Please help me rebuild my XT600 1VJ.

[photographicsafaris]

Hi all,

One winters commute over: Up M20, across M26, then around M25 before dawn...
I have now discovered that the coldest metal on planet earth is a motorbike clutch lever!

My Xt600 1VJ is a tad on the shakey side and in need of alot of TLC. Being more adventurous than intelligent I was basically figuring that I would take the engine apart then reassemble with relevant new bits.

Can you guys give me some pointers please:

1> I need to tighten up the engine bit, it just feels loose. Rings replacement max I will do, couldnt replace the sleeve (if it has one)
So>What will I need to buy to take apart and then put this together (rings, bearings, gaskets etc)

2> I have a problem with setting the idle speed, I'm fairly sure that the rev counter is wrong, but I know that it idles too slow cold, and too fast when hot.
So>What is the main reason to control this variation? Is it carbs

3> I know the clutch needs replacing (in gear, clutch lever fully depressed the bike doesnt freewheel very well!)
So> Just exactly what kind of nightmare is this to get to the bottom of? and what user replaceable parts are needed?

4> Bloody oil leak from somewhere underneath the tank onto the cylinder head, on the right (starboard side) may be the rev counter feeder tube thinggy
So>Apparently theres an Oring in there somewhere, is there any advice that you guys can offer me? (I have resolved the Oil filter cover leak, and associated nightmares)

5> Carburettor: Oh god I dont want to have to open up that can of worms. Although I am reasonably confident it is a working order, is it a case of dont fix something that is not broken? Should I open it up, clean it, then put it together?

6> The starter motor wont start the bike, its kick start only, this is nothing that bothers me, its just that I am concerned that it will affect kick starting as well, so any tips here?

Lastly what "special" tools are needed to remove everything? ie taking the head apart, is it difficult?

Thanks in advance G