Hard to start after sitting.

wilbur60

XS650 Enthusiast
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If my xs650 sits for more than a day it is very hard to get it started. If it has sat for a week it takes 15-20 seconds of cranking while on full choke. When it starts it sounds like only one cylinder is firing. It has very little power and then the dead cylinder starts popping. Then it starts running with both cylinders and it is fine. If I start it again in a few hours it starts right up. No problem. I do not see any gas leaks.
 
I would drop the float bowls and check to see if the choke feed jets are clear. Sounds like they may be plugged or maybe partially plugged. The chokes won't work if they're plugged, won't fully work (full rich starting mix) if they're partially plugged. Here's how to check them .....

IzS1tsu.jpg
 
I think you are right on. That does sound like a good place to look.
I am not sure what is in the picture. Is that inside the float bowl? I was expecting to take the carbs of again because I need to rejet as well. But... right now we are having some of the most beautiful weather of the year. I am reluctant to tear it apart right now. But the rains will be here soon, I know I can count on that. If you could tell me what part I am looking at in the picture that would be appreciated.
 
If you could tell me what part I am looking at in the picture that would be appreciated.
It's a carb bowl for a BS38. Take your bowls off and you'll see it. The thought is since your hard starting is only when cold, choke not working is a suspect because it is needed when cold, and not needed when warm.
 
Yes, it is looking inside the float bowl with it removed .....

HYNwXFs.jpg


Look down into the red circled hole, shine a light into the fuel inlet, hole in jet will "light up" if clear. You can remove the float bowls, carbs still installed, using a stubby screwdriver. You can re-jet while they're off too, again using stubby screwdrivers.
 
Well, I Finally got the carbs off and cleaned the ports that were in the picture. I do not know how clogged they are, both they are both clean now. The only thing I am worried about is that tube that fits into the hole I just cleaned. It is on the other side (On the carbs body) I wonder if that could be plugged as well. Is there anything else that may need to be cleaned in order to be sure the choke is working correctly.
 
Is there anything else that may need to be cleaned in order to be sure the choke is working correctly.
Just every passage including hidden minuscule ones. For each of them squirt carb cleaner in your eye. Another thing your problem cou;d be is an old, sluggish battery. See how much it drops when you crank it. Also make sure the throttle is closed while you start it.
 
Oh NO! I had my carbs off for too long. replaced the fuel line and now cannot remember where to thread it back up though to the tank. It must be somewhere near the choke rod that spans between the carbs, but I just do not remember. Does anyone have a picture of the top of the carbs for an 1980-83 sx650? Maybe I am making a bigger deal out of this than I need to.
 
Basically, it just sticks straight up between the carbs, then over to your petcock .....

PdIAVoM.jpg
 
Ahhh. Thank you for the picture. That makes perfect sense now but before the picture I just could not remember exactly how it went. My manual is not much help.
 
The "hard to start" problem is solved. It fires right up and it runs great. Thanks so much for the help, . Thank you, 5twins, for all the pictures and advice.
 
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