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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Like Tree5Likes

Reply
Page 2 of 5 1 2 345
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 16 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
spark plug cap giving a reading of 11.5k, 1.5k over spec, not sure if that is a big deal.
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 16 Dec 2021
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,304
It's old, just change it. The spec doesn't tell the whole story.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 17 Dec 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 607
ok, so you have TCI, rare that they give trouble.


a few ideas to test:


check the ohms in the ign pickup (two wire connector coming form alternator cover, should be in the few hundred ohms range 500-700



TCI needs good voltage, try hooking bike with jumpers to a a big car battery


your coil is a 12v, disconnect the wires from harness, connect one spade to ground and flick over the other little spade connector with +12V from batt, should spark if ok


test and report
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 17 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
Thanks all, will have a go tomorrow.
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 18 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
pick up coil test
here is the result from the two pin connector

https://ibb.co/Rv9kDZc

i tested the connections of the 3 pin connector too, and they were all close to each other in value, here it is.

https://ibb.co/ZV4czbv

not able to get a car battery at the moment to test
Reply With Quote
  #21  
Old 18 Dec 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by stillben View Post
spark plug cap giving a reading of 11.5k, 1.5k over spec, not sure if that is a big deal.
Go with what Grant said and change it - NGK is my cap of choice. My rule of thumb with plug caps is any more than 5k is suspect. My old 70's Honda 400 won't start with 10k resistance in the line.
Reply With Quote
  #22  
Old 21 Dec 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Milan, Italy
Posts: 607
Quote:
Originally Posted by stillben View Post
here is the result from the two pin connector

https://ibb.co/Rv9kDZc

i tested the connections of the 3 pin connector too, and they were all close to each other in value, here it is.

https://ibb.co/ZV4czbv

not able to get a car battery at the moment to test

not sure how many ohms is that 0.22.... read my post, should be around 500-700, IF 0.22 means 220 ohms then something is wrong with the pickup.



the three pin is for charging, irrelevant to ignition.
Reply With Quote
  #23  
Old 21 Dec 2021
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,364
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboguzzi View Post
not sure how many ohms is that 0.22.... read my post, should be around 500-700, IF 0.22 means 220 ohms then something is wrong with the pickup.



the three pin is for charging, irrelevant to ignition.
Stop fooling this guy, all values are in spec, read manual before bad advices! My guess is fuel issue, hard to read the spark problem with so weak crank, fully charge battery and give it more time around on video, if no spark check leads and connections up to TCI, try another box. Remove carb, clean it and check fuel is leaving ok.
Reply With Quote
  #24  
Old 21 Dec 2021
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,364
Quote:
Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
Go with what Grant said and change it - NGK is my cap of choice. My rule of thumb with plug caps is any more than 5k is suspect. My old 70's Honda 400 won't start with 10k resistance in the line.
Surely dont know what you talking about, when he states its almost in spec you still say its no good over 5k?
Reply With Quote
  #25  
Old 22 Dec 2021
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Testing your spark like you are is not great. Leaning it against a dirty corroded engine is a crap earth for a plug.

Use a Jump lead from the spark to the neg battery or clean the cylinder with sandpaper and a file before testing it like you did. I couldn't see a spark from that video.

When you cranked over the motor with the powerstart, was the throttle open ?? It needs to be. It didn't sound like it was trying to start to me. Those coughs are probably from it igniting the powerstart just from the compression of the motor.

Test the spark again. Properly. With a clean earth point.
Replace your plug cap and HT lead (Or at least cut 10mm off each end of the HT lead and rescew)
Check your spark plug (That the electrode isn't shorting with the plug body) or replace it

Diagnose one system at a time or you will just get confused and frustrated.

Don't jump steps of diagnosis.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #26  
Old 22 Dec 2021
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by xtrock View Post
Surely dont know what you talking about, when he states its almost in spec you still say its no good over 5k?
That's been my experience over many bikes and cars. New NGK caps are 5k resistance. Anything much over 10k (so a 5k cap and a 5k resistor plug together for example) is not helpful for cold starting.
Reply With Quote
  #27  
Old 26 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: SE england
Posts: 96
My bike is yr 2000, and i experienced similar a yr or two ago. In my case i eventually traced the problem to a nearly broken wire at the CDi plug.
Reply With Quote
  #28  
Old 28 Dec 2021
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Kent UK
Posts: 38
hello again

just stopped raining so could have another go

cleaned connections of the CDI, here's the before and after

https://ibb.co/XttfdW8

https://ibb.co/G7QGVhD

ran a jump lead to the negative on the battery, cleaned the battery connections.

and tried again with new cap new plug and that new ignition coil. here's the vid...


https://youtu.be/8OiHdT2JAKA

that's the battery at fully charged. it is 4 months old but was a cheap one
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 28 Dec 2021
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by stillben View Post
hello again

just stopped raining so could have another go

cleaned connections of the CDI, here's the before and after

https://ibb.co/XttfdW8

https://ibb.co/G7QGVhD

ran a jump lead to the negative on the battery, cleaned the battery connections.

and tried again with new cap new plug and that new ignition coil. here's the vid...


https://youtu.be/8OiHdT2JAKA

that's the battery at fully charged. it is 4 months old but was a cheap one
You definitely have NO SPARK. Or not a spark which is worth calling a spark.

Can you beg, borrow or steal another CDI ? Have you checked continuity, or better, voltage drop, from the CDI to the coil ?

I don't have an XT600 wiring diagram in front of me to look at but my guess is the capacitor in the CDI (Capacitor discharge ignition) is toast.

I think that's why you get the small spark then nothing. The CDI is not building up enough current.

If you're keeping the bike and it's an original CDI then you should change it anyway. Or at least carry a spare. So a CDI purchase won't be a bad idea.

You could also look a the ignition pickup. Or often called a pulse generator. It's what tells the CDI 'When' to discharge into the coil to create the spark.

Have you tested the AC output from the stator too. I'm testing my memory here but I think one of the phases charges the CDI.

Basically. You need to test your entire charging system. But swapping the CDI for a known good one is an easy first thing to check.

Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 28 Dec 2021
xtrock's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,364
Quote:
Originally Posted by stillben View Post
hello again

just stopped raining so could have another go

cleaned connections of the CDI, here's the before and after

https://ibb.co/XttfdW8

https://ibb.co/G7QGVhD

ran a jump lead to the negative on the battery, cleaned the battery connections.

and tried again with new cap new plug and that new ignition coil. here's the vid...


https://youtu.be/8OiHdT2JAKA

that's the battery at fully charged. it is 4 months old but was a cheap one
Measure the ignition coil voltage when cranking, seems like you have spark in the beginning and end. Measure wires to TCI unit, open TCI and check soldering points. Ignition coil have wire from TCI and engine stop switch.
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 2 of 5 1 2 345

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 2 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 2 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

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. 11-15
  • 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 08:02.

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