UK_DT

Having removed the head and barrel of my DT400E for painting, I note that the barrel is held on with 4 long nuts. On looking at the online exploded engine diagrams there appears to be what is described as a Washer plate that sits between the nut and the barrel (item 16 shown here Engine Diagram CMSNL). Given the appearance of the Washer Plate, am I right to assume that it is only a part required on first assembly as the serrations suggest it is a permanent install? I didn't retrieve these when I stripped the top end and having measured the distance from where the nut seats to the underside of the barrel (approx 33mm) and compared it with the minimum distance from the bottom of the nut to the engine casing when it is fully screwed in (approx 23mm) it appears that the nuts will secure the barrel when torqued down. Just want to know if I should have retrieved these washers or that they are either permanently fitted? Hope that makes sense.

Ebay is the obvious first place to look. I've sold a few DT400E / MX parts on there recently and only have the upper throttle cable left (part no. 1M2-26311-00).

Is there a label on the head stock? These give the month and year of manufacture.

Maybe too late but try emailing Yamaha [email protected]

Check the carburettor jets as US models seemed to have different jets to UK models or owners changed them if they were using the bikes at higher altitudes (according to Clymer manual it should be a 140 or 150, Yambits.co.uk states its's a 130). Also make sure air filter is clean.

Look for a sticker on the headstock that will state month and year of manufacture. Make sure that whoever does the dating certificate sees this as if it is close to change over month it might make a difference as to whether it gets a V or W registration number.

Depending on how you intend on using the bike, a 12 volt conversion might be a better (though more expensive) option. There's a thread on how it was done on a 175 here: DT175 12V conversion Or this one on a suitable kit: dt400 12 volt conversion Or a US site that supplies them: hvccycle kit

Email Yamaha customer services and they should be able to help: [email protected]

There might be a label attached around the head stock which gives month and year of manufacture.

I think max power is produced at 5,500 rpm and torque at 5,000 rpm, so going beyond that is pretty pointless. It's a large capacity, two-stroke single so is never going to be a 'red-line screamer'. Best change up early and ride the torque.

Thanks, that's useful to know.

Will the ethanol also impact on two-strokes? Should super unleaded be used instead of regular on two-strokes?

Check for a sticker by the headstock, it usually has a date of manufacture. Also Yamaha UK were fine when I enquired on build date for my US DT400E. Just give them the chassis and engine numbers. Don't use VJMC, they dated my bike one year out (I should have sent them a 'One Year Out' T-Shirt !)

Late post, but thought would add it all the same! I used this relay when I added LED indicators to my bike: Electronic flasher relay Only issue I had was that the pins don't tally with the standard relay's socket, so some manual re-configuring was required.

Great job with that DT400b. My brother had one back in the late 70's in the black and it always was a tasty looking bike. Are you planning on keeping it?

That looks like a nice job, was it expensive?

Try contacting Yamaha customer services ([email protected]) and provide the frame number. They should be able to confirm the colour the bike was supplied in.

Or it's half a solution. Anyway, trying to add a digital solution to an analogue machine is never going to be entirely straightforward. My solution involves the minimum amount of work to get a usable fix and the downside is minimal compared to the upside of clear, bright, regular flashing indicators whilst waiting at a junction to turn right (or left in other parts of the world). A glance at the left hand switch unit is enough to remind me I've left on the indicator side which doesn't operate the idiot light and saves me having to get out the soldering iron and start messing around with the headlight spaghetti. However, for the sake of completeness, the OP should feel free to follow others suggestions.

I had this problem when I installed LED's to my DT400. The easiest thing to do is remove either the left or right feed connector to the idiot bulb. Granted, the idiot bulb only illuminates when the other side is operated, but I can live with that. Overall it's a good conversion and to have indicators on a 6V machine that actually flash consistently at idle is a welcome change!

LH helicoils are available, but it might be cheaper to get a lever holder off ebay (something like this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-341-82911-00-00-HOLDER-LEVER-1-1973-RD250-1975-DT175-1978-XS1100-1980-XS8-/221020543456?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3375d9d9e0)

Guessing your ankle's not broken then? Great thread this, thoroughly enjoying reading up on your progress and great pictures too!

Wish my garage looked that tidy

If you've booked the MOT and can/could prove it, you should be ok providing you have all relevant paperwork. On a slightly different note, we had a car stolen, which was recovered and taken to a police compound. When we collected it a week later there were no registration plates on it and I asked if we were ok driving it to the nearest dealer and they said yes.

Wish my pillion had a "hot arse"! Hope she doesn't read this

Both of those bikes look superb and sound wonderful - that 2 stroke burble is music to my ears! Great restoration job on both - any plans for any more?