?

MechNewb-Thanks for the link, very helpful. I'll start with those suggestions. njcafe-Thanks, an inline fuel filter seems to be popular around here and a quick addition. Surprisingly the inside of the tank is spotless. The previous owner cleaned and drained everything before storage (luckily...

Hey guys, I am the new owner of a 1978 XS400. I've bought it in non-running condition (no battery), but by the looks of the bike and notes from the previous owner, it's in great shape. I should note that this is my first bike. Before I look into any modifications I'd like to get it running in...