gordonfi
XS400 Enthusiast
when I got this bike, first time starting, only cylinder fired and ran. Then I found the Valve cover plugs and put ATF fluid in it (High detergent) for two reasons. First, changed the oil and it was clear on the dipstick. So, if I was successful in clearing the galleries with ATF and running, the oil in the crankcase would have some red in it and I could drain it out again along with the guck. So, when I poured about a quarter cup of ATF on the cold cylinder, it started firing. Then the next day, hard to start, so I put ATF in both, and away it went, along with some backfiring that lessened as it ran. BTW, I had the carbs out 5 times and cleaned more each time, they're good now. Finally did what I was told. lol.
After a few attempts and intermittent starts, I've decided that I might have to remove the top covers and manually clean out the galleries. I really don't want to put out the $90 for a torque wrench at this point and since the top cover doesn't expose the piston, I am wondering it I can get away with removing it, cleaning the galleries without a torque wrench? Hopefully I can get at them without removing the cam. That would definitely require one, and I'm looking for the diagram that I saw of the oil galleries to see where I need to poke around. Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice.
(Update)
Well I replaced coils and have new points on the way but I found something interesting. I ordered and installed an auto advance mechanism from Ebay and from that point on could only get backfiring no matter what I did with the timing. Then I took the new one off and compared it with the new one. The flat spot where the points close was different! Anyone wish to explain this to me? I am thinking that this part is not as generic as I had hoped and is probably linked to the timing chain position. Am I right? anyway, as soon as I put the old one back, got it to fire properly but weather is still too cold. Maybe next weekend.
Anyway, weather is warming up. Painting now and have the seat out for reupholstering. Getting close! Pics later.
After a few attempts and intermittent starts, I've decided that I might have to remove the top covers and manually clean out the galleries. I really don't want to put out the $90 for a torque wrench at this point and since the top cover doesn't expose the piston, I am wondering it I can get away with removing it, cleaning the galleries without a torque wrench? Hopefully I can get at them without removing the cam. That would definitely require one, and I'm looking for the diagram that I saw of the oil galleries to see where I need to poke around. Anyway, thanks in advance for any advice.
(Update)
Well I replaced coils and have new points on the way but I found something interesting. I ordered and installed an auto advance mechanism from Ebay and from that point on could only get backfiring no matter what I did with the timing. Then I took the new one off and compared it with the new one. The flat spot where the points close was different! Anyone wish to explain this to me? I am thinking that this part is not as generic as I had hoped and is probably linked to the timing chain position. Am I right? anyway, as soon as I put the old one back, got it to fire properly but weather is still too cold. Maybe next weekend.
Anyway, weather is warming up. Painting now and have the seat out for reupholstering. Getting close! Pics later.
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