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XT 600 Piston issues XT 600 Piston issues
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Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
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  #1  
Old 20 Nov 2015
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XT 600 Piston issues
Xt 600 Kick start

Bike died while driving, felt loss of compression when kicked over.
Pictures show piston/cylinder condition.

Any ideas how this happened? To prevent it happening again.
Oil level was fine.

Previously posted on top end noise. Which I thought was lifter. I replaced head and rocker box a few hundred miles ago but noise was still there.
Perhaps it was piston.

The cylinder is gouged up and piston is done.
What steps should I be looking to do, examine etc.

Greg
Attached Thumbnails
XT 600 Piston issues-p1080323.jpg  

XT 600 Piston issues-p1080322.jpg  

XT 600 Piston issues-p1080320.jpg  

XT 600 Piston issues-p1080312.jpg  

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  #2  
Old 20 Nov 2015
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Looks like a lack of oil to me...

Are you 100% sure the oil level was OK? The dip stick measuring is kind of stupid on this bike.
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  #3  
Old 20 Nov 2015
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shaise.... if it's oil related would expect to see also badly socred cam bearing and rocker surfaces. if cam journals look ok, might be serious dirt entering motor through broken rubber booths...
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  #4  
Old 20 Nov 2015
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Always at the back of the piston on XT`s, less oil? hottest part of the barrel?

Mezo.
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  #5  
Old 21 Nov 2015
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Cam looks to be fine and there is quite a lot of oil in journals as well as what snuck past piston after it burned up.

Oil level is at high mark of dip.
Oil had about 500 miles.
Attached Thumbnails
XT 600 Piston issues-xt328.jpg  

XT 600 Piston issues-xt327.jpg  

XT 600 Piston issues-xt325.jpg  

Last edited by ajax; 21 Nov 2015 at 03:27.
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  #6  
Old 1 Feb 2016
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Figuring this had something to do with the breakdown.
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  #7  
Old 12 Apr 2016
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Piston rings are very brittle. They snap easily and are only sold in a set.

There is no special tool that I know of.

You have to open them up and slide them over the piston. Do not twist them or they will snap. You will probably need a thin flat head screwdriver.

Be patient and don't rush it.
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Old 12 Apr 2016
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I've always just used my fingers, no problem at all...
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  #9  
Old 13 Apr 2016
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Installing rings is pretty easy, oil control rings are the most difficult but patience pays. The rings will withstand the installation if you are careful.
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'84 XT600 is now bored to 2nd oversize and new OEM pistons and rings installed. No more smoking.
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  #10  
Old 13 Apr 2016
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There is special ring pliers made to grip the ring ends and spread under control to stop snapping them , but I've always used my hands . Just have to go slow , spread as little as possible and don't twist anymore than absolutely necessary .

http://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS+Performan...w4fhoC8rTw_wcB
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  #11  
Old 13 Apr 2016
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Thanks guys

And to be clear. You can compress the rings by hand when putting into cylinder? Not needing a special tool?

Also what is the break in procedure for the new rings.
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Old 25 May 2016
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You can reuse them and get lucky and you can re-use them and not. If it's been running in a bike them generally they're done in. Up to you...

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  #13  
Old 25 May 2016
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With all the trouble you had - Get a new one for sure.
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  #14  
Old 26 May 2016
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I agree, replace it. It has been compressed once, will not compress more. Probably leak.... or not....
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'84 XT600 is now bored to 2nd oversize and new OEM pistons and rings installed. No more smoking.
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  #15  
Old 26 May 2016
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Cometic Gasket Top End Gasket Kit 97MM Bore Fits 88-96 Yamaha XT600 - Rakuten.com

Any thoughts? I need both gaskets.
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