Need battery for spark
 

I have just received a 1988 XT600 (Canada)and am trying to get it started. The battery is no good. Do I need a battery in the bike to perform a spark test?

Thanks
roseman

------------------
roseman

Not owned an XT but do have a DR600.

If the XT has a CDI ignition, then you should be able to fire ther bike up without a battery, although the lights etc will not work, if you have a kickstart - if not, then e/start is your only option & a battery will be needed. If you don't have the bike battery, you could try connecting the bike's battery leads to a car battery via jump leads.

Ensure that you connect the jump leads to the correct battery leads on the bike.

Before trying any of the above, also ensure that the fuel is fresh & the plug is clean & correctly gapped. If in doubt, buy fresh fuel & plug. Also check the air filter is not clogged.

[This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 19 August 2004).]

Hello:
Thanks for the advice. I have removed the fuel tank as you suggested and drained the leads to and from carb - will also drain carb and if adventuresome, will remove and clean out carbs. The bike has sat with fuel in it for about 2 years so I want to check if there is a spark and then will add fuel to see what happens then.

Regards,
roseman

Hello Back again:
I trimmed a bit of the plug wire off (looked worn)and reseated it in the plug insulator . Attached a clean plug and tried getting a spark by placing it on the cylinder head and kicking it over but nothing happening. Should I suspect a faulty coil at this point? Would you recommend I take it and the CDI unit out to be tested by a Yamaha dealer?

Regards,
roseman

Have you tried connecting the bike to a car battery when trying to get a spark? If not try that before visiting a Yamaha dealer. Also work back from the coils, checking all wiring connections are correct.

Not all dealers will have the facility to test CDI or Ignitor boxes, phone first.

Hello Steve:
I hooked the bike to my car battery and then turned the key until the headlights and turn signals worked and then kicked it over but did not get a spark. I will go over the wiring completely and see what happens.

Regards,
Roseman

If it is a XT600 you need battery power for the ignition. If it is a Tenere no need for the battery.

Auke

Hello Auke:
Thanks for the info. I'll borrow a car battery for the testing to make sure I can get it going before I purchase a new battery.

Bye for now.

roseman