Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: New Hampshire / US
Posts: 2
1984 XT 600 troubles

One of my friends recently picked up a 1984 XT 600. He is not very mechanically savy and asked me to help him out. We changed the oil and filter and gave the machin the once over. It started and ran nicely. He wants to register it for the road so we were in the process of checking the lights and noticed we had no voltage going to the lights. I removed the center big screw on the left side of the engine cover thinking that the magneto was under there that supplies power. When we start the bike it runs for about a minute and then starts flinging oil out. Is this normal? Also after it warms up and we shut it off it does not want to restart. I am going to put a compression gauge on it this coming weekend, any idea what I should see. It almost seems like the crank seal is gone. The bike did sit for a couple of years and considering it is 25 years old this may be a possibility.
Any Ideas or comments,suggestions from you folks?

Regards,
Brian
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
Hi I think the bolt you have removed is where you would place a socket to turn the engine over when setting tappets etc, the engine should not be run without this bolt.
When you say you have no volts going to the lights where are you checking for volts at the bulb holders or for power coming out of the generator ?
if it is at the bulb holders it is likley the wiring is just old and corroded if you unplug and clean all the connections and the earth leads. Does the bike have a battery if so is it charged and fuse ok.
I think it is quite difficult to get an accurate reading with a compression test on a single, when I tried the screw in adaptor would not clear the frame and the other type that you hold down is also very difficult to use while kicking the bike over. So check the simple things first fresh fuel a bit of carb cleaner clean air filter new spark plug etc
Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 16 Mar 2009
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Sussex, UK
Posts: 75
Hi Brian

Yep, theres supposed tp be oil in there (from what I remember). On The lights, I'd trace back from the bulb end and measure voltage i.e. measure at the bulb socket - then back end of switch - front end of switch, then continuity of wires through the loom, all the way back to the battery. Then check wires coming out of the stator. I know this is no revelation, but systematic search seems to be the only way to be 100% sure. Failing that, contact Dave Lambeth, and tell him what the problem is.

Regards
__________________
Remember what Yoda said\", there is no try, either do or not do\".
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 18 Mar 2009
YamaHead's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Milwaukie, OR USA
Posts: 92
I thought this same "Oil Seal" issue once when my 550's stator went tits up.
It's a "wet Mag" system under that left engine case.....so as Dave O stated....There's supposed to be oil in there.

Big XT's are a bit notorious for lights & indicator issues.....due to the vibes that work everything loose &/or are corroded from weather exposure.
A systematic check with a multi-meter starting @ the bulb/socket, then working your way back in the direction of the battery, should hopefully expose your culprit.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Mar 2009
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Germany
Posts: 141
Hej,

the lights get their power from the battery - not directly from the generator.
So check the battery condition and if it gets any charging power.

Most likely faults are battery or bad regulator - or just the fuse.

If other parts of the electrical system are working (flasher, horn, brake light), the problem might be caused by bad wiring or corroded light switch.

The engine ignition system is independent from battery system.

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 20 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: New Hampshire / US
Posts: 2
Thanks Folks!

We didn't have a manual so oil in the magneto area was new to me. He has been unable to locate one. I did find one for a similar XT 600 on this site. His is a 1984 US model so the manual seems a little different, but all basic systems look the same. If anyone hasone for this specific model they want to e-mail me it would be much appreciated.
As far as I know the bike does not have nor ever came with a battery, I will check again when I see the bike. Thanks again for all your help.

Brian
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 20 Mar 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 289
electric problems

heve a look here,

Technical Article: Motorcycle Electrical Fault Finding Guide - ElectroSport Industries

it's more oriented to engine electrical problems, but could be interesting anyway...


For general info, get a CLYMER manual for XT600, you will find any detail you need. Easily on ebay.

Last edited by cyberzar; 20 Mar 2009 at 15:29. Reason: added info
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
90 XT EAC Starting troubles jfarlin Yamaha Tech 11 14 Jan 2009 18:32
Troubles between Libya and Switzerland Ulrich North Africa 1 26 Jul 2008 12:34
Starting troubles Billy Jones Yamaha Tech 3 7 Aug 2007 09:45
Troubles in Nepal NamasteBuzz Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 9 30 Apr 2006 06:11
troubles in nepal janhonda Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 0 16 Oct 2005 17:35

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:39.