Having trouble starting

[Rikugun]

If your problem turns out to be the starter there are several articles floating around to guide you through the repair. This one is from the ROV.net technical section:

http://ridersofvision.net/Technical/Starter/starter.html



This one from Lucky's resource pages:

http://www.xz550.com/starters.html

[Guerrero]

Had the same problem.for sure it is the coils that are dead from oldnes.I had the same problem,ust solenoid clicking.and sometimes when i pushed in gear,so the starter got some turns,it could start.when i opened.one of the coils were not even touching the axle.I guess 20usd was the repair kit.so go for it.and all problems will be gone ;)

[QBS]

Brushes not touching the armature?

[Guerrero]

maybe in english that will be more acurate.sorry,but i think you got the idea ;)

[hoverhead47]

Hello,
I'm also in the process of returning my XZ550 to running after nearly 20 years not used.  About five years ago, I first made this attempt and bought a new AGM battery.  It did well for a week or two while I decided what other things I needed to do.  So I would start it a couple of times a week just to clear out the cobwebs and get more inspired to finish.  Until on one occasion it only clicked and nothing else happened.  I made sure the battery was charged and even tried it with a jumper battery. Still nothing but the starter relay clicking then not even that. 
I was thinking that there was a serious short some where or even the starter motor was faulty. I lost interest and left it alone. The battery I have now realised wasn't any good.

I decided a couple of days ago to give it a try with a car spare care battery and jumper cables and lo and behold the rotten thing cranked like it was only yesterday since it had been last used.  I have since invested in a new AGM (motobat MBTX14AU) and it starts and runs, well sort of.
I found that leaving the petcock in prime caused petrol to pour onto the floor from the bottom of the case and also when it was running.
It turned out to be the fuel bowl overflows and the hose was nicked right under the frame where it couldn't be seen.

Tapping the bowl didn't loosen the float to stop this over flow so the carbies are now out and on the bench ready for kits. 
I've also discovered the boots are cracked and so I'll be replacing them while I have the carbies out.

What I'm suggesting is that before coming to major failure conclusions, just check that your battery is good, that the terminals are clean and tight (I could tell you a story about the new battery I bought for my hovercraft here) take the leads off the terminals and give them a brush with a wire brush just to make sure there's no oxide on the contact surfaces.
Also when trouble shooting, think back to the last time it ran and what happened or what has been done by way of adjustments that might have caused this situation now.

I am not all that keen to pull my carburettors apart but as I have taken them of the bike I might as well put in a kit just to cover any issues of age that I might find after I reinstall them.

Hoverhead47

[pinholenz]

About a year ago I started making some videos about carb dismantling and cleaning. I got made redundant and didn't have access to the video gear to finish them off.

However, what I did do might be useful to those who have just started to explore the niceties of the '82 style XZ550 carbs. XZ400 carbs are very similar, but not identical. '83's are a different beast.


http://vimeo.com/71009440


http://vimeo.com/70672209

Cheers

[hoverhead47]

G'day pinholenz

About a year ago I started making some videos about carb dismantling and cleaning. I got made redundant and didn't have access to the video gear to finish them off.
I was wondering why parts two and three weren't there.

However, what I did do might be useful to those who have just started to explore the niceties of the '82 style XZ550 carbs. XZ400 carbs are very similar, but not identical. '83's are a different beast.
I have found them quite informative but I'm sure the two missing parts would have really fully completed the set.


http://vimeo.com/71009440


http://vimeo.com/70672209

Cheers

I have ordered some kits for my carbies even though I haven't dismantled them as yet.  I did find the boots had cracks and even though they didn't appear to be fully evolved, I've ordered some replacements.  I have a second machine I bought as a donor after I dropped my bike badly (wrote it off ,bought it back) while riding to work.  I doubt that the boots from that bike will be any good even without looking.  It's been a lot of years more than 20 and that bike was an earlier frame than mine and many more kilometres on the clock.

I know I'll feel like kicking myself for going to these lengths but I'll try to console myself that a 30 year old machine is due for this if nothing else.

Hoverhead47