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 Stephan Hahnel, Kradwanderer, in Northern Argentina

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Stephan Hahnel,
www.krad-wanderer.de,
in Northern Argentina



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Oct 2005
wonky's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Posts: 100
TT600r doesn't like the rain!

My 1999 TT600r Belgarda doesn't seem to like heavy rain.
Basically, in a heavy storm when cruising at above 50mph the bike starts to cough and splutter(as if it has hit the reserve fuel level) and then stops firing. Cranking the throttle open doesn't help, but it has started again a couple of times if i just leave it coasting along
After i stop, I leave it for a couple of minutes and then it kicks up fine.
It happened once in England in a massive downpour on the M1 at about 80 in the fast lane, but i figured i must have gone through a massive puddle and flooded it.
I had the problem again trail riding in Wales.
Now i'm in Vietnam in the rains and its getting to be a right pain.....
There doesn't seem to be lots of water in the airbox.
The rubber cover on the spark plug doesn't fit properly over it. Could this be causing it?
Water in electrics?
Other than this the engine runs good, although i've been having a problem with the throttle sticking open which isn't cable related(i changed it, oiled it and set it right). I oiled the return spring but haven't checked the second carb lever thingy, the problem seems to be on larger throttle openings so maybe its that. Could this also be some sort of intake gremlin?
After fitting an Arrow Dakar(?) can I had a really bad dyno reading a while ago so maybe ive got general carb bother. Putting a big 160 jet in seemed to help, but ive not had it dynoed since.
Any ideas?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Oct 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Hilversum/Netherlands
Posts: 2
I had the same problem a couple of years back ion my 2000 TTR.

The problem was that plug and the opening in the cilinder to remove the plug are facing forward and in case of a lot of rain they are getting all the water that is thrown up by the front wheel. I sprayed the ignitioncable, the plug and all electronics under the tank with Contact Spray/WD40 and repeat it every time i dismantle the bike to clean it. No more problems aver since

The throttle sticking might be because there is dirt in the throttle housing. (but you have lubed the cable, so you probably checked that), but it might also be becasue of the carb slide 9either the primairy or secondairy carb) getting stuck because it is worn.

[This message has been edited by sTTeve (edited 24 October 2005).]

[This message has been edited by sTTeve (edited 24 October 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Oct 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Throttle sticking open is in fact water entering the engine. I used to have that when sailing through deep water. When the same occurred on a dry sunny day after starting the engine after having mounted a wet air filter [for drying] I realised that it's the water.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Oct 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: watford england
Posts: 174
Sounds strange but I had this problem too riding along lake superior. Weather wetter than fish piss. Turned out to be cable on C.D.I unit under seat rubbing against frame, not quite worn through insulation but when everything gets wet- enough to cause erratic missfire.
Just an idea to check.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Oct 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: montana usa
Posts: 547
Motor dies when ridding in frog strangler weather? Try testing different componets and wiring when it isn't raining. I bench test electrical components and one test I like to do is spray down a high tension coil while it is hooked up to a dynamic coil tester. I use soapy water in a spray bottle and sometimes I get interesting results. The water lets me detect bad insulation etc. You can do the same thing on your bike with a spray bottle or water hose. Just go over the bike one area at a time. Much nicer to troubleshoot in comfort rather than when you are passing that truck with oncoming traffic and someone right behind you.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Oct 2005
wonky's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Posts: 100
Thanks for that guys.
I've got a day and a garage tommorrow, so i'll give all your suggestions a go and see what i come up with.
Rains have stopped for now, but i'm sure theres more to come...........
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Larne, N.Ireland
Posts: 68
Hi Wonky - I think I know whats wrong.

My bike showed exactly the same symptoms last year. It turned out to be arcing at the coil where the HT lead comes out.

Because the coil's under the tank sitting above a warm engine I didn't think dampness would affect it and for a long time did not suspect it.

I found it like the guy above by running the bike inside a dark shed with the tank off and a temporary fuel supply rigged up. Then I soaked all the electrics until I saw the arcing.

As soon as it arced the bike stalled and just refused to start again until I dried it a bit with the hairdrier, then it fired up again first touch of the button.

I wrapped up the end of coil and HT lead with self amalgamating tape and just for good measure I done the spark plug end also, although this wasn't showing any problems no matter how wet it got.

The repair was so sucessful it cured it completly. A year later it has not so much as coughed once despite how hard it rains.

You may already know but self amalgamating tape is NOT the same as electrical insulating tape. It is non adhesive and is made from slightly stretchy rubber. As you wind it on keep it stretched a bit and overlap it well. The tension in the rubber will make it gel to its self leaving it 100% waterproof and it won't unravel or go sticky.

If your through any towns try electrical wholesalers - auto electricans - or even TV antenna shops for a roll of it.

Good luck
Ralph


PS to Fred - how are you my friend? Hope you're well - long time no hear!

[This message has been edited by Ralph (edited 27 October 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Oct 2005
wonky's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Posts: 100
That sounds bang on to me Ralph, i washed the bike yesterday and it was a right pain to start for about half an hour. I guess the heat from the engine dries the coil pretty quickly when you're actually riding
i now need to find the Vietnamese word for self-amalgamating tape, hmmm.
Ive got electricians tape and (i think) i might have put a bit of heat shrink in with the spares. I'll try both if i can't get that stuff for a while.
Thanks a lot!
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 29 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Larne, N.Ireland
Posts: 68
Yeah - Heat shrink would probably do as well. Good idea !!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Nov 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: dublin
Posts: 101
Hi there,

Yep ignition coil, I had the same problem after heavy downpoor the bike would eventually ,cough ,rattle and stop, so I checked the fuse, and all the electrics, carbs...it took me few month to find out
Then I isolate the ignition coil just before the plug with a piece of old bycicle tube and since then I never had any problem..

Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 9 Nov 2005
wonky's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England
Posts: 100
Rode through a massive downpour the other day and after covering everything suggested in electricians tape(couldn't find the other stuff) my bike didn't even stutter.
Cheers all!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Jan 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: gdansk
Posts: 31
wow! greate to find this topic; had this problem in my TT600R'2001 since I bought it, so for 50 000km. when passing through zambia/namibia few weeks ago in the rainy season it was really anoying. Great to find the solution!

mac
http://motoafryka.prv.pl
__________________
mac
http://motosyberia.com
KTM 640 Adventure 2007
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 17 Jun 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Boournemouth
Posts: 10
For 2 days running now I've been conking out by the side of the road on the way to work. Same downpour, splutter, die.....wait...go again.

Thanks for the advice. I'll be insulating my wiring tomorrow..once I've dried out!!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 18 Jun 2011
endurofly's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: sLOVEnia
Posts: 43
Check all places where male/female coper conectors are taking place.Especially could be critical plastic conector with 3 white wires from electric generator.Change ALL worn coper pieces (don't know name in english),Solder them and protect with thermo/plastic tubes .My 98 TTR never stop in rain again.
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 18 Jun 2011
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
6.3mm Blade terminals with latch that's what you need to replace your old ones.

It's better to crimp them on and fit then into the plastic sockets, no need for shrinkwrap unless you are also replacing the bullet type connectors!


The sockets are usually called 2-way, 3-way, 4-way etc and you can find some on ebay UK.

I've just done this to all my wiring, crimping, replacing, soldering and shrinkwraping where needed!


Also, it could be that you have a very rich carburetor mix and that is fouling your sparkplug due to the increased air humidity which makes the air "thinner" in O2 level.



Good luck!
Vando
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


 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 10:05.