86’ XT600 gets hot really quick

[RealSpaceCowboy]

Hey guys first post here I recently acquired a new to me 1986 XT600s and I cleaned the carb along with changing out jets and pilot screws that were broken and fiddled with. Anyhow the bike once kicked over and starts would get super hot almost instantly. Is this normal? I still haven’t taken it for a ride because I’m waiting for a new chain.

[Grant Johnson]

Welcome to HU!
And no that's not normal - of course it all depends on what you're used to. Which is?

Have you checked the ignition timing? Valve clearance? Do a FULL service, and then ride it, with the old chain, and see what it's like.
Let us know!

[RealSpaceCowboy]

Well I’ve only every had 2 other bikes and they were air cooled 250’s. I can’t ride until I get the chain on, the one it has is busted. I wanted to check the valve clearance but I not sure exactly how since it has the autodecomp system. I’ve just finished unscrewing the pilot screw one full turn out and I think it’s a little better. Might have just been too lean? I also plugged up that port on the intake manifold from carb to head. it was open.

[*Touring Ted*]

How hot ?

Are the header pipes glowing red ??

Are you sure it's getting too hot ??


I'm not certain on the earlier XT's, but does your bike have an oil cooler ??


Things that make an air/oil cooled bike get really hot.

1) Fuelling. If your carb is incorrectly jetted with too small jets it will cause your motor to run very hot indeed. I've seen bikes with their header pipes glowing bright red within 60 seconds of the motor running because of very bad tuning.

2) Low oil. Your oil is the only coolant your motor has. If you don't have oil, then your motor has no way to cool down.

3)Low oil pressure. Same reason as above. How's your oil pump. Are any of your oil lines blocked ?

4) Idling without moving in hot weather - No airflow over the engine fins/cooler gives your motor little chance to cool down. You should not leave an air cooled bike idling in the heat without moving for longer than a few minutes.

[RealSpaceCowboy]

I fixed it today, it was a mix of a lot of things. Like I said before it was running really lean Because the pilot screw tip was chipped and it was screwed all the way in. Got a new pilot screw took it out 3 turns. Also it was a bit low on oil and I’m in Miami so it’s really hot out here to begin with. I fined tuned the carb and put some fresh oil and she’s running like a dream. Now I just need to know does this xt600 need any rollers for the chain? Upper and lower? Just lower? Right now The chain is kind of riding on the upper swing arm and it has no sort of rollers, slides or guides on it. What does it come with original? Just got this new chain and sprocket set installed and I don’t want to mess them up.

[turboguzzi]

First, pictures of your bike or it didnt happen..

for the parts you are missing, check here:

https://www.ronayers.com/oemparts/l/...6-xt600s-parts




hope you changed the oil filter too.... try to resist the urge to ride it ASAP and do instead a major service with valve adj., air filter, new plug, greasing of all frame bearings (steering, swing arm, monoshock), change the fork oil, brake fluid, pads, lubricate all cables, etc.



just download a workshop manual and follow the 10K miles service list.

[RealSpaceCowboy]

Here are a couple snaps from the ol thumper.
I have the filter and oil which I’m gonna do soon and the filter is new too.
Do you know anything about the chain roller because I don’t think there’s any rubber left on mine. It’s just a metal roller. Will any universal eBay one work?

[turboguzzi]

neat bike



universal rollers should work too, but the swingarm plastic protector has to be the original part. it's a must have, otherwise chain will cut through the metal.