XT600e Valve Stem Seals???
 

Hi Guys, recently noticed that my 2003 XT600e smokes a bit in the morning or when shes cold. After +/- 1km of traveling shes fine. So I suspect valve stem seals??? I don't see any excessive oil use yet. Shes has got a total of 19000km on the clock.

I service her every 6000km and for the last 10000km I have commuted to work and back. I normally cruise along 90kmph

Is this "normal" for a 9year old XT, with this much km's on the clock?

Thanks

Sounds like classic valve stem seals symptoms. Not sure how normal it might be, but mine did the same thing. Relatively easy fix if your mechanically minded.
Has the bike been idle for long periods? Sometimes the seals can get a bit crispy if it doesnt get used for a while.

If you overfilled slightly with oil, the bike will burn some off when you start, and thereby smoking. Could be as simple as that.

Remember to check oillevel when fully warmed up (after a good ride)

I don't think the valve stem seals is damaged either especially with only 19000 km after 10 years it's no indication of a highly used bike, and if you changed the oil every 6000 km.

I notice that too, if I overflow after an oil changed, it seems to be smoking and then, the smoke goes away after a while. Sometimes the airbox is full of oil as well and can causes smoke.

I'm rebuilding my trusty XT after 105 000 km, I just changed the piston ring once at 50000 km as I was told they would be worn out by then but the cam chain, piston rings, and all the rest was absolutely fine.

My '03 is at 98.500km on stock engine, theese things are durable!

Cam chain tentioner is about 1/2 to 3/5 compressed.

Hi, I have the same problem with a 2003 XT600 4 PT I have just bought, 42K on clock
It starts from cold fine, no smoke, then after about 30 seconds dense oil smoke, then fine after about 1 minute. No smoke on hot start.I have checked the oil level and it is using a bit.(Maybe 250 ml per 100 miles measured with warm engine as per manual ) I also noticed that there is a lot of air being blown through the breather into the airbox, where there is some oil as well. Valve seals have been changed recently by previous owner and new rings fitted. Bike runs really well and compression is good.Despite this I am suspecting bore wear to be the cause as there is a lot of air escaping from the breather. Would worn valve guides make new valve seals ineffective, or can they be displaced? I am planning to investigate further soon and will post findings.

Sounds to me like there is oil draining down into the sump overnight... then once you start it & the oil pumps back into the tank it stops smoking.... would also be the reason why you get oil in the airbox...

Could be he`s overfilled it? common thing to do Geoff.

Mezo.