'80 XS400 Project; new problem :D

Hey guys just joined and setting up the gallery
More will come in time

Re: '80 XS400 Project

Nice little project. These are really easy bikes to work on, as I'm guessing you already know. Parts aren't even that hard to find, if you know the right places. If you need anything, let me know. I have lots of spares from two 79 models. Also have an electronic copy of a Haynes manual. Even have another set of cast wheels if you dont want the wire wheels (dumb question?). Check out my project thread http://dotheton.com/index.php?topic=1566.0

Where are you located? Any other bikes?

Rudy

Re: '80 XS400 Project (engine work)

Working on the cylinder head. Cleaned up and re-lapped one valve (bottom right on chamber pic) but got frustrated with non-c.clamp type spring compressor. No valve leaks solvent so im happy there; may just give up on lapping them all. Wish i could have the head media blasted and painted. still an option. Someone please tell me the last owner didnt try some home-made porting and thats a factory mark (intake port pic)

Re: '80 XS400 Project

Do you mean the grinding marks around the outer edge of the port? If so, I don't think thats factory, neither of my engines has that.

Re: '80 XS400 Project

No unfortunately it looks like someone got a bid happy with the grinder or whatever they were using...my guess is he wasnt trying to port, but used a lil too much zeal when doing a gasket replacement....should mess things too bad tho...just when ya get it back together pop a compression tester on there and if ya have one a leakdown tester...but i think you'll be ok.

Re: '80 XS400 Project

My valve compressor is a large C clamp with a piece of pipe duct taped to the stationary end - pipe has part of the side ground away to allow you to fish out keepers. Works great.

When lapping valves I threw away the stupid suction cup stick and now I grab the keeper end in a power drill and use the drill to spin them - Works great too

Re: '80 XS400 Project

Alrighty, ordered a bunch of goodies from Mikes XS and Z1. Most ntably handlebars and rejet parts for the carbs. Did more work tonight. Finally finished lapping the valves. Also shortened the rear fender and now have the bike to a rolling chassie. I'm replacing the rear taillight with a light much like this one and making a housing out of some spare diamondplate: http://www.jmsonline.net/TAIL-LIGHT-KIT-LED-6-OVAL.htm
Got it work for $20. Also bought black glitter paint to do the tank fender and side-covers. Engine gasket set should come in Tuesday from Yamaha. Pictures follow

Re: '80 XS400 Project

Howdy All. Received my stuff today and got the tank stripped and painted yesterday. She is starting to make the turn back to completion. Hopefully my gasket set from Yamaha will be in today and i can finish the engine. After that its wiring the new taillight and reassembly. Id like some opinions on said taillight too. Its my first time at mounting something like that o if yall think it looks half decent ill keep it. Grab handles are on too. Carbs get jetted tonight as well.

...poor bike looks suicidal under me...

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Well she is back together after after an unexpected engine tear down again (shattered piston ring). I purchased a recovered seat (thx Rudy) and its looking better. The wiring is mostly done, i intend to get some short stalk LED turn signals. Now its time to scale another wall.

Before tear down i had the bike running fairly well but not charging and it needed a refresh. Now she wont start at all. There is no spark at all from either coil. Granted i have not tested them but they were working. I'm thinking it is the igniter but i do not know where to begin testing it or what voltages to look for from any wire. Help! Shes gettin there slowly. ;D

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