XT 600e not running right (2003 Model)
 

Hi all. I'm new to the single cylinder biking scene. I've got myself a 2003 XT600e. When I first got it it seemed to hesitate a little low down in the revs, below 4000, but it wasnt really noticable. As time went by it got worse, and lurches below 4000 and also developed a flat spot around 4000. It even lurches when you let go the throttle and coast down to a stop (in Gear) coming up to traffic lights. The only time it runs right is full throttle and just below that. Ive had it down the Yamaha dealer and they had the carbs apart several times and cleaned them thouroughly. I also had it Dyno'd and this showed lean fueling below 3000, which Yamaha then fixed. But after all this, its still not right. I think its time to look elsewhere on the bike, not the carbs. I've serviced it before yamaha got hold of it, changing everything to new, even the air filter, so there's no external blockages. Spark plug was changed again by Yamaha just to be sure. Do I have a lemon?

i had similar problem with a GV250, after 2 months cleaning carbs and changing sparks, i discovered that the problem was in the CDI, get one with a friend to test

Can I help?
 

Hi Derek.
As you're in The Smoke, you may want to come over to me in Dartford. I have a 2003 model and you can try my CDI if you like.

Regards,

Geoff

could be the cdi unit but its worth checking the wiring harness and the ignition pickup itself :innocent:

the vast majority of pickups are basicly a coil of wire and a magnet passing by it triggers a voltage change in the coil of wire so the gap between the two is critical also the wiring and connections need to be very good to get the best out of the pulses triggered especially a lower rpm where the pulse is going to be slightly less (think of a turbine they work better the faster they spin) the higher rpm's might be enough to get a good trigger :mchappy:

the "magnet" on the xt is a raised area on the magneto/flywheel and passes the pickup mounted in the side cover if the cdi swap doesn't cure it :(
it might be worth checking the clearance on the pickup

Thanks very much guys. Its probably worth mentioning that I'm a very amature bike mechanic, and I dont know haw to check pick-ups and the like. That being said, I dont think my local Yamaha dealer knows either. Thanks for the offer Geoff, I'll keep you posted, as I'm crazy busy at work with Christmas coming up, I dont even have a weekend to myself! Do any of you know of any single cylinder Guru type mechanics around London? One that wouldnt balk at my problem?

I just read a few more XT 600 posts, and it seems a loose wire on CDI units is a common fault. I need to check this out before blowing greenbacks on CDI units!

xt600s rub through the wiring loom against the frame under the seat too, so might be worth checking all the way from the cdi to the pickup for damaged wires :innocent:

The wiring loom by the seat looks fine. I disconnected the CDI and Rectifier and cleaned the contacts with Electrical cleaner spray and replaced them. It seems a little better, but not fixed. The search continues...

Let me start by saying ****! ****ing ****ing ****! I've been stranded more times by this XT than all my other bikes put together! What ever the fault is, I havent found it. I'm suspecting that it has been ridden through English winter before, cos the contacts around the bike are corroded. I tried to clean them up, but got stranded again the next time I rode it. I am not happy, and not impressed with XT's at this point in time. What with the snow around in England these days, it could be the death of me. I dont really have a question, just a rant I suppose :stormy::funmeterno:

Nothing wrong with the bikes in general. Yours might have been poorly taken care of :(

I've got an 2003, which is probably a 2002 sold in the year 2003.

Its done 72000km in thoose yeas, including dayly winterdriving, saltwatercrossings, and even a few times were it got stuck midway in a saltwater crossing.

I've changed front and rearwheel bearings, and the rear rim has rust on the inside, without being so bad that it needs to be replaced. I've experinced little eletrical issues, one bad connection, and a stuck starter relay.

Often people just give som random wires a little electric cleaner, and call it a day :nono:

Clean every wire, use cleaner and a soft toothbrush, do it once, and do i right. pack the wireassemblys with grease, and change the bad connections. A lot of the wires behind the frontlight can be hidden/shielded away (ducktape ect.)

Mine has done everything from enduroriding, to 800km a day trips, and a lot in between.

Pics to prove it :D


The bike:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/HPIM2145Custom.JPG

Water when good:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/DSC_0655.jpg

Water when, ahemn, not so good:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/DSC_0703.jpg

2 bikes down, the xt lived to see the day:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/DSC00290.JPG

Muddiest enduro in the world, i only lasted just over 2 rounds:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/DSC_0106.JPG

Some everyday fun:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/Wheelie.JPG

More fun:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/strandturhop.jpg

Jump contest track before a enduro:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/Billede_475.jpg

Endurance, i think so:
http://peecee.dk/uploads/012010/Billede_769.jpg


Sorry if it sounds "im all that" Its not ment that way, im just trying to show the many capabilities of this awesome bike ?c?

I am humbled. Thanks bro. I will clean it up and give it another go.

Hey Jens - cheers for the photo's, well entertaining..... !!!!