Recent content by Mjohnm

Ok so I should just do the usual ignition coil tests as is then? I did disconnect something from the back terminal (I think it may be the grounding wire?). Or is there a separate method for the supply voltage test? I was getting some erratic readings jumping all over the place and I thought...

Disconnecting the coils to test them now. These red wires go back into the wiring harness in a mess of electrical tape. Should I cut it open and disconnect those wires before I can test it then? Thanks!

Ok. How would I check the voltage at the coil/terminal? (Trying to search for instructions on YouTube right now) Really is my first time diving into all this stuff. My stator has the TCI pickup on it - - I also just put in a brand new battery fully charged. Brand new clutch cable and worm gear...

Ok, the cam chain adjuster needed a bit of tightening, but the main thing I adjusted was the clutch adjuster screw. Most people I’ve seen adjusting it online have suggested basically tightening the screw in until there’s any resistance, then going back about a 1/4 turn, then tightening the...

The odometer is toast. Previous owner had no idea how many miles were on it. He had also said the electronic start generally doesn’t work so he’s just always kicked it. Using the e-start now at least sounds like it’s trying to start but no luck. Didn’t think about the starter fluid either...

Latest update : Ok so basically just persistently kicking this damn thing eventually got it to run for 5-10 seconds. I guess that’s an ok sign but I’m still stumped. Will continue to keep kicking until my leg falls off which might happen sooner than later

Ok so it’s even more difficult to kick this thing while holding the plug to the engine on my own haha. but I eventually managed it with the old plug and it looks like there’s spark, thanks to me videoing it otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to notice.

Ok I’ll try this. Is there a reason why you’d use the old plug rather than the new? And you do this while touching the threads of the plug on to the engine as well to ground it, is that right? Thanks!

The old plugs were RN7YC Champion, but I had read on here some people recommending the BPR7ES so that’s what I went with. The new plugs are not wet at all after kicking and trying to start for the last while. They still look brand new. Yes to vacuum operated petcock. Tried priming it while...

I can feel the kicker turning the motor yes

Multimeter is reading 13v. I will look up how to check the fuse as well.

Disclaimer - I am completely new to XS650s and pretty new to working on bikes in depth. It’s a 1980 Yamaha xs650 special - Got this from someone that had it running and road it regularly (supposedly). He actually road it to my place. I was able to start it a few times initially with some...

Thanks so much for everyone’s info. Had a bit of a struggle fitting the case cover back on but got it back on (thanks to more forum peoples help that I dug around for). So far so good with the two lower screws that were 5mm longer. Another rookie question before I seal everything up that I keep...

Ah thank you for this. And yes the guy measuring the screws measured the heads as well, so it turns out they’re the 25 mm screws (30mm minus the 5mm of the heads) that I need. The replacement screws I got are actually 30mm. Also noticed there was only one copper washer on one of the bottom...

Cheers. I ended up getting the couple that were 5mm longer and I’ll hopefully be able to give them a try in the next few days once my garage warms up a little. I’ll let you know how it goes. Thanks a lot!