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78 XS650e build
- Thread starter Zmccleary7
- Start date
My current VM34's are left right, but think I worked with a set of VM38s that were both lefts. It's a bother but not insurmountable.
The only difference between the left and right versions of these carbs is the location of the idle speed screw. The air screw and choke lever remain on the left side. You can change the right carb choke from the lever to a pull knob for easier access.
Zmccleary7
"Not all those who wonder are lost" J.R.R Tolkien
I found this piece of tech under the frame and on top of the engine, I would assume it’s aftermarket based on the silver screws holding it. It seems to split and connect to both coils. Looking at diagrams and wiring schematics I cant seem to figure out what it is? Possibly the elusive starter solenoid I'm looking for?
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
Attachments
Not sure of what it is but those scotch locks have to go ..... they are not a proper connection for wires exposed to elements ..... I won't use them in any situation
They corrode and damage the wires that they are fastened to
They corrode and damage the wires that they are fastened to
looks like the condensers are butcher connected into aftermarket coils
Condensers:
Found hiding behind the left top engine mount
Condensers:
Found hiding behind the left top engine mount
Zmccleary7
"Not all those who wonder are lost" J.R.R Tolkien
looks like the condensers are butcher connected into aftermarket coils
View attachment 360582
Condensers:
Found hiding behind the left top engine mount
Hey! Hey! I Think thats it! Im taking apart the top a bit to pull it out and well here they are
Attachments
Don't think that electronic Iggy needs those condensers . 
Zmccleary7
"Not all those who wonder are lost" J.R.R Tolkien
Ill take em off and forget about em
Seems like a fair number of people don't know where the condensers are. A PO had installed a PAMCO on my bike, but when I pulled the top motor mounts off, there they were!
And it appears they were hooked into the wrong coil wires anyway, lol. They should be connected to the wires from the points sets. Many folks leave them in place in case the electronic ignition fails and they're needed again.
Not sure why your condenser pack is attached with nuts and bolts. The holes in the engine mount are threaded so usually just a couple of short screws attach it from the inside .....
Also of note - the engine ground wire usually attaches to the front screw, the other end running to the right front engine bolt ......
This ground wire remained even after the condensers and points were done away with.
Your starter solenoid should be under the right side cover, attached to the side of the battery box. It's the small square thing with the two heavy battery cables connected to it ......
Not sure why your condenser pack is attached with nuts and bolts. The holes in the engine mount are threaded so usually just a couple of short screws attach it from the inside .....
Also of note - the engine ground wire usually attaches to the front screw, the other end running to the right front engine bolt ......
This ground wire remained even after the condensers and points were done away with.
Your starter solenoid should be under the right side cover, attached to the side of the battery box. It's the small square thing with the two heavy battery cables connected to it ......
Zmccleary7
"Not all those who wonder are lost" J.R.R Tolkien
It does seem The PO's mangled it all together, I don't remember ever seeing an engine ground wire round the top end but Ill have to give another look later when home.
The second thing being about the starter solenoid is its missing entirely, The section on the battery box has empty screw holes. as a matter of fact I'm missing everything present in the photos from your posting
I'll have to take a look, but I think I have a good solenoid if you're interested.
Zmccleary7
"Not all those who wonder are lost" J.R.R Tolkien
I'll have a look.
I think I see the engine ground wire in your pics. It's connected to the left front engine bolt and runs up to one of the left coil mounts maybe? Might as well "make it right". Oh, and the large eye slips between the engine and mount. It's not just placed on the end of the bolt under the nut.
Zmccleary7
"Not all those who wonder are lost" J.R.R Tolkien
Ah yes you are right, swear I'm blind as a bat
ultimately ill probably just ditch em since I don’t need em
Found one, but unfortunately it's dead.
Zmccleary7
"Not all those who wonder are lost" J.R.R Tolkien
The starter draws about 50A, so about any solenoid that's rated for 50A or higher will work.
