Newbie: Trailered home...now wont start...

[King Malay]

I'm a proud new owner of 77 xs650D. Just picked her up yesterday in the rain via trailer. She started fine before we left and ran through gears no problem. She started on first kick each time. It was a pretty bumpy ride home. Once we got her off the trailer, she wouldn't start via kick or electric. Petcock was also left on the whole time. I'm not sure if I've given all the info needed but what would be my next step? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[gggGary]

Check the oil level.

 

[King Malay]

Thanks will do.. changing fluids tomorrow (off from work). Thanks for the advice.

 

[gggGary]

Pull the plugs, look at them and check spark. drop the float bowl drain screws, catch the gas in a cut down oil can, open the petcocks and drain about a pint of gas from each side, report what you find.

 

[King Malay]

Will do..thank s again! I appreciate the your knowledge and patience. will let you know how it works out.

 

[gggGary]

Charge the battery. A famous PO trick is to charge up the battery just before you get there and then hide the charger. The charging system may be OOS

 

[King Malay]

Planning on giving her a new battery. Have a tender on her also. Any favorites or recommendations for bringing the charging system up to date? What would be an optimal set up in your opinion? I saw a lot of diff options its pricey so recommendations on set ups to research would be greatly appreciated. Let me know if I'm asking too many questions. Thanks again.

 

[gggGary]

As an official XS650 "old fart" I prefer the stock charging rotor and stator. On a 77 updating to a solid state regulator on a bike that will get used a lot probably makes sense. But my 79 works just fine with the points set correctly on the stock regulator. ALWAYS connect and properly route the battery vent tube.

 

[King Malay]

Copy that...thanks!

 

[angus67]

http://www.motobatt.com/index.php?r...anufacturer_id=52&category_id=63&model_id=738
This is a really good battery. mount in any position, and holds it charg very well, but it is a little spendy. I have a cheap battery for testing purposes, and put the mottobatt in when I ride. The trickle charger they sell works great, too.
I have one on my stock charging chopper, and one in my stock Suzuki marauder. These bike sat all winter, 5 months. The chop fired first kick, and the suzy barely spun the starter when it fired off.
Stock charging systems are fine. My 71 still has the stock charging system, and still charges. Granted, its been sitting in a shed 75% of its life, so I expect that to stop working soon.

 

[fredintoon]

Hi King,
in case you were wondering, you check the oil level to see if any of the gas that could have leaked through the carbs because the petcocks were left on got into the engine oil to dilute it.
To check if the bike battery is bad, boost the bike from your car battery and see if it'll start, or at least, make a spark.
If you can get the bike running, point the headlight at a wall and rev up. If the light gets brighter it's charging.

 

[angus67]

don't start the car!!

 

[King Malay]

Hi King,
in case you were wondering, you check the oil level to see if any of the gas that could have leaked through the carbs because the petcocks were left on got into the engine oil to dilute it.
To check if the bike battery is bad, boost the bike from your car battery and see if it'll start, or at least, make a spark.
If you can get the bike running, point the headlight at a wall and rev up. If the light gets brighter it's charging.

Thanks guys! I was able to get it started with choke. How obvious is the dimming of the lights? Dimmed slightly when revving? Only saw slight dim if anything. My friend has 12 cell lithium ion battery to use to test. I read that electronic need to be upgraded for use. Don't want to ruin his battery. Any ideas of what to upgrade if needed or to "simplify" things?

Pulled plugs looked fine. They were NGK B8ES; not B7ES, are they interchangeable?
When checking the oil did notice it slightly thin and smelling like gas. Next gues would be to drain and change? Thank you for all the responses. Just trying to get things solid. I appreciate all the direction.) .

 

[5twins]

The correct plug is a BP7ES. The "BP" designates a projected tip. The electrode hangs out the bottom of the plug a little more than a plain "B" type does. This gives a better burn. The number indicates the heat range. An 8 is one step colder than the 7. It may burn darker and foul easier. Don't get the plugs at a bike shop, they charge too much. Most auto parts stores carry these now. I recommend getting a 4 pack so you have a spare set .....

Check and set the plug gaps when you get them. Most plugs come gapped in the mid to upper 30s for cars. This is too big for your bike. Gap them at about .028" if the bike still has points.

 

[gggGary]

Headlight should get noticeably BRIGHTER when you rev the engine. Sounds like charging 101 for you. B8ES are colder and will foul easily, get the right plugs.
Yes drain and change any oil that smells like gas.

 

[King Malay]

Yes I have lots of learning and reading to do. Using this all as a learning experience. Figure it's the best way to learn about the bike. I have tools and a garage, so I have no excuse other than time. Plus it gives me some peace from the wife and kids. Hopefully one day I'll be able to ride it out of the garage. Fingers crossed.

 

[5twins]

The simple charging test is to hook a volt meter to the battery. You should see about 12 volts with the bike off or with it idling. Rev it up to about 3K and the voltage should climb to around 14. If you see no change when revved, you've got charging problems.

 

[weaselbeak]

Every good battery I've seen will show at least 12.4-12.7 volts just sitting there. Add at least a volt when running with the lights on above idle. I usually find 13.4-13.8 by the time I see 3000 on the tach.

 

[retiredgentleman]

Every good battery I've seen will show at least 12.4-12.7 volts just sitting there. Add at least a volt when running with the lights on above idle. I usually find 13.4-13.8 by the time I see 3000 on the tach.

That is charging, but its not full charging. You should see 14.1 volts if the charging system is working properly.

 

[King Malay]

Question....when I pulled off carbs to clean, on of the gaskets was left behind. Seems like PO pot some sort of liquid gasket on there. Am I fine with adding a thin layer befor bolting them on? Or shoul I just bolt them on without the liquid gasket? I have some hondsbond, will that work if needed?