Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Posts: 97
1990 XT600E Valve Adj. Tool?

My XTE just broke a little over 8000 miles. I figure it's time to see about the valves. I have the manual and it suggests using some sort of special Yamaha-issue valve adjustment tool. Does anyone know where I could get a set of these, what I could use instead, or how to make some?

Thanks,
-Micah
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 20 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 212
Motion Pro do them

Hi,

I find two special tools make adjusting XT600 valve clearences easier / possible:

For measuring the clearences, I find it impossible to get regular feeler gauge blades in to measure the exhaust clearences, so use small, angled blades like these, available from a number of sources including motion Pro

Motion Pro - Tappet Feeler Gauges

If adjustments are required, the following tools from motion Pro make the job much easier, but you have to buy all 3 sets to get the one you need. The problem they overcome is holding the little square on the top of the adjuster screw, and allowing you to turn it by small increments / stop it moving as you tighten the loc-nut:

Motion Pro - Tappet Tool Set

I haven't seen similar offered by anyone else, but there may be cheaper alternatives.

Mark
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 20 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Stoke UK
Posts: 70
I don't know if this will work, but it did the job on my old VF400 18 odd years ago...

I bent the feeler gauges into almost a "Z" shape, to get them into the head, then under the tappet. Sounds brutal, but I only used the gauges for the valve and plug clearances, and different ones at that.

I also bent a cheap bicycle spoke key, into a similair shape. This fitted nicely. The spoke nipple must have been the same size across the flats as the tappet adjuster. This meant I could hold the adjuster from the back, giving me enough room to get my open end spanner onto the lock nut at the front.

Perfect!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 20 May 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Mid Wales
Posts: 100
Random bike tools

I used some random push bike tool too on my 1990 tenere but stupidly forgot to make a note of which one ( I've got 30 years worth of them so don't fancy trying them all).
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 21 May 2008
big t's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: northern ireland
Posts: 89
Hi i made a tappet adjustment tool by using a square drive wood screw!! it fits the adjuster perfectly, i then drilled a small hole in a 50mm long piece of wooden dowell,screw the wood screw into it and this becomes the handle!!
__________________
big T

Last edited by big t; 21 May 2008 at 23:46. Reason: missing words
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 May 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Charleston, South Carolina, United States
Posts: 97
Clearances?

I just adjusted the valves, I used a piece of brass with a slot cut into it.

Is it odd to have valves out of spec (too tight) after only 8200 miles? It's a 1990 XT600E.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 22 May 2008
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: watford england
Posts: 174
The service interval for the XT/TT engines is usually 10,000 km (6,000) miles and from new the valve seats bed in, closing the gap a little.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Wiring diagram needed for 1990 XT600E test12345 Yamaha Tech 16 28 Sep 2010 15:29
Triple clamps for 1990 XT600E? bacardi23 Yamaha Tech 7 26 May 2009 06:31
1990 XT600E adding a kickstart bacardi23 Yamaha Tech 6 23 Sep 2007 01:52
Valve adjust tool Laromonster Yamaha Tech 2 11 Apr 2005 22:24
XT600E fork damper holder tool? Photo Yamaha Tech 2 3 Jun 2004 01:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 10:20.