Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
2003 XT600e using oil 2003 XT600e using oil
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree2Likes
  • 2 Post By BlackDogZulu

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Knysna
Posts: 23
2003 XT600e using oil
Brother in law got him a really good condition 2003 XT600e with 5500km on the clock 2 years ago. Never used a drop of oil. He mainly commuted about 40km's a day and done the occasional trip.
Bike is now on 21000km and using a bit of oil and smoking for a short while in the mornings (that he can see)

Could this smoking be of valve stem seals? do they last only in the region of 20000km,or could it be the bike is allmost 10years old. He did oil changes +/- every 6000km

Is this normal????
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
Mine is at 115.000km on all original motor, so no, not normal.

If the engine is overfilled it will smoke on startup, and apear top be low on oil as the exces oil is burned. Theese bikes are very hard to read the oillevel on.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Dec 2012
BlackDogZulu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
Mine's almost 50k km and doesn't use any oil at all, so there's a problem somewhere. I would agree with Jens. It's very hard to get the oil level exactly right, and it will burn any excess (or pump it into the air filter box), which may be what you are seeing.

There's a lot of info on how to do it on this site, but roughly:

1. Get the bike fully warmed up and give it a thrash round the block

2. Stop the engine and allow to rest for approx 5 minutes (this lets the circulated oil settle down)

3. With the bike vertical, check the oil level. Just rest the dipstick on the edge of the hole, do not screw it back in. The oil level should be somewhere in the hatched area of the dipstick.

An ideal time to check the level is after fuelling up in the middle of a trip, when all these conditions are satisfied.

I overfilled the bike for months until I got hold of a manual and learned to do it right. Now, the oil level doesn't vary more than 1-2 mm between changes.
__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackDogZulu View Post
Mine's almost 50k km and doesn't use any oil at all, so there's a problem somewhere. I would agree with Jens. It's very hard to get the oil level exactly right, and it will burn any excess (or pump it into the air filter box), which may be what you are seeing.

There's a lot of info on how to do it on this site, but roughly:

1. Get the bike fully warmed up and give it a thrash round the block

2. Stop the engine and allow to rest for approx 5 minutes (this lets the circulated oil settle down)

3. With the bike vertical, check the oil level. Just rest the dipstick on the edge of the hole, do not screw it back in. The oil level should be somewhere in the hatched area of the dipstick.

An ideal time to check the level is after fuelling up in the middle of a trip, when all these conditions are satisfied.
BlackDogZ,
You have provided me with a wry smile for today; that oil change procedure that you describe is exactly the same as for the BMW F650GS (it could be straight out of the Beemer handbook!) which is a dry sump engine design - so, you should be getting good at checking the oil level on both of your current bikes!!
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Dec 2012
BlackDogZulu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
Yes, same procedure. I like to keep things simple, like only dating women with the same name. It reduces the opportunity for embarrassing mistakes.
__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Glasgow
Posts: 296
I also have an 03 XT600E with about 23K miles,that was smoking first thing in the morning. I have bought rings, valve stem oil seals and gaskets but when i began stripping, the down pipes were fully seized into the barrel (not uncommon) and the exhaust studs were replaced by lumps of rust. i eventually hacksawed off the pipes but haven't removed them from the barrels yet.
i stripped down the rest of the bike but can't decide to rebuild it (time) or sell as bits or project. Andy B
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 14 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackDogZulu View Post
Yes, same procedure. I like to keep things simple, like only dating women with the same name. It reduces the opportunity for embarrassing mistakes.
Yes, in the same way when a pet dog dies the successor dog should have the same name - it keeps life simple!

As for the bikes, I have never understood if the XT600 models are all dry sump design (like my Yam TTR600). It seems that some are but maybe some versions of the XT600 are wet sump (like my XT225)?
FWIW, the handbook for the KLE 650 Versys refers to a "semi dry sump" engine which is not a term I have come across before.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Knysna
Posts: 23
thanks guys, I dont have this problem on my XT600e and it is an identical model with more or less the same amount of km on the clock.

Regarding the oil issue, jip it is not straight forward and i must admit, i also overfilled on my bike once or.......5 times

We checked his XT's oil level and it is pass the max mark........now if the excess oil is not going to the airbox how does it then get into the combustion chamber???
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Caracas
Posts: 28
It also happened to me and I have the same question...
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 27 Dec 2012
Bobmech's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: BOP , New Zealand
Posts: 185
If the sump is overfilled with oil, an excessive amount of oil is splashed up into the cylinder where the piston oil ring cannot cope. So some of the oil will get past the oil ring and be burnt causing smoke out the exhaust.
__________________
Remember that Assumption is the mother of all f**k-ups.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Dec 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Caracas
Posts: 28
Thanks for the concise explanation. An odd thing usually happens with mine; I generally put 3 liters in no matter what and still got not reading in deep stick and some smoke out the exhaust.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Dec 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Denmark
Posts: 1,417
3 liters is too much, I believe my '03 calls for around 2,6-2,7l witout oilfilter, and 2,8-2,9 with.

I can only read a correct oillevel on mine after after a good run on the interstate. It gets harder to read in this cold weather.

Drain a couple of cupfuls of oil, or drain everything and add 2,7liter, and see if the smoking doesnt clear up after some normal use.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Dec 2012
kentfallen's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bexhill, East Sussex, England, UK
Posts: 673
On my latest oil change one of my XT's (the red 1999 one) appeared to take nearly ALL of my 4 litres! Shock and horror - I checked it carefully and found the oil level exactly where it should be! It had been standing 6 months on a battery mate thingy.

I changed the oil fliter at the same time and know this sometimes takes a drop more oil. This doesn't explain where the damn oil went though... The engine runs like it should with no sign of an oil leak. It didn't dump any oil through the exhaust either.

All I know is that my 4 litre can of new oil now only has a drop left in it????? odd to say the least.

There were a few small patches of oil left on my driveway though, perhaps I split some without realising?

I think the service manual states it should take just over just under 3 litres.

Yours confused.
__________________
Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Dec 2012
BlackDogZulu's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: West Wales, UK
Posts: 753
Exactly the same happened to me - a whole 4 litre can disappeared into the engine, and it still wasn't up to the full mark. Solution - I drained it all out again, and refilled with exactly 2.6 litres, ran it for a bit, and then checked the oil level as per the manual. Bang on, just had to top up 100 cc or so.

Unless you run the engine, and then wait for the oil to settle, you will never get a reading that is even remotely correct.
__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Changing oil intervall on modern Landcruisers Surfy Equipping the Overland Vehicle 14 5 Sep 2013 18:00
KLR 650 oil consumption... Danna el nomada Kawasaki Tech 5 18 Dec 2012 19:52
fork oil xt600e bm150875 Yamaha Tech 8 22 Jul 2012 21:02
XT600E 2002 Engine Oil Trichelia Yamaha Tech 17 17 Nov 2011 15:25

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 04:47.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top