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Minor probs with '97 XTZ660 - advice needed Minor probs with '97 XTZ660 - advice needed
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  #1  
Old 14 Aug 2008
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Minor probs with '97 XTZ660 - advice needed
Hi All,

I have just bought a 1997 XTZ660 Tenere it has done 40000 miles.

I have discovered a few minor problems with it and, being new to this bike, was hoping someone could help me out with some advice.

1/ The rev counter was working fine on a long, wet ride until it began to jump into the red zone and filck around all over the place.

2/ The temperature gauge seems to register but doesn't increase into the green zone at all.

3/ Even when the engine is totally warm the idle revs can drop to 1000 and it sometimes cuts out when I stop at junctions. I have been told that the idle speed should be around 1900 revs and it stays there some of the time then the revs just dip right down. Could it be the spark plug or idle screw?

4/ It has a Laser Pro Duo exhaust and it makes a loud popping sound when I back off the throttle when engine breaking or when coasting in neutral to a junction.

5/ Finally, can anyone reccomend a good, cheap place to order a new sealed chain and sprocket set to be sent to friends in Wales, UK.

Thanks in advance for all you wisdom. Hopfully I can get these minor niggles sorted and get on the road.

Butch
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Last edited by butchdiamond; 14 Aug 2008 at 11:12.
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  #2  
Old 16 Aug 2008
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Minor tips
Quote:
Originally Posted by butchdiamond View Post
Hi All,

I have just bought a 1997 XTZ660 Tenere it has done 40000 miles.

I have discovered a few minor problems with it and, being new to this bike, was hoping someone could help me out with some advice.

1/ The rev counter was working fine on a long, wet ride until it began to jump into the red zone and filck around all over the place.

2/ The temperature gauge seems to register but doesn't increase into the green zone at all.

3/ Even when the engine is totally warm the idle revs can drop to 1000 and it sometimes cuts out when I stop at junctions. I have been told that the idle speed should be around 1900 revs and it stays there some of the time then the revs just dip right down. Could it be the spark plug or idle screw?

4/ It has a Laser Pro Duo exhaust and it makes a loud popping sound when I back off the throttle when engine breaking or when coasting in neutral to a junction.

5/ Finally, can anyone reccomend a good, cheap place to order a new sealed chain and sprocket set to be sent to friends in Wales, UK.

Thanks in advance for all you wisdom. Hopfully I can get these minor niggles sorted and get on the road.

Butch
1. As far as I know the revcounter is mechanical - when it does this, it's broken. To make sure, check the cable first, but your chances are slim ...

2. Yes, idle mix should be set correctly - check other posts. In connection with 3 and 4, you might have an issue with the (water) cooling system - maybe it keeps the engine too cold, and therefore the mix too lean. Check that the thermostat indeed opens / closes or whether it has not been taken out. Also, the fan, does it run all the time?

4. Popping is usually a sign of lean mix.

5. No, I'm Dutch.

Good luck!
Auke
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Old 16 Aug 2008
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Thanks Auke,

I have found that the rev counter is electronic and plays up when wet. Unfortunately I can't find a connection to spray with WD40, so I may have to live with it.

I've been told that the stalling/popping problem could be dirty carbs, so I'll try to give them a clean out, and I'm hoping that some Redex and a new plug will help.

I've now found a chain and sprocket set.

Thanks for your info.

Butch
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Old 17 Aug 2008
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Changing the plug
Do I need to remove the fuel tank to change the spark plug? It seems like a lot of work for a small job, but I can't see any other way of getting to it!

Butch
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Old 17 Aug 2008
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carbs?
Why do people always start beating / cleaning / tuning / whatever them when something goes wrong .... they are the most reliable invention of the 20th century .... honestly. In addition, they are quite complicated and sensitive to mishandling.

Recommend to first check things like spark plug, air filter, fuel filters before touching your carb.


Good luck!

Auke
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Old 18 Aug 2008
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You don't need the tank off to change the plug, although it is quite fiddly. You may need to loosen the radiator.
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Old 18 Aug 2008
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fuel pump
Don't know if its the same as the older tenere but i solved that surging by bypassing the vacuum fuel pump. It means you cant get the last few drops of fuel out of the tank though.

Its easy to check - just put a piece of pipe from the tank straight to the carb.
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Old 18 Aug 2008
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Thanks
Thanks for all your tips folks, I'll give those a try.

Butch
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Old 20 Aug 2008
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Some times a popping on a decel/coast indicates there is an exhaust leak. look at all the joints even a small seemingly insignificant leak will let air in the exhaust system and that's when you can get popping.
Steve
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