Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
riding through deep water. riding through deep water.
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



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 7 Jul 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: sydney australia
Posts: 174
riding through deep water.
it seems the only major fault i can find with my xtz 660 is its inability to handle riding through water any more than a few feet deep.i have read somewhere that you should redirect the strange breather pipe linked to the carb,and place it up under the seat. has anyone got any experience with doing this. thanks ...phil.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Cornwall,UK
Posts: 63
Phil

Absolutely right re the breathers, my 4PT was the same before sorting them.

The cheapest route is to pickup a couple (the XT600 carbs have 2 breathers) of plastic tpieces and some airline from an aquarium/pet shop (about 1 pound in the UK), cut the original breathers nice and high up, connect the cut pipes and two new lengths to each side. The 'under the seat' pipes should be situated *UNDERNEATH* the level of the air intake in case of a deep dousing - this ensures that the engine cuts out before sucking in water....

Cheers
Bish
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 8 Jul 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Motor Racing Capitol of the World
Posts: 51
You must be careful drenching a hot engine into deep water. Can't say for sure what. But, it can't be good quenching a hot motor in that fashion.

You know its a sketchy crossing when, the only way to make it is to pin it WO and lean back. If its that deep, its close to too deep.

Thanks,
Todd Bellew
__________________
Thank You,
Todd Bellew
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Nov 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: sydney australia
Posts: 174
ok so ive still not gotten round to sorting out the breathers as im not sure which ones to alter,

as i can see it there are two different types of breather pipes , one large approx 10mm wide with a plastic bubble connected to carby,

the others approx 4mm wide with a t piece splitting the hose up under the seat and down to the frame near the foot pegs, i think this is the one i must alter but im not 100%...any more advice would be great.

thanks phil.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Nov 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
I have some questions : what happens when you ride through water? In other words : why do you say the 660 is inable to do it? I've never noticed that on mine.
And I don't understand the trick of the engine staling when the carb breather pipes are touching water. Can you explain this?
Also when riding through water I never open the trottle wide, the trick to ride through water is to adopt a constant speed, then enter the water and keep that same speed. Don't try to accelerate and definitely don't let the speed drop. With w.o. throttle I think it's tricky and you make it difficult for yourself. And you're more likely to suck in water than at lower revs.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Nov 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: sydney australia
Posts: 174
ok... so this is the problem...

when ever i ride through river crossings ie, taking the bike in deeper than the footpegs, kind of half way up the engine, the bike will stall half way through or just on the other side of the crossing.

the bike sucks water into the carb through the breathers... (splutters maddly then dies , then takes 5 or so minutes to restart, coughing and spluttering and disagreeing at the idea of working)
the water height never goes over the main air intake, and i checked the seal aound the plug.
this has happened several times and is something ive never really experienced before with other bikes,
i am surprised at the depth of the water that causes the bike to stall....ie, not much at all.
i hope this explanation helps...thanks guys..phil.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Nov 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
How can it suck water into the breathers? I thought they are meant to let air out of the space above the fuel? And imho there's definitely no vacuum in there that can "suck water in".

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: sydney australia
Posts: 174
hmmm....an intersting point fred...
this is an issue i dont know much about,so i appreciate your answer,
im thinking my problem could be the seal around the spark plug,

id like to know if this has happened to any other xtz66o riders....cheers, phil.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
It can't be the seal around the spark plug unless the plug is loose in the head, which will result in the plug being blown out, taking the thread with it. You would also hear a noise from the head in line with the revs if this were the case.

Steve
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Holland
Posts: 360
Futronix : could be the seal because I don't have any problems in water, until the air filter gets wet and the engine revs go up automatically because of the water mist being burned as fuel. Look if the seal is the correct position and well in place.
Steve : we mean the rubber seal plug on the spark plug cap that prevents water from entering near the spark plug and cap.

------------------
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
__________________
Fred, XTZ660, Holland.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 14 Nov 2003
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
All makes sense now......

The water must be quite deep, are you sure that a boat or submarine would not be more suitable.....?

I quite often remove the cap from the lead, smear grease on the lead, then replace the cap, smearing grease on the area where the rubber boot seals the lead to the cap.

Steve
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Nov 2003
Chris Scott's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Posts: 4,913
Re deep wading, its covered in AMH pp 94-97 mentioning Yams in particular. But many bikes (singles?), not just Yams work better with this T-piece mod. I think it is breathing and sucking with the engine pulses, but whatever - it sucks, you stop.
With well-prepped KLRs in the Yukon (Call of the Wild - miraculously re-released on dvd dont you know!) we got quite deep and they never even coughed.
Re: sudden cooling - well we've all done it and I aint cracked an engine yet.

Chris S

------------------
Author of Sahara Overland and the Adventure Motorcycling Handbook, among other things

http://www.sahara-overland.com and http://www.adventure-motorcycling.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 7 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Oberlin Ohio USA
Posts: 34
Deep water
Just read this thread, I wanted to tell you guys that I ride my XT600 mostly off road, and I go through very deep water on a reguler basis, and I have never had a problem. Not even once! I do agree that there is a bit of a trick to it as stated above. Just ride at a nice constant speed, not to fast or slow. I would love to hear more of your thoughts on this.
Rubber side down guys
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 7 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Oberlin Ohio USA
Posts: 34
Newbie?
I have been riding since 1972, I was 4 when I got a honda 50, I just get a kick out of the newbie part!
I know!
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Dec 2006
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Limburg, Netherlands
Posts: 35
Last summer I drove through rivers in Iceland with my Yamaha XT600E 2001. The problem I had was following: whenever the river was wide and about knee deep, the engine just shuts off when I am about half way the river.

That's realy anoying! The engine wil start again immidiately, but has no power. When I want to drive again, the engine just shuts off again. Somtetimes the choke helps. But not often. At one time I had to push the bike by hand through the second half of the river. Another time when the bike was stalled, I dugged the rear tire into the soil and was really stuck.

As soon as the bike is out of the water, the bike handels als normal. No problems at all. I think it has something todo with the temperature of the water. The rivers are very cold.

I checked the air filter, but everything was dry, no water has entered.

I don't know what the problem exactly is, but it is a problem. Does anyone had the same problem?
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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

 
 

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. 11-14
  • 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 17:05.

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