Prevent Oil Failure 80-83 Yamaha SR250 XT250 TT250 Roll Pin Mod

[@thxcuz]

Your videos are clear and concise. As a video production guy I can appreciate it. As an amateur mechanic I can really appreciate it.

[@derekfox6543]

I just bought an 82 xt250 yesterday. I'm glad I found this video.

[@waitercheckplease]

Thanks for taking the time to video and post. It is of great importance to those of us with these bikes.

[@stevegeorgiou8104]

Did the mod. Can literally HEAR the difference. So much smoother valve train !!!! Excellent modification and essential by all means. Somehow my 1980 sr 250 lasted 10k miles but there IS a noticeable difference before and after in how engine idles. So glad I did it

[@benjaminterblanche4860]

❤will be doing 6 soon 😊

[@motoshark5847]

This was an excellent video on the oil mod for the mini xt/tt/Sr engine. I did this to my XT several years ago and also to the SR motor I ended up Putting in my ‘83 XT. Thanks for posting so others can save these engines and have years of fun on the bikes.

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks a bunch for letting me know. Yes, let's save these old bikes!

[@DaveR-lo6hq]

My 81 Xt has 7,300 miles on it, always garaged, paid $1600. In Eureka California in 81.

[@Ifishazores]

great video! just ordered parts! took a chance and just bought a 1980 xt250 dont know what im in for but im knee deep in it! ill just keep heads up on your videos

[@joemilich]

Hello. First time viewer here. I just picked up a non runner 1982 Yamaha SR250 over the weekend. I'm not a mechanic by any means. But, I do plan on learning with this bike. Hopefully, I'll get my 9 year old daughter to help with the project. I'll be watching/ liking everything you post.

[@jimmytmoto]

Hey Joe, thanks a bunch for watching! The SR250 is wonderful bike to learn how to wrench on. And kudos on hopefully getting your daughter involved. I'll be back in the swing of posting videos once riding season gets here.

[@MrJimbohill]

I'm in the U.K. Just found the roll pins on eBay. Will be doing mine and my dads bike, thank you for the video. Really appreciate the little things.

[@jimmytmoto]

Thanks for letting me know. If the video helps save even one bike then it's worth it!

[@krieger6966]

Thank you for that very informative video...hopefully it saves a lot of vintage yamahas from early retirement ..I have a 1982 XT 250 looking to buy another this week 👍👍🇺🇸

[@alienmoped5769]

Well well, My 81 Flat tracker S250 just chewed a Camshaft, and yes whaddya know, no punch mark on the serial, I'll have to rebuild, gotta second hand cam and rockers, chewed the rockers as well, I'll replace the oil pump as well just in case and add this mod, very good video mate, nice one.

[@jimmytmoto]

That flat tracker sounds like a lot of fun! Sorry to hear about your camshaft, that sucks. Hopefully this mod will keep it going once it's rebuilt. The SR really is a great, simple platform for all types of builds...I'm considering transforming mine even further this year.

[@alienmoped5769]

Yes it did, oil was flowing into the head really well, its up and running again now.

[@alienmoped5769]

Here's a pic of her. www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/739012620092518880

[@trevorlucas264]

Was it the cam lobes or cam bearings?

[@loganclark6791]

Thanks for the link for the part, I'll be making this mod on my bike soon as it comes in the mail.

[@jimmytmoto]

You're welcome and good luck with the mod!

[@collyernicholasjohn]

Thanks Jimmy - I just did this roll pin mod based on your video. Cheers

[@supernova6177]

Just got me an 81 xt250 so excited to get it running!!!!

[@twowheelventure]

I had no idea about this. I own 5 of this generation XT250s. Lucky me, all five of my bikes have the punch mark over the dash.

[@DaveR-lo6hq]

I have a 81 xt250, was not aware there was a problem, ty

[@exploder69]

Wow, thank you Jimmy, I think this might have been part of what took my 1982 SR250 off the road. I say part of, because I know it was also related to me stupidly adding some very thick Lucas stuff to the oil, and also NOT changing the old filter. I bet that in combination with this oil journal size problem, it was altogether too much resistance to properly oil the top end, which is why the exhaust cam follower died over the next short while of riding. One day I have to revive that 250, and I am very grateful for this information. Cheers :)

[@jimmytmoto]

@exploder69 I definitely thought of you when I found out about this tech bulletin from @PizzaMan 5000 . Your diagnosis makes complete sense. I do hope you revive that SR250 someday and hopefully this brings more confidence to the build! I'll be interested to see if there's feedback from other 80-83 SR/XT/TT250 owners and how many of the motorcycles are still being ridden.

[@binnydinney9739]

exploder69 I have a small junkyard behind my shop and would be happy to see if I have a good head with camshaft for an sr250. I know I have a 1981 XT250 engine and I think I have an SR250 head but it doesn’t have a camshaft.

[@marcleblanc3602]

Some are lucky, did not expect anything with Yahama, worked fine with 100km/h but stopped getting up there, works fine till third gear, 60 tops :( Guess need to change piston rings....

[@Cbrplay]

Perfectly done! Thank you!

[@Playandride]

Nice tutorial, will do this when i'm changing the clutch friction plates 👍

[@Motovettura]

Thank you Jimmy, I’m just working on an SR250 street tracker project, fell over your vid whilst WILFing , great bit of information lost in time.

[@jimmytmoto]

Right on and thanks for appreciating older bikes! Good luck with your street tracker and the internet surfing...

[@TheTechKey]

thanks I'll go check my 81 xt250!

[@jimmytmoto]

It's great to hear you're still riding your 81 XT250! Good luck on finding the little mark on the serial number. It's cool that Yamaha used this system so we can tell years later whether or not the update has been done.

[@nurseratchet8535]

Very tidy work and clear explanation - thank you

[@XxLukas95xX]

Hi there, i just got the 1980 SR250 as a project bike. Went for few short rides just to get the feel for it and I absolutely love it! Great little bike. Before I ride it again I would like to change the oil. The manual states that I should use SAE 20w40 API SE oil. I checked online but could not find any in the UK, do you recommend any alternatives? Thanks in advance

[@jimmytmoto]

Hey, Lukas, the manufacturers largely quit making 20w40 and have switched to 10w40, which will do just fine in your SR250. I'd recommend Yamalube if you can get it, but any motorcycle specific 10w40 will have you covered. Congrats on the bike and enjoy the ride!

[@tirefiregarage]

It's such a clean bike!

[@binnydinney9739]

I have one question. Why did you not change the JIS screws for Allen head screws? It doesn’t cost much and will save you a lot of work in the end.

[@alienmoped5769]

I changed all of my crankcase screws to allens and a quite a few more, the Yamaha screws are JIS standard, you need Japanese standard Screwdrivers to fit them properly, that's why you see so many sheared ones on older bikes.

[@jimmytmoto]

That's a good question and I'm sure the answer will sound a little strange and illogical but here goes...many years ago as a trail rider I switched out a bunch of screws for allen heads but then found they packed with mud and made trail side repairs really tedious and frustrating. As a result, I don't always think of using allen heads as quickly as others. Illogical, I know, but there you go. For carbs I usually just grab some regular phillips screws from the local home depot and make sure to seat the screwdriver properly.

[@LoganTech98]

Love your videos. I have a 81 XT 250 love the bike, but I have found your roll pin using your link and I found the exact replacement from Yamaha online. Do you know is the OEM part longer so do I have to push it in til it’s even? Or does it matter which part I get? Thanks

[@wolfdue2236]

I don't why I am watching this, I don't even have a motorcycle.

[@damiankaren]

Did you get one yet?

[@ercost60]

Good video! Another 9-digit VIN/engine number, same as my '82 XT200. I don't think this mod applies to my bike.

[@cobococreek1224]

Interesting, found the center punch mark you mentioned on the engine but it's below the dash lol!?

[@exciter2506]

I have never heard of this modification. I just checked my 1980 SR250, and it has the dot above the dash on the serial number. I have no idea when this was done? I have owned this bike for 15 years and have over 44,000 miles on it.

[@michaelthompson2135]

Hi Jimmy, I have just done this modification and now I have no oil pressure at bleed points

[@joemilich]

How do you suggest replacing stripped JIS screws? All the screws on the carb are F'ed. Once they are off, I plan to replace with standard screws. Probably Allen heads.

[@jimmytmoto]

That's a really common occurrence, especially on the carb. Luckily, you can usually take a small pair of vise grips and clamp onto the outside of those screws, then they will break loose easily. Recessed screws are a lot harder to deal with. The Allen heads are a fine way to go there but just don't get tempted to over tighten them as a result of having all that grip.

[@joemilich]

I went further down the hole that is KZbin. Found JIS impact sets along with the impact screwdriver. Didn't have any of those. But, I wanted to do something tonight anyway. So, I ground down one of my regular Phillips head bits. Put it on the screw in question and smacked it with a hammer a bit. Knocked it loose and was able to get a bit of "new" groove. By the way... Float bowl was caked in dark brown gunk. Carb's clean now though. Jets are clear. Diaphragm looks perfect. Can't ask for anything better.

[@binnydinney9739]

If the vice grips don’t work then try some sears bolt extractors or maybe even a reverse/left hand drill bit.

[@ralphlamoureux266]

Tightening far too much is the root of the issue. Then using non adapted screwdrivers. when it's too late, as the screw will be discarded, cutting a deep enough slot across its head allows to get it out with a flat screwdriver. Dremel-type mini disc cutter or old school metal saw... If the rust played a role use liquid wrench overnight and shock the screw head front & side before slotting its head. When outed, you can replace it with the same original screws, that will never cause any problem because you use proper tool and proper tightening torque. If you like the original look of these 1980's engines, you can appreciate using them respectfully, the exact way they were designed for. Now bettering them with Allen sets is a clever efficient option that brings modernity to the look. But your vintage bike will not time travel back to the airiness of 1980 the same way ;o)

[@neilroebuck395]

Hi, how are you getting on with the modification? I’ve just bought some 6 x 20mm stainless roll pins ready to do the mod (not original Yamaha part) on my 1980 XT250. A year on from your mod, I was wondering if you can tell that the mod is working and no adverse behaviour from a non-Yamaha part? Thanks!

[@lilmercury1981]

Heya! I don't suppose you have a link for the gasket and seal do you? I'm planning on doing this repair this winter.

[@jimmytmoto]

Hey, Sam, any Yamaha dealer can get it for you or you can buy OEM parts from an online retailer like Bike Bandit. Here's their link to the parts fiche, where you can order directly: www.bikebandit.com/oem-parts/1981-yamaha-sr250h/o/m7621#sch222113

[@lilmercury1981]

jimmytmoto sweet thank you! I just got a 1980 sr250 and stumbled across this video. Sure enough no dot above the serial number on the engine so it looks like I caught this just in time!

[@ElKevino92]

Thanks so much for the video. I just picked up an 81 tt250 last weekend and I plan to keep this thing running for as long as possible. So glad to have stumbled on this video. Time to get to know the guys at the Yamaha dealership.

[@dennisknackstedt18]

only problem i have had since i done this was an oil leak at the head gasket right where the oil passage goes into the head. it cracks and pushes the head gasket out. have replaced head gasket twice. too much oil pressure if you overevv.

[@sydney0596]

What kind of gas tank do you have

[@derekfox6543]

Did you notice more oil coming out of that bleeder bolt after doing the mod then what you had before?

[@johnaloi30]

I saw that you recommended Yamalube 10w-40.... Regular or synthetic ????

[@caponira]

Hi, Im in australia and have a 1980 sr 250. Just wandering if you have a size of the roll pin restrictor that I can get from the auto store, cheers.

[@Keyumiz]

Does it matter what kind of sandpaper to use after removing the gasket?

[@mustaphagibba6342]

hello I need help with my Yamaha sr250 need help with the discer

[@DobleWhiteAndStabley]

Odd question, if I need to replace the Carb on my excitor, I can't find one oem. But I keep getting recommendations for xt250 etc. Are those comparable?

[@jimmytmoto]

Hey, Panic, I can only offer a guess here, really. Hopefully you can pinpoint any problems with the stock carb and still find individual oem parts to swap out any particular problem stuff, like a bad diaphragm or a plugged pilot jet. If you do need to replace the whole carb then the ones from the '81-'83 XT250 and TT250 would PROBABLY work and run okay...but they might have a different throttle cable or airboot setup that might need addressed. I'd be interested to hear if anyone has any further info. I hope this helps. eBay is your friend. Good luck and keep me posted!

[@Aciecarter238]

How do u adjust the clutch on these bikes. Run the screw all the way in then back it off quarter turn ? Then put the nut on the outside. I'm rebuilding my motor an can't find it anywhere in the service manual.

[@casey3916]

also if the oil is coming out of that top hole does that mean it's ok?

[@trevorlucas264]

Is this the same as the sr185?

[@hillbillydeluxe199]

How much oil does it take to top off

[@marceloreyes8652]

impeca saludo desxe uruguay👍💪😎

[@charliek2051]

Would a 1981 SR185 need this mod?

[@fuzzwack1]

Is there any way to adjust the chain on the starter drive?

[@jasonespinoza1191]

The oil drain plug is extremely rounded off on the bike I bought. Any ideas on how to remove? It is counter clockwise to remove, correct?

[@rynchitravels1268]

Hey Jason, I'd first try giving it a couple of taps with a hammer like he does to the screw heads in this video. Then I'd attach a pair of vice grips or channel locks to it. And turn. If that doesn't work, you can add a bit of heat too it with a heat gun and then try gently tapping on a slightly smaller sized wrench too it. Hope that is advice that will not completely sabotage your bike :)

[@kaster2014]

I have SR 2009 It need this pins?

[@SergioGarcia-kz3wm]

Where can I buy those parts

[@jacobabbott6957]

Having issues with mine leaking oil from the crankcase breather tube that routes to the air box. Could that be because of this issue where to much oil is transferring into the case and then being forced through the breather tube?

[@jimmytmoto]

Jacob, I guess it could be, though I haven't heard of that direct result and can't really figure out how that could result. Most often what you've described is the result of the crankcase being overfilled with oil. I'd say to double check the oil level and also smell it for gas. In extreme cases a stuck carb float can cause gas to drain into the cylinder and down the crank while the bike is sitting, resulting in an overfull condition. Give the oil level another look (and smell) and let me know what you find. Good luck!

[@jacobabbott6957]

jimmytmoto checked gas tank and found it empty 😂 float was stuck and oil smelled like gas. Thanks for the help

[@marcleblanc3602]

O too late for me, compression is down to 130 :( no rev on 4&5 gear = 60 km/h

[@efirizaki5656]

Can I do it on a TW200

[@jimmytmoto]

Hi efi, it isn't necessary to do this on the TW200, it didn't have this particular oiling problem. So you're good to go already.

[@nickgardner6496]

Hi @Jimmytmoto, bit off topic but you seem like a bit of an XT wizard. I just posed up a video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaqql4yMj6qArrc its of my bike with some unwanted engine noise. Just wanted to see if you had come across a similar noise in the past and maybe had an idea of what it could be. I will check to see if the mod in your video has been done on it. Thanks so much, Nick

[@casey3916]

cant you just use thinner synthetic oil instead of doing this procedure?