XT600k Won't Start :(
 

Hi everyone,
my XT runs like an absolute dream...when I can get it started.

Just before I put the bike into winter hibernation, in November, I was stranded at work for an hour or two because she just wouldn't start. It would fire once and splutter, but that was it. I just put this down to the cold whether, which has always made it more difficult to get her going. After lots of attempts and some really loud backfires, it started up and I managed to get home. Once it was running, the bike went like a dream.

I took her out of winter storage yesterday and she started up on the 3rd kick and sounded great. I left her to run for some minutes and then did an oil change. She started up on the 1st kick and I left her to run and then turned the bike off so that I could check the level. On the third start, I had the same problem that I did before the winter, the bike would fire once and splutter but wouldn't start. There was fuel flowing into the carbs, I emptied the floats, but it made no difference.

Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong with it? It's strange because once the bike is going, she runs great. It's so frustrating!

Thanks for any help offered,
Andrew

First i would remove carb and give it a good clean, remember to remove filter inside and clean it. Check sparkplug, rubber mountings to engine.

could also be bad fuel if has been left in tank over winter... but certainly worth strip and cleaning the carb. Check also the float is moving freely and not does not have a hole in it... good luck

If the carb mounting rubber boots are leaking air the lean mixture will make it very hard to start. You can get very good boots on eBay, much cheaper than OEM and so far I have no complaints on my two bikes with them.

You may want to adjust the fuel screw on the primary carb. This is located underneath and at the mounting or downstream side of the carb.

To adjust, bike warm and idling well, turn screw with short screwdriver for highest idle speed. Readjust idle screw. Since this is a "FUEL" screw, turning out richen's mixture and in leans it. It might be a good idea to first carefully turn the screw all the way in, not tight or you can damage it, counting the turns and part turns so you will know where you started from. From there do the adjustments. This will make it easier to start all around.

Some on here have found that the fuel can get hot after a long ride and make for hard starting when hot or sitting for a while. Some have made a plate to shield the float bowl from the engine heat and have helped this.

Steve

Thanks for the help. I'll take the carbs off and replace the intake rubbers as a precaution. I happen to have a set that I never got round to fitting, so I'll do the carbs and rubbers in one go. Will let you know how I get on.

Hi everyone,
so I took the carbs out today and the right inlet manifold was literally falling apart. The dealer who destricted the bike when I bought it had evidently tried to use sealant to make it air-tight instead of replacing it - not impressed with him! Am servicing the carbs while they are out. They're not bad condition but could do with a bit of TLC.

Thanks for the help!
Andrew

Just dismantling the carbs...and have a question. The breather hose here:

http://i241.photobucket.com/albums/f..._CARB_VENT.jpg

Is that supposed to have a one-way valve in it? Because I tested it and air flows both ways. Surely that can't be right?

Im pretty sure theres no valve, just a little piece of foam to keep dirt out.

Dont worry its just airhose with filter. Did you remove filter inside carb?

Thanks for the reassurance. I did a complete strip on the carbs, new filter and o-rings and gasket. Fitted it today and it started up immediately. So all is good :)