Oil level and kick starter
 

Hi all

Firstly let me thank all those who gave info on bike purchase in Oz.

I am just about to purchase an XT600 1992. However upon checking oil level there isn't anything regisering on the dipstick. It will only register when the engine has run for some minutes.

Is this normal or is the oil pump or seals at fault?

Secondly as it is an electric start bike I will be keen to fit a kick starter.

Can I have both Kick and electric starters at the same time?

And is the job achievable by stripping a kick start mechanism out of an earlier bike; or do i need some additioal components?

By the way Klause ashamedly I can't read German and finding a translater may be difficult at short notice.

Thanks for any help.

Enjoy
Joe

hi joseph,
oil level:
xt600 has dry-swamp-lubrication system (i'm sure this is not the correct english but i don't know better. hope, you know what i mean).
ALWAYS check the oil level after driving at least 15 km:
let the engine run idle for about a minute in vertical position, then stop engine and check oil level.
if the engine is cold and you are not sure about the amount of oil, check oil level first:
if level is below minimum on dipstick, fill up first to minimum and then proceed as described above.
if neccesary, fill up then to maximum.
it is normal for xt600 that there is no or few oil in the oil tank if the bike wasn't used for some time.
kick starter:
yes, you can have both!
you can use the kick starter and decompression unit from an earlier bike. in addition you need some minor parts, 2 oil seals, 1 bolt for the kick stater spring
and 1 guidance ring to be mounted in the right engine cover on the kick starter axle boring.
some pictures you can find here: http://www.xt600.de/xt_schraubertips...rter/index.htm
(click on 'bild')
i'm sorry, but i cannot translate all this to english, no time!
have fun,
klaus

Hi Klaus

Thanks so much for your help. I knew you would be able to give me the info I needed. I will let you know how I get on.

Enjoy. As I am sure I will.

This has to be probably the best and friendly and most helpful sites around.

Joe

PS. Apologies for spelling your name wrong in the first request.

Hi Joe
Oil draining down into the sump is usually the sign of a worn oil pump.My XT 600 was rebuilt using a new oil pump and haveing been stood unused for 6 months the oil in the tank hasn't dropped noticeably, so if your tank is draining in a relatively short time it's worth checking the condition of your oil pump, if the rotors are badly scored then this is an indication that something else might need attention,if your planning a big trip it's worth checking.
NEAL

I have a 1995 XTE and notice that when I refill after I have changed the oil, the level will show as full. However after letting the motor run for a bit and recheck the level, there is no sign of oil on the dipstick at all. Is this normal?

------------------

to neal:
a worn oil pump cannot be the reason for a draining of oil tank! of course oil can drain through the pump (even in a new one under certain conditions), it depends on the oil-temperature and the viscosity of the oil.
but there is no way for the oil to escape to the dry sump unless it is able to pass the oil valve located in the right engine cover (correct mounting of engine assumed). so, if the oil tank is draining sooner or later, it is worth to check or renew this oil valve (which is a simple job).

to roger:
read your manual.
oil temperature should be at least 60°C (which means you should drive at least 10...15 kms to warm up the engine).
then let run idle the engine for about 1 min. in upright position.
if you are unsure about the oil level when engine is cold, first fill up to minimum mark on dipstick, then proceed as mentioned above.
or, to be 100% sure (and to avoid overfilling): drain the oil and measure the total quantity. refill correct quantity.

bye
klaus
mailto:klaus@xt600.de