Motorcycle Repair: yamaha 550 maxim, yamaha xj550, yamaha 550

Question
Falcon,

My 1982 yamaha xj550 isn't idling properly and one caborator isn't working right.  The bike runs on choke but not off of choke.  I'm also getting smoke and oil out of the blow-by. One pipe is staying cold. I have rebuilt the petcock and put in new plugs. I have no idea how to fix this problem.  Can you help?  

Joe

Answer
Hi Joe.
 Have you cleaned the carbs properly?

You could have a blockage in the fuel system that is preventing the fuel from getting into that one carb.

Spray some automotive starter fluid into the one intake while the bike is running at idle.  If the rpms pick up, then that is most likely the problem.

You could also check the wiring between the cylinder and power for the non-firing cylinder.  Check to see if the ignition coil is up to specs and try to find any shorts or arcing.

Try those and let's see what you find.
Good luck.
FALCON