Topic: honda 1981 xl500s

[stay youth]

Hello friends.

Need some help on getting this xl500s started. Its a new to me bike that wasnt running got for a real cheap. I rebuilt the carbs and cleaned all the jets and details. Got new foam filter. Changed the oil, converted the 23 to 21. Got the electronics all cleaned up. I'm getting fuel to the head and am I getting a spark, but just not getting those two at the same time. Can anyone fill me in how to check that valves are opening at the right time for it all to work? Or is there other bits i should be looking into? ANy details and comments are super helpful. Really excited to get this bike up and running.

thanks!

[grcamna2]

Do you have a service manual for it ? I have one in storage and could go get it to refer to if needed.

[stay youth]

I do thanks, just dont understand this part about motorcycles too well. Knowing when valces should open when? When spark should be? How to adjust these two elements.

Thanks!

[grcamna2]

I'll get back to you when I pull that book out,possibly tomorrow...

[stay youth]

No rush at all, just love your perspective. Really appreciate you taking the time!

[grcamna2]

Hi again,
I took a quick look and didn't see a book for the Xl500S in the first box i looked through;do you think you might see about ordering a Clymer service book for it ?
I saw used one on Ebay just a little bit ago.When you get the book,I'll walk you through the valve adjustment,etc. so you can do the tune-up.

[stay youth]

Ok great, thanks again for checkign and the help!

[stay youth]

Ok got manual, Im having trouble adjusting clearance on intake valve. There is no space to put a feeler gauge on compression stroke. Once I get the clearance right, what would be the next steps? Seems like timing is the issue.

thanks

[grcamna2]

Ok got manual, Im having trouble adjusting clearance on intake valve. There is no space to put a feeler gauge on compression stroke. Once I get the clearance right, what would be the next steps? Seems like timing is the issue.

thanks

stay y,
put a few pics up here of the engine and the position of the alternator rotor and the timing mark and position the manual says for valve adjustment;I think it has a 4 valve head on this model ?

[stay youth]

Ok will do sometime this week. Thanks again

[stay youth]

I'm trying to set the valve gap but I can't even get a feeler gauge in. Yes it has four valves. Sorry didn't get any pics. My first issue is I can't get the t mark to line up with the case. Once it gets close piston swings back down again.  Seems like getting the valve clearances correct would be a good first step. Then disassemble top end and check out cam chain as timing seems to be off.  What are your thoughts?

Thanks !

[grcamna2]

A few pics will help;your valves may be tight as is usual when needing adj. but hey,that can be a pain trying to hold the crank on that 'T' mark w/ one arm(or knee) while trying to adj. ...    I know. You may need a person to help you hold it right on the mark while you adj. them;you have to adjust both intakes & both exhausts at the same time because they share a common valve lifter...you know in sequence like: 1-2.

[stay youth]

ok coll sorry will try and get some pics and a set of free hands to adjust. I tried it once but mainly consisted of cursing! When i get them lined up will there be space i can slide feeler gauge in? Seemed too tight to slid anything in.

Thanks!

[grcamna2]

stay y,
You and a helper can get into the job w/ the book open and then post pics

[stay youth]

Sounds good, time for my girl to get her hands dirty!

thanks!

[grcamna2]

Yeah,
When you set the valves be sure to follow the 'step by step' in the Service Manual and keep us posted here w/ the 'steps' & pics as you go.

[stay youth]

OK will do, will be next week sometime I hope