Old bike - what should I check in the engine?

connal · L Plate Warrior Joined: 09 Oct 2017 Karma :

Hi, I'm new to this forum so apologies for weighing straight in with a question. I'm gradually renewing a 1997 XT600 that came to me with no speedo so no way of knowing how many miles it had done. I'm guessing it had been badly treated though as it was running on just half a litre of oily sludge when I got it.

It's been going fine for a year or so but has developed a nasty irregular knock on idle so I'm about to open up the clutch side cover and check the drive shaft nut and key. I'll also be taking off the cylinder head cover to check the cam chain and valve clearance.

My question is, given this bike's uncertain history, is there anything else you would recommend I check while I've got it open? Thanks in advance.

Howling Terror · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

2 schools of thought.

Fix it when it breaks.

Whilst it is open treat it to some new bearings.
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RhynoCZ · Super Spammer Joined: 09 Mar 2012 Karma :

Yes, definitely check the head. I've had here a XR200 that was missing a lot of metal from the valve rockers and cams (resurfacing those is not expensive). While you're in there check the timing chain isn't too loose (timing chain tensioner failure would not be surprising). Thumbs Up

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pompousporcup... · World Chat Champion Joined: 15 Apr 2015 Karma :

If it has a reg, can you not confirm mileage from an online check thingymabob?

arry · Super Spammer Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Karma :

connal · L Plate Warrior Joined: 09 Oct 2017 Karma :

Thanks for all the advice guys. It's the first bike that I've got this mechanically intimate with so it's probably best to go with the 'Fix it when it breaks' approach. Too much chance I'll break something that wasn't broke if I get too ambitious. I just wanted to know I wasn't missing out anything obvious so your replies have helped a lot. I'm living in Portugal where we don't yet have MOTs for bikes (but it's coming grrrrr) so there is no record of mileage linked to plates here. The up side is we can do pretty much do what we want to a bike as long as it's got lights (for the time being). Great forum by the way - really friendly and helpful.