Hello , I just picked up a 79'Yamaha xs400 , the ID begins with 2L0...This is my first street legal bike, seems to be in good shape. I have a few more months before riding weather and have the bike inside, so i'd like to make sure it's all ready to ride. I'm hoping to find a manual soon, but I'd like to know what position to leave the pet cock while the bikes not running...left:RES...down:ON...Right:PRI?

Hello , I just picked up a 79'Yamaha xs400 , the ID begins with 2L0...This is my first street legal bike, seems to be in good shape. I have a few more months before riding weather and have the bike inside, so i'd like to make sure it's all ready to ride. I'm hoping to find a manual soon, but I'd like to know what position to leave the pet cock while the bikes not running...left:RES...down:ON...Right:PRI?

On will give fuel only(if its working right)when the engine's running down to a certain level maybe 3-4 litres

Res will give fuel only(if its working right)when the engine's running down to all but empty.

Pri will give fuel like the on position but irrispective of the engine running

So leave it in the on position.

On will give fuel only(if its working right)when the engine's running down to a certain level maybe 3-4 litres

Res will give fuel only(if its working right)when the engine's running down to all but empty.

Pri will give fuel like the on position but irrispective of the engine running

So leave it in the on position.

Thanks for the Information , the reason i ask is that , I left in the PRI position overnight, is this a problem , should i perhaps change oil , and filter...i have not tried to start it , the oil does not seem smell of gass ?

on

Thanks for the Information , the reason i ask is that , I left in the PRI position overnight, is this a problem , should i perhaps change oil , and filter...i have not tried to start it , the oil does not seem smell of gass ?

No, shouldn't worry on it so long as the carbs are ok it wont hurt just this time.

No, shouldn't worry on it so long as the carbs are ok it wont hurt just this time.

What type of oil and filter would you recomend for these bikes?

What type of oil and filter would you recomend for these bikes?

Woah, now were in Drewps territory, i don't do diesels......

Woah, now were in Drewps territory, i don't do diesels......

when you say you don't do diesels , you mean oils desingned for a diesel engine in a gas engine right? i have read a bit about this , being and option, and would indeed like to save the cash, but im wondering what the manual would recomend ....? The bike is still inspected and in fair condition , I'd just like to do some maintenance, not sure where to begin or what to purchase.

when you say you don't do diesels , you mean oils desingned for a diesel engine in a gas engine right? i have read a bit about this , being and option, and would indeed like to save the cash, but im wondering what the manual would recomend ....? The bike is still inspected and in fair condition , I'd just like to do some maintenance, not sure where to begin or what to purchase.

Oh no, no, no.

Its a minor slight to 4 strokes from the 2 stroke fans thats all. 4 stroke bikes are great but as far as getting oily with them compared to strokers i'm in the dark. aircooled DT's on the other hand

Oh no, no, no.

Its a minor slight to 4 strokes from the 2 stroke fans thats all. 4 stroke bikes are great but as far as getting oily with them compared to strokers i'm in the dark. aircooled DT's on the other hand

ok , thats all cool , thanks for your time , I appreciate it.

always get genuine yam filters. 1L9-13440-90

I use Millars supersport 20w 50 oil which is a semi synth oil. this lasts me a season and the internals are spotless after 5 years running it (and I don't spare the ponies, as Vez will testify)

don't go full synth or the clutch will slip.

I use Yamaha filters, Shell Rotella T 15w40 (diesel engine) oil. Works great and costs $11.50 a gallon.

I use Yamaha filters, Shell Rotella T 15w40 (diesel engine) oil. Works great and costs $11.50 a gallon.

damn im scared to go diesel oil. been running Valvoline/1 qt. SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil in my 80 xs400.

you think diesel is the better option or you run it just cause you can get a lot more of it for cheaper.

damn im scared to go diesel oil. been running Valvoline/1 qt. SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil in my 80 xs400.

you think diesel is the better option or you run it just cause you can get a lot more of it for cheaper.

I used diesel oil in a MK2 escort i had years back and ended up putting a set of rings in it. It has a very high detergent content. Be ok in a newer engine as my dad ran his cars on it from new, i knew no different and it was cheap (free) so i did the same.

Trouble was the detergents cleaned all the crap from the ring groves etc and she smoked like a missisippi steamer within weeks of the oil change.

damn im scared to go diesel oil. been running Valvoline/1 qt. SAE 20W-50 motorcycle oil in my 80 xs400.

you think diesel is the better option or you run it just cause you can get a lot more of it for cheaper.

With an oil change interval of no more than 2000 miles, I can't believe that I would see much benefit from synthetics...but who knows. Stick with what you know.

With an oil change interval of no more than 2000 miles, I can't believe that I would see much benefit from synthetics...but who knows. Stick with what you know.

i got an oil change due very soon im going to try Rotella T based on your recommendation. Worst case scenario it can be dumped for another.. whats the worse that will happen.