Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Yamaha Tech
Yamaha Tech Originally the Yamaha XT600 Tech Forum, due to demand it now includes all Yamaha's technical / mechanical / repair / preparation questions.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Slovenia, Europe
Posts: 3
XTZ 660 Tenere '94 cold start problem

Hello!

I have a problem w/ my newly acquired motorcycle. It just refuses to start when cold. The mechanic changed the air filter and adjusted valve clearances.
The thing is, that it starts w/no problem if it was previously running at least 10 secs. It'll start with the touch of the start button until it gets cold. When cold it just doesn't start. I tried different tecnics to start it w/full choke, w/half choke, wo choke, w/throttle, wo throttle... Nothing seems to work but removing the spark plug, dry or heat it (it is soaked w/ gasoline), few turns wo spark plug to clear the cylinder and reinstal the plug and voila.... (if I do not drain the battery earlier).
Someone suggested checking the ignition coil for cracks. He said he had identical problem on his bmw '85. After changing the coil, the problem was gone. I removed the coil but there are no visible damages there. Could this be the problem?
Otherwise the motor runs great. The consumption is normal with 5,5l /100km I presume...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Cowra NSW Australia
Posts: 5
I had a similar problem with my 99 XTZ660 when I first bought it. Thought I had pulled the choke on and cranked for 5 minutes before flattening the battery. It would start when hot without a problem, but when cold would take forever.

Tracked the problem down to a stuck choke plunger in the carb. Removed the tank and LHS fairing to access the LHS of the carb, and undid the brass nut that secured the mechanism into the carb. This allowed the plunger to be removed and lubricated with WD40 or similar.

Fired first go when put back together. Seemed the choke had not been working after all, and the collective wisdom with this motor is that they are buggers to start without it working properly.

Good luck
Stuart
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Gosford, Australia
Posts: 7
Cold start

My 98 xt600 does the same when the idle is set to high. It floods instantly and I have to take out the sparkplug and dry it.

My suggestion: turn the idle right down and try again from cold - even if you have to keep it running with the throttle.(Give it the smallest amount of throttle your right hand is able do, while cranking to get it to fire)

Then turn the idle up bit by bit, letting it cool down every time. If you go to high it will flood agian tomorrow morning.

If I turn my idle screw 1/8 turn out the bike wont idle and 1/8 in it floods the spark plug with feul in the morning. took me a week of small adjustment every day to get it right. Mine rev at 1600rpm but im sure every bike is different.

Good luck
It might help or not....

PS: If you spray bug spray or deoderant(any flamable airosol) in the airbox while cranking you can sometimes get a flooded bike to start.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Slovenia, Europe
Posts: 3
Thank you Stuart an Hanzie for good points....

The bike is at the mechanic at the moment. I pick it up tomorrow. We'll try changing the ignition coil (with one that is known good) and we'll see. I have allready messed with the choke system when I changed the choke wire and it seems to operate well. If the problem remains, I'll check the choke again and if that doesn't help, I'll start tinkering with idle mixture screw.
There's got to be a solution and I'll find it)

I'll let you know the results...

Thanks again for help and greetings to you people down under.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 22 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Gosford, Australia
Posts: 7
Exclamation Idle screw

Hi

Just to make sure Im not talking about the idle mixture screw but the idle screw that dictate how high the bike idle when the throttle is closed. On my bike its outside the carburator with a spring on it and you adjust it by hand.

Hanzie
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 22 Apr 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
other threads

I suggest you look through the other threads that are in this technical forum as well.

There is lots of other advice; I have a TT600R which has been a pig to start over the past month - there is a lot of information in two recent threads and I think the engines are very similar (someone can correct me if that is not so).

I read most of the threads that are in here about starting Yamaha bikes in the last month and I got mine going yesterday!!

One point: I believe in changing one thing at a time and watching for what that does before moving on to another idea - it works for me!

Good luck with the trouble shooting!

Dave
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 28 Apr 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Slovenia, Europe
Posts: 3
After one week of using known good ignition coil and cable there is no difference. I can exclude the spark plug, cable and the coil.
I tore down the bike and cleaned all the electrical contacts and sprayed them with contact spray. No difference.
Set the idle mixture leaner, no difference. The thing just doesn't want to start. It seems it gets too many fuel at the first turn. The spark is soaking wet. If I change it, it fires rigt up.
I also tried to lower down the idle speed as Hanzie suggested. No difference.

Yesterday I acquired carb repair kit. I think it has to be a problem with the carb not sealing sth right....
I'll clean the carb and change the sealings and floater valve tomorrow. The problem is I dont have the service manual. Actually I have one in german but my german is *very* bad.
I would be very grateful if someone here could send me at least the carb chapter of the service manual (in english) for the '94 XTZ 660 Tenere 3YF or direct me to an internet resource.....

Thanks for help!!!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 28 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 45
If you understand spanish you can download an XTZ660 parts catalogue from Catalogo de Partes

In any event you may find the graphics useful
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 28 Apr 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: UK
Posts: 45
I just checked this ... the catalogue is in english
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 7 Jun 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 1
cold start problem

Hi,
I had a similar problem that was fixed by replacing the needle and seat although my float bowl was overflowing.
Try starting it with the fuel tap off after it has been turned off overnight and/or with the fuel tap off and using aerostart (ether-mix spray).
Unfortunately, now my bike starts fine cold without choke but doesn't want to idle and won't start when it is warm.
Choke appears to be mechanically functional so I am going to have to check seal etc next.
Any tips there anyone?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 29 Dec 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Turkey
Posts: 4
xtz660 cold starting forever :)

dear Ivchxtz660,

I have absolutly the same problem with my new (new but 1996 ) xtz660 , we think that the problem is in the carb, will take it off for a closer look on monday. I think the problem is in the choke system, the cable, lever, etc.. it is not functioning right, something there!

You did'nt write how you survived this problem, can you inform me before monday? And maybe your german service manual can be helpful 'coz my german is not so bad.

nice weekend rides to all;
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 29 Dec 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
If your bike is not starting from cold have you tried draining the fuel from the carb by undoing the drain screw.
Retighten the drain screw you get fresh petrol from your tank and some times this will help start the engine.
The part of the petrol which ignites evaropetes alot quicker then the old type petrol, its possible that the ignition part of the petrol that has been sitting in your float bowl has evorapted.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 29 Dec 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Turkey
Posts: 4
drain screw

thank you bolla,

I will try this before I start taking all down. it looks like that the previous owner has played with the drain screw several times before (I think we speak about the same screw, just under the carb looking from leftside) because the threads head looks damaged. I will try to drain it if it turns )
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 29 Dec 2007
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: London,England
Posts: 358
Quote:
Originally Posted by TenereTree View Post
thank you bolla,

I will try this before I start taking all down. it looks like that the previous owner has played with the drain screw several times before (I think we speak about the same screw, just under the carb looking from leftside) because the threads head looks damaged. I will try to drain it if it turns )
That is the screw
if it is damaged you should order a replacement screw.
Good luck
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 5 Jan 2008
Ten660's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Whitchurch
Posts: 79
Have you checked the air fiter is clean and not collapsed? I had very similar problems which were traced to the filter being dirty and choking the airflow enough to flood the bike from cold.
Andy
Reply With Quote
Reply


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
89 tenere problem fward Yamaha Tech 5 13 Apr 2007 07:09
XT 600 Tenere 34L Hot Start Difficulty Petrol Cap Yamaha Tech 2 25 Nov 2006 11:26
Tenere reserve tanks problem... TahoeTenere Yamaha Tech 5 5 Jun 2006 23:22
Tenere 600 problem AnteK Yamaha Tech 1 2 Jun 2003 18:36
Tenere charging problem Mark Yamaha Tech 2 28 Feb 2002 11:19

 
 

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!

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 20:37.