Advice starting a XT 600 after 1 year parked
 

Hi all,
In a few days I am getting back to my beloved XT 600e ’95:clap:, which has been parked in a friend’s garage for a whole year (…never got to brainwash my wife and finally left by car!).

The battery was unplugged, tank was left full (even though is plastic made, 23lt Acerbis) and it also has a kickstart. It spent a relatively cold winter (Switzerland:freezing:, at least compared to (my) southern Spain!) and before leaving already needed a full service, since it was overheating a little bit (put a thermometer in the oil cap) and was also rattling (probably due to valves?).

So, being quite ignorant and not having my own place to work on it –only changed oil and filters in the past, shame on me-, the plan is to start it (kick, I suppose) and then ride it ca. 5 kms to a Yamaha dealer.

Any specific warn/advice? Any risk I may consider? Best way to start it, etc? Any ideas about the service needed/not needed? I looked for a similar thread but couldn’t find it…

All advice is highly appreciated, so thanks in advance and have nice week (and ride),

Esteban

Just charge and connect the battery, check if the fuel lines from the fuel tank to the carbs aren't cracked, check and adjust the decompressor mechanism if it was fitted, check tire air pressure and go to the Yamaha garage.. 5km is nothing!

If you just turn it on and ride it right away the bike might not even be fully warmed up by the time you get to the yamaha unless you ride like a maniac :p

Ohh, and most important, check your wallet for cash! yamaha garages are usually expensive...



Vando beer

Obrigado, Vandobier
I will ask the previous owner about the decompression mechanism (checking internet now to find out what it is!).

So, not really warming up for the oil and no worries, just ride the 5 k at moderate speed (although I am frantic to get it!:scooter:).

I know it's expensive, and that is also why i changed oil and filters, but the Yamaha dealers have been always too nice, so I will get to them (well, asking first how much!).

PS: Beautiful Açores, loved Sao Miguel.

Hey there! :)

The decompressor mechanism goes from the kickstart area cylinder head on the top of the right hand engine side by a cable, similar to the clutch cable, going there,(it has the decompressor cable) and it attaches to the decompressor valve...


Are you thinking of opening up the engine?
If you do, the yamaha garage will most likely replace all the engine oil...


SOOO, you've been here!
Yup, S.Miguel is a beautifull island! still, the best one is the island called Flores!


I actually live in Santa Maria (right next to S.Miguel) but I'm planning on taking my XT there this summer for a week or two! :D

I was planning on going to Flores but there just isn't anyway to stay there more than ONE day :\ sooo maybe next year

When were you here?


Vando beer

I'd drain the tank and bin the old petrol. Modern fuels with all the anti-ash gunk and detergents added to make them look better on emissions tests deteriorate after even a few weeks. XT's aren't that fussy about rubbish fuel, so if it is a pain to dispose of the old stuff sneak it back into the tank 5 litres at a time once you are up and running or stick it in the car, just don't try and get a cold engine started on it.

Andy

hi there i agree with threewheelbonnie fresh petrol IS a must also drain the old fuel from the carb and with the drain screw out flush some fresh fuel through the carb , be carefull to wipe up any spilt fuel . zigzag

Great advice the petrol issue.
 

I wouldn't have thought about changing the petrol for newer one, so great advice. Gas station at 500 m, so easy to sort out. Thanks Andy and zigzag: I will pour the carb properly, i hope beerANY OTHER MUST?

Vando, no photos here to check if there is decompression cable, but will see that on arrival. If I understood it is intended to place the piston head at its highest point (stroke) and to lift the exhaust valve to reduce compression in order to kick start more easily... right? So no need to worry about deep diving with the bike (stupid joke about decompression? :innocent:). No, no opening the engine, I hope, just "regulate the valves"???? (I don't know the term in English: "reglaje de válvulas" (ES)/reglage des soupapes (FR)).

We just stopped in Azores on our way back home on a cruiseship: my sister-in-law works onboard and we got family price (literally almost nothing), way much cheaper than flying, although not healthier, too much eating. But we should come back to your islands, because we loved the place (all Portugal in general)... especially after 8 days caged onboard! People asked if we were working in the spectacle, since we were 35 years younger than average.

Enjoy Sao Miguel, green, scenic and twisty!:D

Yup, that's what it does :P

I've fitted the kickstart mechanism onto my 1990 XT600E but didn't bother fitting the decompressor mechanism, no actual need for it..at least for me..
Plus, it sometimes is a problem starter so I just left the bike without it :innocent:

Well, I've had about 5year old fuel on mine and she ran fine so...It really depends on how good the fuel is but yeah, you should do it just for the peace of mind :)

Regulate, adjust valves.. all the same thing, don't worry!

Haha, glad you liked it!
Yup, I'll try to have fun there!

How long did you stay here anyway?

Wish I'd have have a sister in law like yours with a job like that :thumbup1:


Keep us posted!

Vando beer

It´s not compulsory to change fuel. In one year the anti-explosion aditives must have been evaporated but the only problem is that you can have bangs in reductions. I´ve recently expent 50 liters of moroccan gas two years old in my XT.

I'd give it a go without changing the fuel. I pulled my Enfield bullet out of the garage after a three year lay-up with the old petrol still in - fired third kick!

I'd also suggest you get a can of 'easy-start'. This is essentially an octane booster and great for starting reluctant engines which have been laid up or have a weak spark etc. Just spray it into the air-intake as you turn it over. And 'vroom-vroom' away you go! :thumbup1:

Seriously, a year is nothing, I wouldn't worry about it.

Matt :)

PS - This is the stuff:

http://www.powertools2u.co.uk/Engine...ign%3DShopping

Yes, probably you only must chargue the battery and push the starter button.

To decompression cable or not to decompression cable...
 

Petrol: guys, I am confused, I may throw a coin (stingy Esteban, no cash after a long trip). And if it starst weird, push it to the station! (Swiss petrol may not be too bad, no?) I once struggled to find octane booster, so I could find it now easily, at least Matt (thx)


I got some pictures, but cannot find the cable. In other XTs I saw a cable on the other side that I assumed was the accelerator (mine is a 3UX). Is it actually there? Plz, point it out (alongside with my ignorance! :smartass:)


http://i.imgur.com/LrfGg.jpg


http://i.imgur.com/2Ouqe.jpg

Once I started asking, one more thing: is it normal to find oil in the air filter box ? I changed it and cleaned the oil, but there was mooore coming (very little, but there).

http://i.imgur.com/B00Z8.jpg


PS1: Vando, only 1 day in Sao Miguel, unfortunately (they rented bikes on the port, but I found out too late and couldn't!)


PS2: Pera, paisano! (Sevilla)

Yeah, some oil can be found in the airbox, often due to the bike beeing overfilled with oil.

Follow the little hole in the airbox, its actually a drainhose connected to the airfilterbox. It ends up down around the left side of the bike. Theres a little plug you can take out to drain the hose. Remeber to insert the plug again, or the bike will suck in "false" air around the airfilter.

As for the 1st start, I would recharge battery and attempt to start it, and take it from there.

Good luck, cant wait for a video with the happy owner and an idling bike :scooter:

I think I saw the decompressor cable over in the picture that shows the luggage box...

Right behind the kickstart.. the cable has a black sleeve over it..

The oil in the airbox is most likely because you overfilled...



ohh just one day.. you'd need at least one week to properly see all São Miguel bit by bit :)

Yeah they do rent the bikes but they ask for a 600€ deposit so you can rent them Flackers! :\



Vando beer

Check the brakes actually work.

Old brake fluid can turn bad so pump them a few times before riding off to check they still grab.