Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
XT600E went dead. maybe piston? XT600E went dead. maybe piston?
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 Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 4 Jan 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Unhappy XT600E went dead. maybe piston?
Hey guys... I need some help here... yesterday I was driving my bike 1990 XT600E at 50mph and suddenly it went dead, the engine stopped running, it just turned off... so I stopped on the side of the road and tried kickstarting and felt no compression... by guess is that the piston rings went kaput... I won´t be able to fix it until I get back home in a couple of months but my best guess is that I'll need to bore the cylinder and order a piston kit..

I'm thinking of buying a Wiseco piston but until I go back home I just can´t know the extension of the damage and can't order the piston kit and gaskets...

I think this happened because last time I came here I left the bike without the cover of the left side of the engine due to not being able to push the kickstart stopper into the little hole it is supposed to go into... I know I know I'm an idiot.


Or could it be anything else? valve timing?



I only kicked it twice slowly just to try 'n finding TDC...
Last edited by bacardi23; 4 Jan 2008 at 23:42. Reason: TDC
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
The last time something similar happened to me it was the spark plug that stripped its' thread and flew through the night air like a glowing meteorite!

But, I guess if that had happened you would notice it just as much as I did, so maybe it is the valves!

Good luck in the fault finding,
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 33
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
The last time something similar happened to me it was the spark plug that stripped its' thread and flew through the night air like a glowing meteorite!
I used to own a KX 250 MX bike that did the exact same thing. Very dodgy indeed,I once almost took my mate out with a sniper shot riding through some fields at about 50mph,The noise when that thing poped out was very disturbing to say the least.

Sorry to hear about your problems bacardi,Check the plugs screwed in properly for sure,Is it the right plug for the bike (Heat range).Ive heard of wrong type plugs warping/burning holes in pistons etc.Hopefully it's something much simpler to fix.~(Im sure it will be).

Good luck.

Darren
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 289
compression problem
just to start with easy things, you say xt600e and then kickstarter, is it a modded thing? Check if you have any problem with decompressor cable, maybe disconnect it the cable, and then check the spark plug as said. For the spark plug, if it's stripped, a good service can use an helicoil or timesert (better) to fix it.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Jan 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Hi. darren_m The plug is the NGK DPR8EA-9 just like the one listed on the manual that I am sure off cause I'm the one who put it there =P

cyberzar xt600e and then kickstarter, is it a modded thing? Yes I fitted it but I didn't put any of the decompression parts, just plain old leg power

I'll have to tell my brother to take the plug off to check it....

BTW, what is helicoil or timesert?? I do have a thing to check the compression in the cylinder that looks like a sparkplug and fits like one in the sparkplug hole but I would have to kick the bike but it might damage the cylinder sleeve if any of the rings did break...

If you got anymore ideas, let me know

Thank you all =)
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Jan 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: essex uk
Posts: 33
There are so many things but as you say you were traveling at 50 and it cut out theni would say that its not going to be a valve problem as it shold have still run but badly but doubt it would restart. but still worth a try check valve gaps see if any have got really slack valve could have got stuck or seat moved. one quick try for a ring problem isremove plug squirt some oil in the cylinder (not too much just to seal). replace the plug and see if its ant harder to kick over. Hope its something silly and you get it sorted
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by bacardi23 View Post
BTW, what is helicoil or timesert??
Thank you all =)

They are both methods of repairing damaged threads, based on replacing the thread with another one of the same nominal diameter; search on the internet if you want to know more about them - they come as a kit if you are going to do a few of them, but workshops can do an individual one for you.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 Jan 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
They are both methods of repairing damaged threads, based on replacing the thread with another one of the same nominal diameter; search on the internet if you want to know more about them - they come as a kit if you are going to do a few of them, but workshops can do an individual one for you.


Ohhh.. Just took me a few seconds to find out what they are and which one is better lol.... I already new what they were but just didn't "see" it by those names If it is this problem, I'll fix it with a Timesert which is much stronger

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 10 Jan 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Hey guys. I ain't gonna need that timesert nor the helicoil because the sparkplug is where it is firmly in the sparkplug hole.. if my brother wasn't so damn lazy I'd be knowing already what the bike needs.. I'm gonna keep with the piston theory because it's the most likely..

One question, do you think I should change the bearings of it.. the bike only has a little under 11000miles but she is a 1990 model and has never been "in surgery" besides once (see thread comment #1)

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Jan 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by xtmito View Post
There are so many things but as you say you were traveling at 50 and it cut out theni would say that its not going to be a valve problem as it shold have still run but badly but doubt it would restart. but still worth a try check valve gaps see if any have got really slack valve could have got stuck or seat moved. one quick try for a ring problem isremove plug squirt some oil in the cylinder (not too much just to seal). replace the plug and see if its ant harder to kick over. Hope its something silly and you get it sorted

For my 2 cents worth, sort out what is the current problem before looking for more! (See above).
Check things logically, adjusting one thing at a time, if it is necessary, to see what difference that makes.

Bearings:
11000 miles is not much, if it is genuine??! And which bearings anyway? - a rebore is much less work than getting into the crankcases.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 10 Jan 2008
bacardi23's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: XXX<-Portugal->Azores->Santa Maria (island)
Posts: 1,544
Yes, the bike and the kickstart parts are Yamaha genuine.. all the bearings.. because they could've rusted? the engine, right side cover, was open for almost two months :\ tho always inside my garage and the weather was dry.... I will probably have to put an oversized piston on the bike,the smallest possible...but untill I get back home..maybe 1st February or just in beginning of March.. and I'll check everything maybe I'm just being paranoid about the bearings lol =)
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 '94 tank Roon-E Yamaha Tech 3 4 Jul 2007 14:24
Is the XT600E a reliable DS tourer? Stuhowes Yamaha Tech 10 20 Nov 2006 19:20
spokes & xt600 type & piston & gears aukeboss Yamaha Tech 2 12 Feb 2001 21:10

 
 

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
Ecuador: 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 01:54.

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