Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
xt600e no start, coil question. xt600e no start, coil question.
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 Sean Howman, The Pamir highway in an unseasonably cold late October, Tajikistan

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Sean Howman,
The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 5 1 2345
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 9 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
xt600e no start, coil question.
Don't seem to have any spark at the moment. my plug reads about 5k on the multimeter but i am having difficulty getting a reading from the coil. I have a secondary reading of 24k and can't get anything on my primary. Never tested a coil before and wondering if i have done it wrong. please help, mechanics around here not keen to touch it. Does this sound like a broken coil? thank you. Ben in Kent UK


here is it cranking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AF4CuAXzvD8

does this seem a fast enough turnover speed?
Last edited by stillben; 9 Dec 2021 at 15:54.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
today i put a Tour Max coil in, and the spark seemed about the same as before. i then cleaned contacts from the generator and sprayed some easy start into the intake and the engine ran for a second or so. so maybe it is a fuel issue after all. my bowl drain screw is stuck so can't check if there is fuel in the carb at the moment.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Dec 2021
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,331
Seems like it's time to pull the carb!

You DO seem to have spark, since it ran, but you're not seeing a spark when you test the plug? Something fishy, it should be a solid big fat spark. Have you tried a new plug, and make sure it's well grounded when testing?
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Dec 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,118
I don't know XT's that well but I have a number of bikes where they won't start once the fuel in the carb goes 'stale' - something I've had happen in under a week. If it fires even slightly with Easy Start that's where I'd begin - work out how to undo the float bowl drain screw, drain some fresh fuel through it, and try again.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by Grant Johnson View Post
Seems like it's time to pull the carb!

You DO seem to have spark, since it ran, but you're not seeing a spark when you test the plug? Something fishy, it should be a solid big fat spark. Have you tried a new plug, and make sure it's well grounded when testing?

Not much of a spark when testing it, will get a new one tomorrow and make sure it's grounded well. thanks
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
I don't know XT's that well but I have a number of bikes where they won't start once the fuel in the carb goes 'stale' - something I've had happen in under a week. If it fires even slightly with Easy Start that's where I'd begin - work out how to undo the float bowl drain screw, drain some fresh fuel through it, and try again.
thanks will have a go with the screw tomorrow.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 15 Dec 2021
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Try a new coil. Even a cheap £10 chinese coil off ebay will do for testing.

The easiest way to determine if you have fueling issues is to get a can of powerstart and spray that into your airbox when cranking (without filter).
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Try a new coil. Even a cheap £10 chinese coil off ebay will do for testing.

The easiest way to determine if you have fueling issues is to get a can of powerstart and spray that into your airbox when cranking (without filter).
i have a new coil and the spark is the same as the old one. went to take the filter out the air box to spray easy start directly into it and found a load of oil in the bottom of the box. wasn't there yesterday. maybe came from the cranking i did.




https://ibb.co/nPCKXzQ
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
cranking with easy start
this morning's effort

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU81ldXLauw

fires for a bit here and there.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
with the new plug either get one spark every now and then or a couple of very small sparks and then nothing.



hard to see smaller sparks but there's a couple at the start and three at the second attempt

https://youtu.be/1lcfpB5atqg
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 614
you need to add what bike you have, some 600 are CDI igntion, some are TCI (google to know the difference)


if its CDI, a known problem source is the "power coil", it can give iffy spark symptom like you are describing



so determine what ignition you have, then download the relevant workshop manual and follow the testing procedure to a T.


Personally im against "throwing parts at" to solve issues without first knowing where the issue is. easy to bark at the wrong tree. on top, TCI and CDI coils are different, do you know which one you need?
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
Me too
Watching this with interest.
Not because I have the answer, but because I have a similar problem.
Engine will fire but only runs for 20 -30 seconds.
All the electrics test good. Including ignition box of tricks, passed as good by Mezo last year, so its very sad to hear of his death.
So I too am seeking the cause of fueling problems. Having determined to renew the search for my 1990 XT600E's problems, I have a fresh can of "Easy Start" on its way, and will report any success if I can.
We must hang on to the belief that "posessed" though the ruddy machine seems to be, there has to be a logical reason.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 19
Me too
Having just seen Turboguzzi's reply, mine has the TCI system.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by Thisll do View Post
Watching this with interest.
Not because I have the answer, but because I have a similar problem.
Engine will fire but only runs for 20 -30 seconds.
All the electrics test good. Including ignition box of tricks, passed as good by Mezo last year, so its very sad to hear of his death.
So I too am seeking the cause of fueling problems. Having determined to renew the search for my 1990 XT600E's problems, I have a fresh can of "Easy Start" on its way, and will report any success if I can.
We must hang on to the belief that "posessed" though the ruddy machine seems to be, there has to be a logical reason.
Maybe an exorcism is a good idea.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 15 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboguzzi View Post
you need to add what bike you have, some 600 are CDI igntion, some are TCI (google to know the difference)


if its CDI, a known problem source is the "power coil", it can give iffy spark symptom like you are describing



so determine what ignition you have, then download the relevant workshop manual and follow the testing procedure to a T.


Personally im against "throwing parts at" to solve issues without first knowing where the issue is. easy to bark at the wrong tree. on top, TCI and CDI coils are different, do you know which one you need?
Thanks

I have a 2003 4PT so should have a CDI. I went looking for it yesterday and could not find it. Will run the ignition system checks tomorrow, will check the spark plug cap as it is still the original.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 5 1 2345

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 4 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 4 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
Xt 600 tenere wont start lslabe Yamaha Tech 37 10 Sep 2017 11:08
XT600-43F Coil Retrofit cdag Yamaha Tech 2 14 Aug 2017 16:49
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 08:38
2002 XT600e starting woes - grrrrr fraserbyrne Yamaha Tech 26 17 Oct 2012 10:41
Carburettor problems XT600E - 3tb. carlhenrik_80 Yamaha Tech 13 26 Sep 2012 00:09

 
 

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
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
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.

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 04:10.

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