Dragged home another XS400

Specdog

XS400 Addict
Messages
265
Reaction score
14
Points
18
Location
SW Ontario, Canada
DSC07317.JPG
DSC07321.JPG
 
Don't know why my text didn't show. It's an '82 Special. I'm not sure if it's called an S, or SJ. It's a non running project that the owner wanted $550, but we settled on three magic beans. No key or battery, but I did get the ownership. The front brake caliper is seized and had to loosen the mount to roll it onto the trailer. Fairly new tires, original paint and exhaust. I like that. I will do a cut and polish around the time I need some some serenity. The only chrome is on the fender, mufflers and chain guard, and it is very nice. One plug wire and cap is missing so I will put new carbon core wires on the order list with the other missing stuff. I sucked out the gruel from the master cylinder (not so grool) and put in more fluid so I can pump the caliper piston out. The MC and line are now 39 years old so will be thrown out.
 
It's a 400 SJ. More like the 81 U.S. version but in your country this was what they looked like for 82. The seat looks off an 80 model. I would use copper core plug wires in the bike unless you have a AM radio you listen to while driving. ;) They all had copper core from the factory.
 
I appreciate your input Chris, thanks for that. I am a bit surprised on the copper core wires. I know about the interference to AM radios, however I think the electromagnetic interference also affects the electronic units on the bike as well, hence the need for suppression carbon wires, although maybe I'm applying 2020 technology here. I understand copper wires for points ignitions, but I thought in '80-82 with the introduction of electronic ignition Yamaha would have used carbon/graphite core. Isn't that why in 1980 replaceable plug wires were used on the coils, because carbon core wires have a relatively short lifespan compared to copper core? Did you ever have the chance to open an original plug wire from 80-82?
 
Bike manufactures used replace-able wire coils in the 70's also. Yes, the stock ones are copper core. Have seen may OEM ones. Most bikes I have seen all used copper. Even with TCI ignitions.
 
Keep in mind the carbon wires have resistance in them. Our bikes use either a resistor plug or the factory resistor cap with a non-resistor plug. I run a ngk non-resistor cap with a iridium resistor plug.
 
Well that's it then, I'll get copper core wires. That's a better deal since I can buy it locally by the foot. I'm going with resistor plugs and 0 ohm caps since I have a good supply of the caps.
 
The front brakes on this bike are at the end of its life. I only needed the master cylinder to last long enough to push out the caliper piston. It moved it about 1/3 of the way quite easily then failed, sucked air and leaked. No more pressure. Oh snap. I always take on the crummiest jobs first when I roll in a project, so this qualifies.
 
Hook a grease gun to where the bleed screw goes and pump out the piston. It will work every time.
 
The grease gun method easily moved the piston out. The piston is salvageable so will just replace the rubber bits.
DSC07325.JPG
The bike has been sitting for 4 years so I drained the oil. Four liters of fluid came out, two of them were gasoline. Drained the float bowls as well. About an ounce in each.
 
Polished the piston with 1500 grit paper and metal polish. Finished it up on the sisal mop. This is a good time to be in the garage. The temperature was 8C and had the garage door open, partly because of the chemical cleaning smells, but perfect temp for working on bikes.
DSC07328.JPG
 
Thanks for your opinion Chris, The pic shows the wet polish on the piston, but you can see that pits are evident. I wasn't entirely sure if the pits were beyond the seal or not. I'll change my order to include a piston with the rubber bits.
 
I notice your in Canda too.

https://yambits.co.uk/xs400-brake-caliper-piston-stainless-steel-p-32644.html?currency=CAD

Its where I ordered caliper pistons along with alot of other little bits. They have alot for these bikes. I'm sure you can find more from them you'll need.
Honestly cheapest place for us in Canada to order. $25 bucks shipping for a good size cart full.

Ordering from the US is just stupidly expensive for shipping. Even Partsnmore which is located in Canada lists their prices in US dollars and still cost more to ship the same stuff then it does from the UK.
 
Yeah, you know I've used Yambits in the past and I like them. In fact I believe they sell quality stuff. Parts I want right away, are battery, ignition switch/key, and handlebars. I'll get those from https://fortnine.ca/en/.They are great for gear, accessories and consumables and always have sale prices on stuff, plus ship for free after $50. They are in Montreal and Calgary. I will use https://www.siriusconinc.com/index.php for stuff like caliper rebuild kit, and petcock kit. I'm not sold on their carb kits though. You need to order $100 for free shipping, however their mailing cost is reasonable if you buy less. They are in Cambridge, over an 1 1/2 hour from me. PartsN More are only an hour from me, but they won't allow pick up, and yeah their shipping rate kills them. I believe they are in the same building as XS650 Direct.
 
Back
Top