Hard to start???

c_mcsherry · 07-01-2008

Hello all. I have a 1991 KX250. It is hard or next to impoosible to kick start. I have replaced the plug, and put in fresh gas. It push starts just fine. I don't have a compression tester but the tire skids quite a bit when push starting. And by the feel of it when I kick it I would say it is not compression.

When I had the plug out I tested for spark. I did not get anything unless I kicked it hard. And even then it was white not blue. I think I might have weak spark.

My questions are: what are the most common causes of hard starting? In the ignition system whatf is the most likely cause for weak spark? Cdi? And lastly are there after market ingnition parts available? Or can a complete stator, flywheel, cdi, coil, & kill switch from a newer bike be used?

Oh and the plug is wet when I pull it so I think it is getiing fuel. Thank you in advance.

dmstarr · 07-01-2008

before you go yanking your ignition system, check the spark plug cap (the rubber boot)
mine was loose, and did exactly what you are describing.

XR893 · 07-02-2008

When a 2 stroke wont kick start (especially from cold) but push starts easy it usually means low compression.

c_mcsherry · 07-02-2008

Thanks for the replies. I will check the suggestions and get back.

stevied645 · 07-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR893

When a 2 stroke wont kick start (especially from cold) but push starts easy it usually means low compression.

+1

KickassKX125 · 07-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by XR893

When a 2 stroke wont kick start (especially from cold) but push starts easy it usually means low compression.

Yeah, that what mine did until I rebuilt the top-end, runs strong as anything now, taking it to the local track at the weekend if the weather holds up.

stevied645 · 07-02-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by KickassKX125

Yeah, that what mine did until I rebuilt the top-end, runs strong as anything now, taking it to the local track at the weekend if the weather holds up.

Who cares about the weather, binbags over you socks before the boots and waterproofs, its raining alot here the now it dont stop me though, i need my fix of kx every weekend.

KickassKX125 · 07-02-2008

It isnt so much the getting wet as the mud round here. If it gets wet it's like sheet ice and it f---ing hurts when you try to stop and have to use a tree or im my case a fence post and break it.

stevied645 · 07-02-2008

muck is brilliant lol many falls etc to laugh at, its mucky where we ride constantly, ive prob just got used to it because i fly about like a maniac in it.

KickassKX125 · 07-02-2008

On the bike or on your back rolling and skidding round laughing?

stevied645 · 07-02-2008

well as long as i havent got a bone hanging out my leg ill laugh about a fall(dont wanna look like a little girl), and when im sitting watching its great to watch people fall of especially the people i dont like haha

KickassKX125 · 07-02-2008

I made a guy on a RMZ250 crash at the local track by chasing him and he fell off and his helmet made a smallish patch on a tree!!

stevied645 · 07-02-2008

lol its not good when they fall of right in front of you and you nearly run them over, done it myself a few times mega scary

KickassKX125 · 07-02-2008

Funny though

c_mcsherry · 07-02-2008

Ok, forgive me I hav'nt done a top end since I was a kid. And I guess doing the top end could'nt hurt.
Is it just removing the head, & clyinder & replacing the piston & rings? Do I need a gasket kit? And are there any recomendations as to where to get a piston kit? I periodically check ebay for deals but nothing for my year?

Thanks again for the advice.

QKENUF4U · 07-02-2008

do a actual compression check W/ A GUAGE before throwing parts at it. if its getting down to around a 100psi then yes its done. if its still got 130psi+ then its more of an electircal prlblem (bad plug,wire,coil,pickup etc..)

guage in tight, wide open throttle, kick till needle stops

c_mcsherry · 07-04-2008

Ok so I bought a copmpression tester & tested. I got about 217 psi. So waht should I try next?

stevied645 · 07-04-2008

thats a lot, so ur top end is fine, i dont know what could be wrong

KickassKX125 · 07-05-2008

217psi!!, the top end must be brand new!! Electrical problem then.

c_mcsherry · 07-05-2008

Any recommendations on where to start?

07-01-2008	#1 (permalink)
c_mcsherry Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 20	Hard to start??? Hello all. I have a 1991 KX250. It is hard or next to impoosible to kick start. I have replaced the plug, and put in fresh gas. It push starts just fine. I don't have a compression tester but the tire skids quite a bit when push starting. And by the feel of it when I kick it I would say it is not compression. When I had the plug out I tested for spark. I did not get anything unless I kicked it hard. And even then it was white not blue. I think I might have weak spark. My questions are: what are the most common causes of hard starting? In the ignition system whatf is the most likely cause for weak spark? Cdi? And lastly are there after market ingnition parts available? Or can a complete stator, flywheel, cdi, coil, & kill switch from a newer bike be used? Oh and the plug is wet when I pull it so I think it is getiing fuel. Thank you in advance.

07-02-2008	#8 (permalink)
KickassKX125 Now after another 125!! BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England, UK Posts: 889	It isnt so much the getting wet as the mud round here. If it gets wet it's like sheet ice and it f---ing hurts when you try to stop and have to use a tree or im my case a fence post and break it. __________________ Jamie 1996 CR250: 2 engines both with the same 1/2 missing! After another 125 to kill the garden!

07-02-2008	#9 (permalink)
stevied645 Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 728	muck is brilliant lol many falls etc to laugh at, its mucky where we ride constantly, ive prob just got used to it because i fly about like a maniac in it. __________________ *KX250/500 Hybrid LOL Scary Stuff*

07-02-2008	#10 (permalink)
KickassKX125 Now after another 125!! BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England, UK Posts: 889	On the bike or on your back rolling and skidding round laughing? __________________ Jamie 1996 CR250: 2 engines both with the same 1/2 missing! After another 125 to kill the garden!

07-02-2008	#11 (permalink)
stevied645 Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 728	well as long as i havent got a bone hanging out my leg ill laugh about a fall(dont wanna look like a little girl), and when im sitting watching its great to watch people fall of especially the people i dont like haha __________________ *KX250/500 Hybrid LOL Scary Stuff*

07-01-2008	#2 (permalink)
dmstarr Tree Magnet BTK Expert Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 380	before you go yanking your ignition system, check the spark plug cap (the rubber boot) mine was loose, and did exactly what you are describing.

07-02-2008	#3 (permalink)
XR893 Uncle Bob's Love Child BTK Intermediate Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 257	When a 2 stroke wont kick start (especially from cold) but push starts easy it usually means low compression.

07-02-2008	#4 (permalink)
c_mcsherry Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 20	Thanks for the replies. I will check the suggestions and get back.

07-02-2008	#12 (permalink)
KickassKX125 Now after another 125!! BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England, UK Posts: 889	I made a guy on a RMZ250 crash at the local track by chasing him and he fell off and his helmet made a smallish patch on a tree!! __________________ Jamie 1996 CR250: 2 engines both with the same 1/2 missing! After another 125 to kill the garden!

07-02-2008	#13 (permalink)
stevied645 Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 728	lol its not good when they fall of right in front of you and you nearly run them over, done it myself a few times mega scary __________________ *KX250/500 Hybrid LOL Scary Stuff*

07-02-2008	#14 (permalink)
KickassKX125 Now after another 125!! BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England, UK Posts: 889	Funny though __________________ Jamie 1996 CR250: 2 engines both with the same 1/2 missing! After another 125 to kill the garden!

07-02-2008	#15 (permalink)
c_mcsherry Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 20	Ok, forgive me I hav'nt done a top end since I was a kid. And I guess doing the top end could'nt hurt. Is it just removing the head, & clyinder & replacing the piston & rings? Do I need a gasket kit? And are there any recomendations as to where to get a piston kit? I periodically check ebay for deals but nothing for my year? Thanks again for the advice.

07-02-2008	#16 (permalink)
QKENUF4U AZ's Official Mechanic BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: phoenix arizona Posts: 3,650	do a actual compression check W/ A GUAGE before throwing parts at it. if its getting down to around a 100psi then yes its done. if its still got 130psi+ then its more of an electircal prlblem (bad plug,wire,coil,pickup etc..) guage in tight, wide open throttle, kick till needle stops

07-04-2008	#17 (permalink)
c_mcsherry Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 20	Ok so I bought a copmpression tester & tested. I got about 217 psi. So waht should I try next?

07-04-2008	#18 (permalink)
stevied645 Wants better weather! BTK Expert Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 728	thats a lot, so ur top end is fine, i dont know what could be wrong __________________ *KX250/500 Hybrid LOL Scary Stuff*

07-05-2008	#19 (permalink)
KickassKX125 Now after another 125!! BTK Expert Join Date: May 2007 Location: Helmsley, North Yorkshire, England, UK Posts: 889	217psi!!, the top end must be brand new!! Electrical problem then. __________________ Jamie 1996 CR250: 2 engines both with the same 1/2 missing! After another 125 to kill the garden!

07-05-2008	#20 (permalink)
c_mcsherry Newbie Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: South Jersey Posts: 20	Any recommendations on where to start?

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