Why isn't my bike starting?

Question

I have a 1981 Yamaha XJ550 SECA that I just bought. When I bought it it ran okay, but the engine had no gas. I took off the gas tank, filled it up and put it back the way I found it. Since then it's only started once. I know the carbs need cleaning but is that enough to prevent the bike from starting up? Anything else it might be?

Answer 1

If you know that the carbs need to be rebuilt; that may very well be your problem there are a couple of thins that need to be done; Floats are stuck wide open or closed, Carb is in tilt!

Gaskets are no good!Also check for rust particles in the carbs; these particles WILL clog your carbs.Let me say this WHY? would you tak the gas tank off to fill it??? Bad gas is no good either...Also check your plugs.(fouled or old plugs just don't cut it anymore,buy new ones!!

Answer 2

You bought a bike past its prime, known as a money pit.

You can talk out 20 odd years of use in a forum like this.

Answer 3

Why would you need to remove the gas tank to fill it?

Anyway, we need more info.  Is the engine turning over?  Do you have spark?  Was the tank rusty on the inside?  Are the carbs clean?  (yes, that can be enough to keep the engine from getting any fuel)  Does the air filter have any animals living in it?  Is the intake manifold rotted away?