YAMAHA XJ700 MAXIM 86 - won't stay running - wired noise

[cmoneta]

It's been a wile since I've ridden my bike. I'm doing some maintenance to it to get it back in shape.

2 months ago I changed the fuel filter and the oil but the bike wasn't starting, and if it did, it was for a couple of seconds, with massive fuel leak from a hose connected to the carburetor (no idea if this is good or bad). Last week I recharged the battery. I wanted to kill myself when the bike started right away ; but I still have problems with the fuel leakagge.

The other problem I'm having is that it won't stay running unless I keep it accelerated. Also, it makes much more noise than it used to before I started all of this (which means it could be something I did )

My mayor problems is that my original dealership won't take it in because it's too old, and I can't find any savvy DIY mechanic to help me with this.

HELP PLEASE!!

THANK YOU.

[NorthernPete]

Your dealership wont take it for work? Time for a new dealership I thinks!

fuel leak, is it from the hose itself? if so, new hose time... if its overflow, your carbs may need some work, or the petcock could be botched.

[CORSCO]

Won't stay running without revving it is sign of the all to familiar carb clean. If it sat for any amount of time, those carbs will need to be torn down and soaked.
As for the dealership not working on it because it is too old. Sorry buddy, I work at one of those dealerships and we don't either. We do have a 70 year old man who works there and will work on that stuff. I know it sucks that they will not work on it but most shops refuse because truthfully, its is not worth the hassle, which means it is hard to get all the money out of it.
That 70 year old man will work on an older bike and have like 10 hours in it. But since he works hourly, the shop will only charge half that to the customer. It is really not cost effective for the dealership to work on older stuff. Usually there is considerable more problems than the customer knows about, figure in rusted/broken bolts, hard or impossible parts to find, and that equals to a commisioned tech not making much money.
Sorry, don't hate the dealer. Just realize it is a business for us and we do not like to get burned anymore than customers do.

[cmoneta]

Corsco, I know about the cost problems the dealers have, and I'm not judging their reasons; but I don't have the equipment to clean a carburator, or friends that know how to do it. It is very frustraiting because I know that I could do it, but I'm also afraid that I'll do something wrong and totally mess it up beyond repair.

Many have told me that probably the was the carburator. Little by little I would like to put it in shape. It's a great bike, very confortable, and a great size for my little 5'3" (besides I look great on it ).

Thanks for all the help.

[cmoneta]

NorthernPete, the hose comes out from the carburator and it has no other end. It looks like some kind of release or something.
I've been looking in the parts graphics at Yamaha.com but I can't tell it apart from the other parts.

[kar_the_terrible]

I just solved this problem on my bike. The fuel leak is mot prybably a stuck float of a bad float valve. You will need tot ake the carbs apart, and replace the float valves, and while you're at it, the old rusty screws with stainless screws. float valves are about 8 bucks a piece.

Replace thecarb bowl gaskets too.... all available online I guess.

After you;re done, you will need to readjust the carbs idle adjustment, as they might run a bit lean.

[NorthernPete]

if its carbs, and you feel comfortable fixin them, go for it, myself, I just bring them to a back yard mechanic of small engine place (take them off and bring them in, they should get them going. anyplace that fixes lawn mowers and the likes should be able to set you up.

[flynrider]

Corsco, I know about the cost problems the dealers have, and I'm not judging their reasons; but I don't have the equipment to clean a carburator, or friends that know how to do it. It is very frustraiting because I know that I could do it, but I'm also afraid that I'll do something wrong and totally mess it up beyond repair.

You need a shop manual and you need to jump in and start learning how to fix things yourself. It's not economically feasable to own a 20 yr. old bike if you expect to pay someone else to fix it for you (assuming you can find someone). You don't have to learn how to fix a bike, but if you don't, you'll be better off with something newer that can be fixed at the dealer.

You might mess up now and then, but it's unlikely you'll mess things up beyond repair if you follow the instructions in the maintenance manual to the letter.

Your carb problem is likely leaking float needles or seats.

[CORSCO]

Corsco, I know about the cost problems the dealers have, and I'm not judging their reasons; but I don't have the equipment to clean a carburator, or friends that know how to do it. It is very frustraiting because I know that I could do it, but I'm also afraid that I'll do something wrong and totally mess it up beyond repair.

Many have told me that probably the was the carburator. Little by little I would like to put it in shape. It's a great bike, very confortable, and a great size for my little 5'3" (besides I look great on it ).

Thanks for all the help.

Cmoneta, I am just a few hours from you. I live north of Raleigh. Too bad you are not closer, I would be glad to help you out and teach you a few things. I have a motorcycle lift just sitting in my garage collecting dust!