XT600E engine noise
 

This is my first post on this forum. I bought an XT600E 1990 last year that had been stripped down and rebuilt. Turns out that it was more a cosmetic rather than mechanical refurbish. Anyway, after carrying out carb overhaul, valve check, starter motor overhaul, chain and sprockets, electrics, brakes, built a pannier rack and replaced most fasteners with stainless, new battery, spring washers and loctite..... the bike is running great but has always been a bit noisy. Never had a big single so never thought anything of it.
I was off on a trail behind Tyndrum, Scotland, through Glen Lyon and this consisted of a rocky road and going through some streams (deeper than I first thought lol) lots of standing up and in 2nd/ 3rd gear. Next day the bike was sounding more rattly than normal especially at lower revs. Decided to check the primary gear/ balance shaft sprocket (clutch side) and it was loose. On further inspection the key was also sheared.
I purchased some 7mm x 7mm key steel and fitted into the key way. The length is around 30mm. Torqued the nut to 120 Nm (think this should have been 60 Nm?) build back up with new oil and filter and the engine is super quiet.

Good save, at least you was paying attention to the sound of the engine.

Did you read my post "Check your nuts" on this very subject.

Mezo.

Hi Mezo will give the post a look. It seems that everything on the XT shakes loose. Lol.

nice catch, but the one key i saw sheared was along it's length, not fractured in the middle like yours, more like this:

Yeah classic key failure turboguzzi. I reckon that my failure was more to do with fatigue rather than shear.

I also have a 1990 xt 600e what should I be checking too? it has almost 15000 miles on her thank s

Hi njenduro
I am no expert on XTs as this is my first and there will be experts on this forum. 15000 miles is not very much. In general listen for the engine sound, shouldn’t clunk or clatter and just be a whirring sound. You could easily check the key condition as above next time you change the oil. Just take the clutch engine cover off and check everything is tight. If you are careful in removal you may be able to reuse the gasket or just use a liquid instant gasket.
The engine is very simple and appears to be super reliable. I have owned this one for over a year and driven 5000 miles around Scotland. Just always change the oil every year and check the air filter.
Cheers
Dave