1982 XS400J Maxim Carb/Cylinder Issue

[MaximCP]

Hey Guys,

I am new to the message board and been having some issues with my 82' XS400J Maxim. I got the bike when it was in bits of pieces and have so far restored it to get it to running condition, except to find out that only one cylinder is firing. I have ripped apart the carbs, airbox, etc a bunch of times now, cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, but still seems not to be getting fuel into the first cylinder. I have also had new spark plugs, checked the spark, etc, and have run out of ideas, So I am open to any responses. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[9000white]

i will tell you what the problem is 99% of the time.
go to --- http://yamaha-facyoryparts.com.
click on motorcycles--click on year and model.when index comes up on right click on carburetor--look at float bowl picture--there are 3 holes shown in rear of float bowl --2 of them are for the screws that hold bowl to carb.the other one is for a small brass pipe to go in that is in the carb.this hole is the idle speed well.fill bowl up with water and see if well fills up.there is a tiny hole in this well that gets it's gas from the bowl.it is probably stopped up.you can see this tiny hole by looking inside bowl if it is stopped up no gas can get in.you need to pull a wire from a steel brush and work it in the tiny hole from inside float bowl (not down through the well because it is angled)dig around with wire until when you put water on bowl well fills up.do both of them while they are off.

[MaximCP]

Thanks a lot, it was actually clogged, cleaned it out, the bike started up great w/both Cylinders!

Thanks Again,
MaximCP

[9000white]

i have seen carburetors replaced by dealers and independent shops because they dont know about that tiny hole.my only mission in life is to prevent dealers from sticking it to someone.

[storysunfolding]

Good man

[peterman]

you know I have 1983 yamaha maxim 400 and it only fires on one cylinder until it gets warmed up. I'll have to take a look at that little tube. I put a pipe cleaner down there but I could have gone the wrong way.

There is also a chance that there is crap behind the idle screws that are factory set, messing up my idle. But I'll give it a look.

Thanks
Peter

[MaximCP]

I actually soaked the entire bowl in carb cleaner bucket, which actually loosed it up, because if you try using a wire brush, it is hard to get the angle and letting it sit in this bucket for 30 minutes cleaned it all out.