Hi All,
further to my last post "it won't flippin start" i am having even more issues... they are as follows:
1. i now have no spark at all.
2. The battery is useless and will not hold a charge for more than 20 seconds when you put the lights on, but i didn't think i needed the battery to get a spark?
3. i think i am going to need to invest in some parts so therefore i need to identify the model i have. The bike has come from Italy i am told, but no paperwork (lost somewhere in the last 4 years) it is therefore not uk registered. i need to get it up and running to take for an mot, sort out any problems thenget it registered (lots of fun to come there i suspect).

so, to the point of the posting.... the frame has the following information on it. 43F DGM 513**OM
the engine i cannot make out very clearly, though it has not been altered at all, i think it says 4SF 005** it could be 48F??
the bike is kick start only, gold rims and red and white. KMH speedo.

i have just looked through some of the very old posts 2001/2 and have ascertained that the 43F is a XT600 from 84-86, so that bit is solved!

All help as always gratefully received. i would like to understand the electrics better about the battery and the spark if anyone can help?

cheers.....

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Many thanks, Grub

I just checked, originally the 43F was supplied with a CDI ignition that does not need the battery to produce a spark. As opposed to the later XT600's that were supplied with a TCI iginition that does need battery power for a spark.
Note: the info might be wrong, I checked the above on a German site, your engine might have been changed, Yam might have supplied variants in other countries, your ignition might have been changed etc.
Assuming the ignition once functioned, the best way to find out whether you have a CDI or TCI iginition is to check the partnumber on the CDI (or TCI) box and check that this number indeed refers to a CDI ignition. If you give me the number I might be able to do that.
Then, checking components goes as follows:
- Spark plug - replace or test on other bike
- Spark plug cap - measure resistance, check connections
- Ignition coil - measure secundary and primary resistance or better exchange for one from a functioning bike
- CDI or TCI unit - replace with one from a functioning bike
- Stator coils - measure resistances and / or replace with one from functioning bike
- Wiring - major source of problems - check and clean all plugs, look for handywork done on the wiring, any bad / loose / incorrect connections? Measure with multimeter
- Ignition lock - remove it as a factor by disconnecting the black / white (on most models) wires from it. You won't be able to stop the engine then, but that's a small problem :-)
- Stop button - I do not recall whether it should be continuous or not for the engine to run - either unplug it or hookup a connection bypassing it.

And then there's a Yamaha diagnosis guide which basically only helps when a component is 100% faulty, not in the usual cases where CDI or coils just not function 100%. But that's the last step.

Good luck!
Auke

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Auke
http://aukemarieke.blogspot.com

Fantastic reply, thanks very much.

i shall get on the trail (so to speak) this weekend. i will keep you informed on progress..... if i have trouble identifying the CDI/TCI i will certainly pass on the info to you. i am confident that the engine has not been replced for a later model as it is kick start only. but you never know.

Once again, grateful for the steer and hope it is a fault early in the list rather than one at the end!

Happy riding...

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Many thanks, Grub

As promised i did say i would keep you informed of progress aukeboss.

i followed your suggested route for sorting the ignition. ignition coil replaced, new plug and cap. Carb serviced by Dave Lambeth (nice chap), new carb inlet rubbers (again off David). stator coils checked, wiring checked and replaced where necessary.

lots of kicking and away she went! brakes next.

oh yes, and the tricky issue of registering the bike (see separate thread). so big thanks for the steer... now how do i get a dating cert to prove year of manufacture........mmmmm.

Cheers,

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Many thanks, Grub

Grub,

Try the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club UK ( http://www.vjmc.com/DVLA%20Enquiries.htm ) they have a person - acceptable to the DVLA - who verifies and does vehicle dating for any Jap bike over 15 years old. Might cost a few quid, or a membership fee, but it'll get you that V5!

Jim, thanks for that. contacted VJMC and for £25 i can get a dating cert. You just send pictures of the bike (both sides) a picture of the frame number, engine number and they do the rest. So it's all in the post as we speak.

just need an MOT, complete the V55/5 (another cheque for £38 for registration feee, plus more dosh for road tax) and insurance now and i can get the V5. excellent! should be sorted in the next few weeks. (assuming i can get an MOT!)... more expense!

Thanks again, Grub.

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Many thanks, Grub

hi any parts you need drop me a line as ive just broken my beloved xt 43f good luck with mot

Hi Chrisschef,

there are a few parts that i am looking for. would you like me to list on here or drop me a line on my email and i will send to you. i tried to email you, but you are not set up to receive email on this forum.

Many thanks, Grub

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Many thanks, Grub