Hello,
I recently got myself a blue 1980 XS400 Special 2 (XS400H I believe) that was sitting in the garage for years without use, and I am very thankful to the members here for helping me to put my bike to use (I was following many tips and instructions here). Thank you!
Here is the summary...
- changed oil, old oil was thin like water and smelled like gas.
- started, but would not run - left cylinder cold. Checked for spark - no spark, bad connection to coil. Fixed.
- started, but would not run - left cylinder still cold, while trying to start again noticed gas dripping from the right air filter. Carb is overflowing (that explained gas in the oil).
- took carbs out: Left is completely dead, nothing moves, nothing flows. Glue-like staff everywhere. Right is ok, but valve is not holding. Cleaned, soaked, poked all day... checked floats level, put it back.
-started, but after few min it died. Would not restart. Checked spark plugs - they are wet, but spark is there. Did not have new spark plugs so used old fashioned spark plug recovery - heated them with torch until red and let them cool down.
After that bike started and it ran, I could not be happier! It was rough.. sneezing and coughing.. but I could ride it.
In few days my online orders started to come, put in new spark plugs - what a difference! Much better ride, very little popping on deceleration (that I hope will go away as I empty the tank, which still has some old gas).
Replaced oil in front fork, checked valve clearances, cleaned and oiled chain&cables...
I have LCD lamps on order and will try to figure how to make turn signals working with LCDs. ( Currently my old battery can't survive stop lights together with turning signal. )
I am really impressed with the feel of this bike, it is pretty powerful for 400cc and it vibrates and sounds like bike should!!!
Safe riding to everyone!
Cheers!
Sam.
I recently got myself a blue 1980 XS400 Special 2 (XS400H I believe) that was sitting in the garage for years without use, and I am very thankful to the members here for helping me to put my bike to use (I was following many tips and instructions here). Thank you!
Here is the summary...
- changed oil, old oil was thin like water and smelled like gas.
- started, but would not run - left cylinder cold. Checked for spark - no spark, bad connection to coil. Fixed.
- started, but would not run - left cylinder still cold, while trying to start again noticed gas dripping from the right air filter. Carb is overflowing (that explained gas in the oil).
- took carbs out: Left is completely dead, nothing moves, nothing flows. Glue-like staff everywhere. Right is ok, but valve is not holding. Cleaned, soaked, poked all day... checked floats level, put it back.
-started, but after few min it died. Would not restart. Checked spark plugs - they are wet, but spark is there. Did not have new spark plugs so used old fashioned spark plug recovery - heated them with torch until red and let them cool down.
After that bike started and it ran, I could not be happier! It was rough.. sneezing and coughing.. but I could ride it.
In few days my online orders started to come, put in new spark plugs - what a difference! Much better ride, very little popping on deceleration (that I hope will go away as I empty the tank, which still has some old gas).
Replaced oil in front fork, checked valve clearances, cleaned and oiled chain&cables...
I have LCD lamps on order and will try to figure how to make turn signals working with LCDs. ( Currently my old battery can't survive stop lights together with turning signal. )
I am really impressed with the feel of this bike, it is pretty powerful for 400cc and it vibrates and sounds like bike should!!!
Safe riding to everyone!
Cheers!
Sam.
