Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Running XT 600 on one litre of oil Running XT 600 on one litre of 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 Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Like Tree4Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Running XT 600 on one litre of oil
I've just bought a 1997 XT 600, ridden it home and then checked the oil level. It has taken 2.3 litres to get the level about 2 cm up the dipstick which suggests to me that the previous owner has been running this on less than a litre of oil. I can't believe it hasn't seized. Does this even sound possible or does anyone think there may be some fault in the recirculating system? The seller said he was riding it every day so I have no idea how many kilometres have been done. It could of course just be more evidence of how bullet proof these things are.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 Jul 2016
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Take bike for a ride, when you come home let it idle for 3min and check stick. I think you have overfilled it now, sometimes oil is not even in system or you have problem with valve and oil is down in engine. Best way to find out drain engine and front and measure.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 27 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Thanks xtrock. I did take it out for a ten minute spin after adding 1.7 litres and it still showed nothing on the dipstick. When I got back I put in another 600ml and finally saw oil on the stick. I'll do it again this afternoon but I think your advice about changing the oil is probably the best. The original oil must be horrible by now.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 27 Jul 2016
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Yes you should have drained it at the beginning. there was one guy that only drained engine and refilled 2,8l.. Never know what people do so start from the beginning and change filter, new brake fluid, new oil fork, check brake pads, chain, sprockets, wheel bearings, 3tb have grease nipples on the swingarm and linkage, you have on the linkage.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 27 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Middle USA
Posts: 349
Expanding on this a bit. This engine is a "dry sump" engine. It is not exactly dry but the bulk of the oil is external to the engine in a tank or in the frame depending on the model. The engine has a flow back check valve that is supposed to stop oil from draining back into the sump when not running. This valve is not perfect and if the least bit worn or dirty the oil will drain back. Checking oil after sitting for quite a while will always show the oil to be low, never fill it based on this.

As already stated, run the bike for a few minutes around the neighborhood to warm it and get the sump all pumped out of excess oil. Check oil soon after shut down making sure the bike is upright.

The flow back valve is a steel ball and a replaceable rubber sealing surface located at the bottom of the clutch cover case. It is very easy to replace, the rubber seat is all that needs to be replaced as the steel ball is rarely defective. Be sure to have a replacement clutch cover gasket in case the old one tears and they usually do.

This is a recurring theme with new owners. This why I expanded on this for those who come along and read and learn. This is what forums are good for.
__________________
'84 XT600 is now bored to 2nd oversize and new OEM pistons and rings installed. No more smoking.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 27 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Thanks for the helpful replies. I hadn't thought of the possibility that the oil might all be sitting in the sump. At least I've now got a handy checklist of all the bits I need to do before I get out and have some fun on it. Now I just have to find a manual.... (The links in the Sticky section at the head of this forum don't seem to be working anymore).
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Jul 2016
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Try this one, you dont need for the 4pt, 3tb have same spec on most of the tech stuff. Repair / Service manuals - Yamaha
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Thanks for the detailed advice steveloomis. As you probably guessed this is my first attempt at getting an old bike back together so your information is really useful. Can I just ask - is there any way to tell if the flow back valve and recirculating system is working without opening up the engine? Or should I just replace the rubber seal and gasket anyway at the same time as changing the oil and oil filter? Thanks again for your help.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Jul 2016
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by connal View Post
is there any way to tell if the flow back valve and recirculating system is working without opening up the engine? Or should I just replace the rubber seal and gasket anyway at the same time as changing the oil and oil filter? Thanks again for your help.
Check oil level when you park bike, check again next day. If the same amount valve is ok, if its empty you need to change. Just remove cover and change it, its easy.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 30 Jul 2016
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
You'd be surprised on how little oil some motors can survive on. It all depends on the pump scavenge.. Definitely not recommended though. Some motors will blow their heads if you run with just under the dip stick.

Sent from my G7-L01 using Tapatalk
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 30 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
Wow it was worse than I thought. I've just drained the oil as per the manual instructions and got just 2.4 litres out. Bearing in mind that 2.3 litres of this was the quantity I put in it seems the bike has been running on the residual half litre or so that stays in the engine. Bearing this in mind is there any thing else I should check, apart from the bits very helpfully mentioned above, while the oil is out and the crankcase cover is off? Sorry for all the questions but this is a new adventure for me and I would like to get it right.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 30 Jul 2016
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Did you remember to drain the pipe in the frame?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 30 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: Obidos, Portugal
Posts: 134
I think so xtrock. I opened both the crankcase plug and the one in the front tube of the frame and removed the oil filter so I don't think there can be much oil left in there.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 30 Jul 2016
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Quote:
Originally Posted by connal View Post
I think so xtrock. I opened both the crankcase plug and the one in the front tube of the frame and removed the oil filter so I don't think there can be much oil left in there.
Ok, if bike have been running on the smell off oil i dont know about the engine condition. How many km are we talking about?
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 30 Jul 2016
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Middle USA
Posts: 349
Quote:
Originally Posted by connal View Post
Sorry for all the questions but this is a new adventure for me and I would like to get it right.
This is how you learn, keep asking.
__________________
'84 XT600 is now bored to 2nd oversize and new OEM pistons and rings installed. No more smoking.
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
XT600E Service Manual Download kentfallen Yamaha Tech 88 7 Oct 2024 12:58
XT600 - Model Codes kentfallen Yamaha Tech 27 3 Aug 2019 16:36
XT600 Parts Manuals (1990 - 2002) kentfallen Yamaha Tech 5 29 Jul 2016 11:13
XT600e oil leak bm150875 Yamaha Tech 6 18 Sep 2013 07:28
XT600E 2002 Engine Oil Trichelia Yamaha Tech 17 17 Nov 2011 14:25

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

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.

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 Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

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!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



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 02:04.

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