Cold starting problem

jesse1 · 04-28-2005

I have a 96 KLX 650 which has been a stubborn ox to get started cold. Once warmed up it starts fine. I recently removed the carb and disassembled and cleaned (soaked) IAW the service manual, unfortunately I did not have the service fuel level guage required to set the fuel bowl level so I have taken the removed and re-assembled carb, into a dealer for setting.

The plug has been replaced, no timimg to set, choke checked ok, multiple starting techniques attempted. I am hoping the carb clean fixes the problem, does anyone have any suggestions what to check next if my carb clean and set does not do the trick?

The bike cranks cold but just won't fire and the battery reaches depletion. The battery has been check ok, it just doesn't have the goods to continue cranking...the bike is taking too long to fire up. once running runs like a dream...p.s. I live in Canada it is cold soaked on a regular basis

QKENUF4U · 04-28-2005

sounds like its way to lean (wont run cold but will when hot) the float height may be off, i would ask the mech. if it was ok or off when you pick the carbs up

jesse1 · 05-01-2005

Well I talked to the shop and asked if the setting was out and according to them it wasn't. When I asked what it was set to they wouldn't say just said it's set to the book. Also said they found it was a bit dirty and the needle jet was worn and low on a psi test, curious since I soaked and cleaned the carb prior to assembly. It was extremely clean on assembly and when I checked the needle jet it was smooth, with no grooving, in fact looked new.

Anyhow nice of them to check it free of charge, I put the carb back on, and I rode this week-end much better throttle responsiveness, real smooth idle also, the cleaning did help. My battery was depleted again though so I recharged it for a few hours. I also accomplished a bit of a mod. Because the headlight comes on 55/60 watt bulb once the start button is engaged this would help to deplete my battery during the starting attempts. So although I don't like to alter original stuff i wired in a push on/off switch so I can turn on the headlight at my choice and after the engine has fired up.

Seems to really help however, I am still not convinced my battery is the strongest it could be. Does anyone know if you can install a higher AH battery in this bike without any concerns? right now it is 12V 8AH maintenance free Yuasa. Th shop said that if the carb doesn't help check the valve clearance, if out it could be a source of not starting when cold.

Jesse1

QKENUF4U · 05-02-2005

valves could be a very good possiblity.
as for your battery you could step it up without worry IMHO. whats the # on your battery right now (ex- xt12vx)

jesse1 · 05-03-2005

I will find out once I have access to it next. The battery box is quite tight so the dimensions would have to be no larger.

04-28-2005	#1 (permalink)
jesse1 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3	Cold starting problem I have a 96 KLX 650 which has been a stubborn ox to get started cold. Once warmed up it starts fine. I recently removed the carb and disassembled and cleaned (soaked) IAW the service manual, unfortunately I did not have the service fuel level guage required to set the fuel bowl level so I have taken the removed and re-assembled carb, into a dealer for setting. The plug has been replaced, no timimg to set, choke checked ok, multiple starting techniques attempted. I am hoping the carb clean fixes the problem, does anyone have any suggestions what to check next if my carb clean and set does not do the trick? The bike cranks cold but just won't fire and the battery reaches depletion. The battery has been check ok, it just doesn't have the goods to continue cranking...the bike is taking too long to fire up. once running runs like a dream...p.s. I live in Canada it is cold soaked on a regular basis

04-28-2005	#2 (permalink)
QKENUF4U AZ's Official Mechanic BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: phoenix arizona Posts: 3,650	sounds like its way to lean (wont run cold but will when hot) the float height may be off, i would ask the mech. if it was ok or off when you pick the carbs up

05-01-2005	#3 (permalink)
jesse1 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3	Well I talked to the shop and asked if the setting was out and according to them it wasn't. When I asked what it was set to they wouldn't say just said it's set to the book. Also said they found it was a bit dirty and the needle jet was worn and low on a psi test, curious since I soaked and cleaned the carb prior to assembly. It was extremely clean on assembly and when I checked the needle jet it was smooth, with no grooving, in fact looked new. Anyhow nice of them to check it free of charge, I put the carb back on, and I rode this week-end much better throttle responsiveness, real smooth idle also, the cleaning did help. My battery was depleted again though so I recharged it for a few hours. I also accomplished a bit of a mod. Because the headlight comes on 55/60 watt bulb once the start button is engaged this would help to deplete my battery during the starting attempts. So although I don't like to alter original stuff i wired in a push on/off switch so I can turn on the headlight at my choice and after the engine has fired up. Seems to really help however, I am still not convinced my battery is the strongest it could be. Does anyone know if you can install a higher AH battery in this bike without any concerns? right now it is 12V 8AH maintenance free Yuasa. Th shop said that if the carb doesn't help check the valve clearance, if out it could be a source of not starting when cold. Jesse1

05-02-2005	#4 (permalink)
QKENUF4U AZ's Official Mechanic BTK Expert Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: phoenix arizona Posts: 3,650	valves could be a very good possiblity. as for your battery you could step it up without worry IMHO. whats the # on your battery right now (ex- xt12vx)

05-03-2005	#5 (permalink)
jesse1 Newbie Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 3	I will find out once I have access to it next. The battery box is quite tight so the dimensions would have to be no larger.

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