Runningdog

"personally i would have ditched the indicators ", or cropped the stalks.

You can get exhaust wrap from just about any auto parts store in US or Canada. On most bikes, I think it is cosmetic addition (or, if you prefer, you're own special take on the perfect bike build). You can also use it to wrap a grungey looking exhaust, but it won't stop rusting...temporary "fix".

"Still shouldnt overflow though, a petcock left on 'Prime' is the same as a pre vac operated petcock in 'ON' position. " Oops...I realized that just as I sent the reply.....first day with a new brain.....

Petcock wasn't left on "prime"?

Yah, that's what I ended up doing...set to 50lbs. Thanks, Drewps.

Is the throttle cable running free? Do the trottles come right back down to the stops on the carbs? Have you recently added a different handlebar? (check routing of cable.) Next step, pull carbs and make sure the piston springs are not to weak....engine vacuum pulls the piston up, which increases vacuum....check to see if pistons are stuck in up position. It's likely something very minor, but pick through the whole system a bit at a time...good luck.

I'm wondering if anybody can tell me the correct torque for the swing arm pivot bolt on a '78XS400E? I just installed bronze bushes...yah, momma.... The Haynes doesn't seem to have all this info, and I haven't yet reeived the Clymer. A service manual for the 360-400 states a torque of 36 - 58 ft. lbs. Likely the lower value is for the 360, and higher for the 400, but I'd rather not guess. Thanks, in advance.

Try HVC Cycle, or Partsnmore. What's yer ride?

Bummer... Mine has the arrow pointed to the front. When you tighten the bolts, do it in a pattern, so that you are going across the cover for the next bolt to tighten a bit more (like you do on car wheel nuts or engine head bolts.) Good luck with that..it's fixable, but finicky.....

Thanks, Drewpy, that's kind of what I expected.....cheers.

How about the brake master cylinder? How much cross-dressing can be done, at least between earlier and later xs400s. The master cylinder on mine looks like it is dusting away, or having been chewed on by many minute rodents. At least parts are still available to rebuild the cylinders.

Good topic...I just picked up a '78 XS400E, and was thinking that electronic ignition would be one of the first improvements I would attempt. I spent far too much time fartin' around with the timing and ignition on my '77 DT250, and swore that all future project bikes would be breakerless. Question #1 was if the CDI from a newer 400 would work...well, you've answered that for me. Thanks again for stepping in front of the (mis)firing squad for the rest of us.....

Unless you really need the original Yamaha cover, how about getting an automotive upholsterer to do it...a local guy did mine (for the previous owner) for about $40, no seams, fits tight, looks good.

Thanks, OGOAB....simple in it's elegance, and elegantly simple. I'll hunt down a guage with a long-enough stem to reach beyond the top of the piston at TDC, and maybe an inch of travel?

The Clymer mentions the use of a dial indicator to aid in static timing, but no Yamaha part number, range of readings on correct dial indicator, or even a clear illustration on the complete setup. I'm familiar with dial indicators set up on magnetic bases to measure movement loading rock anchors, etc. Any input on parts / bits and pieces to put this all together to do the static timing on my little bike would be appreciated. Already have flywheel puller and test light. Thanks, awfully.

Check the shaft seal, as well...that part is still available, and is easy to replace without taking the engine apart.

After picking at this project all summer, finally had the vehicle inspection this Saturday (passed, no issues). (Thanks to all for input for various and sundry parts). While the the bike was on the trailer, ran by the insurance agent and got the bike registered and insured (6 months). Back home, put the plate on, added abit more gas, and fired her up...ran fine for 4 kilometres, enough to get me down to the bottom of the mountain, pulled in clutch to shift down for a sharp corner....cable broke!!! On the cell to a neighbour, he came in his pickup, and we got the bike back home. Clutch cable was the only control I did'nt change, as the cable was replaced shortly before I bought the bike from a neighbour..darn thing broke cleanly right at the furrel, no kinks, no fraying. At least the cable is still available from Yamaha. Close......

Dang, that '79 DT250 is nice...I'm Jealous!!! Mental Scientist, I'm still working on my 250...got a front brake switch last week still waiting for a turn signal relay, found a NOS part somewhere in the States, waiting for it to clear customs, now. ($129US, plus shipping and duty..ouch, but it is the last part I need so I can register this thing and put it on the road). I will try to be a source for you, as required, for info, and maybe even photos of specific areas of the bike, as you need. Good luck with the rebuild.

Should be a simple swap...from what I've learned about these bikes (still looking for the odd part to get my own '77 DT250 licenced for the street). Good luck with that...should make a nice dirt-rocket, and would still be registered as a 250...cheaper insurance, at least in these parts...(oops, was that my indoor voice?)

Thanks, O G...where did you get this parts list?

Here's a very simple question...what amperage main fuse should be on this bike? Currently (oops, bad pun), there is a blown 6A installed. The Clymer does not indicate what size it should be (although that info could be in an obscure table somewhere). Anybody?

I'm refurbishing a former farm bike, which has lost its signals (and a few other parts). I cannot find a clear photo or illustration of what the turn signal lights (front'n'rear) look like, and how they are mounted. Any photos would be appreciated, either posted, or emailed. I bought some aftermarket lights from a dealer, but they turned out to be for an XT. Thanks awfully. Rest of bike is complete, and I can help others with info / input on things like suspension/brakes/speedometer, as I've all these apart, and replaced much of the innerds.

I'm refurbishing a former farm bike, which has lost its signals (and a few other parts). I cannot find a clear photo or illustration of what the turn signal lights (front'n'rear) look like, and how they are mounted. Any photos would be appreciated, either posted, or emailed. I bought some aftermarket lights from a dealer, but they turned out to be for an XT. Thanks awfully. Rest of bike is complete, and I can help others with info / input on things like suspension/brakes/speedometer, as I've all these apart, and replaced much of the innerds.

Anyone....can the shifter seal be replaced without splitting the crank cover and dismantling the clutch to remove the shifter rod? Mine weeps when on the side stand, and the seal appears to be on the outside (on the stator side of the bike). Any input would be helpful (even humourous help - after all, we're supposed to be enjoying these things), as the Clymer doesn't go into enough detail on this issue.