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I got caught in the rain a couple of days back, and since then my xs400 has been backfiring through the airbox when I start it up, and then settles down after a while. Im not if the rain had anything to do with it at all tho....

When I start it up, sometimes it dies with the choke on (similar to flooding on 2-strokes), The engine sporadically does not respond to throttle, and if I turn the throttle, it halters and ocassionally pops through the airbox. The popping is not consistent on any one side airbox (and therefore I assume ..cylinder).

Is this a timing issue? or has the wiring become wet coz of the rain? how can I resolve this, and since I plan to commute to work on this bike, how can I avoid this problem if it rains on me again?

Thanks a lot.

PS: Also thanks a lot to all the folks who've shared advice over the past month helping me get my bike started. She runs justs fine ... and Im loving it!!! and here I was thinking I never find a replacement for sex

K.T.T moister can cause your bike to do most or all of the tings you said.

Especially if your plug wires are cracked and worn.

I suggest running some new wires and boots and use dialectic grease at the plug and up at the coil this will keep moister from buggering things up.

Now if this doesn’t solve things then you might want to think about syncing your carbs. "if you haven't already"

Checking your timing wont hurt as well.

Good Luck!!!

and always post back!

Mike

<sigh> new wires take money... of which I have none right now. In fact, tomorrow Im breaking out the food stamps. hehe. But yeah I will renew the wiring, I do believe that I've probably forgotten rubber boots around the spark plug resistor caps... which could be what's buggering the whole thing up.

I bet you or one of your neighbors has that "Project car or truck" sitting in the yard.

Snag a long wire off of one of those puppies and wa-la new wires.

The unlocked unattended neighbors car is a good parts source as well! "JUST KIDDING"

I know what it's like to live from week to week as well so finding the cheep but useful parts sources are always helpful.

Good luck!!!

and post back your stories of the terrible always brighten my day. HE-HE

Mike

As a grad student... you get so poor.. the RACOONS chase me away when Im rummaging through their trash. Either way Im sure the wiring's fine, but like I said I forgot the boots for the spark plugs

-K

Hi,
To compound the problem, my throttle is nont responsive. And sometimes whe I rev it up from an idle the engine dies out on me.

I checked the wiring and its OK. I intend to sync the carbs and re-check the timing tomorrow.

I just wanted to know if Im tackling this right. Any pointers are greatly appreciated....

-K