XT 600 TENERE periodical problems with starting
 

My XT600 TENERE has moments when it just doesn't want to know. it seems lifeless.
Generally it works like a charm and all, but when it buckles then you know its you gonna battle to restart, especially when engine is slightly hot.It happens at least 1ce a week.
The bike is a 1985 model with 37000 on the clock. Battery is full, petrol tap is open and fuel is there , filters are clean and all.Still, occasionally i get that starting hick-up. If i eventually start it after kickstarting a lot of times, and ride it straight afterwards the motor misfires slightly in higher revs at higher gear selection.I was told it could be a problem with my DCI unit(i have a black one under the tank). This doesnt happen often but it is a problem and i want to sort it out as it is a pain .Has anybody encountered similar problem? And managed to sort it out? please help! Voytek: dutchpopcorn@hotmail.com

Hey Voytek,
I'm sure you allready thought of this but have you checked your spark plug gap lately? That's the first thing I would check, also, the next time it won't start when warm try taking the gas cap off and then try to start it again. Maybe the tank isn't breathing properly.
The fact that it only misfires at high rpm's AND in a high gear seems really mysterious.
If it was the CDI it would misfire at high rpms in any gear, wouldn't it?
Sorry I can't be more helpful,
Nate

Hi Voytek
I've got an 85 55w model, and it is exactly the same. I've found that if i open the throttle 3-4 times before starting when hot, it normally cures the problem. I now do it as a matter of course. These beasts are notorious for being difficult to start when hot.
As for the misfire, mine does it occassionally, normally in 5th, but sometimes 4th when the throttle is almost fully open. ie when the carbs are sucking air in at their max. Have you tried thoroughly cleaning or replacing the air filter? When you do that, spray some carb cleaner into the box and rev the engine a bit. It could just be a bit of muck in the carb. This has worked for me.
Good luck.
Dave

Methinks there are two issues:
- Bad starting when hot: the setting of the idle mixture. Solution: standard setting is two fulls turns out, so screw it in till it touches lightly. Then screw out two full turns. Warm up engine and adjust without touching the throttle. Normally should be a bit richer (about 1/2 to 1 turn further out) than standard.
- Hickups at high revs and loads: dirty air filter. Filter might look clean but might be dirty at the same time. Only way to be sure is to rinse in petrol three times till the petrol comes out clean. Then only the filter is clean. Then oil it making sure to thoroughly remove excess oil.

As for the hickup part I changed coil, CDI and alternator before going for the cheap solution of cleaning the filter, so welcome to use my hard come-by experience :-).
On the 55W model the air inlet is placed in a lousy location over the rear wheel. No dustier place around, so under dusty conditions cleaning every day is necessary.

Auke

Had a 34L; exactly the same problem.
I say its a carb problem.
The metallic depression "membrane" gets worn
by dust sucking, and they all do suck dust as yes the airbox is badly positioned.
Use a plastic piece to fill the space between airbox and backwheel, that way the worst of dust will stay away from filter.
Think of renewing carb..

Matt