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

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

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

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.:cool4:

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.:mchappy:

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

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.:thumbup1:

Brian

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.