Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Ninja 250 won't start. I think I messed something up (carb sync).

Jump to Latest
6.5K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  LoudFastUgly  
B
#1 ·
I recently got a 2004 Ninja 250 with 2800 miles on it. My first bike.

Someone checked it out and said that it sounded like my carbs were way out of sync.

So I hop on google and find a writeup on ninja250.info on how to synchronize them yourself using the "two bottle method". I usually try NOT to do ANYTHING mechanical on any of my vehicles, except for oil changes, but this looked pretty easy and I figured I could pull it off.

Something went wrong (I'll spare you the details) and I ended up making it worse. I figured I got the linkage screw (the one you turn to adjust the carb sync) way out of whack and the same with the idle adjustment screw. It was very hard to get it to start. I tried turning the screw to a bunch of different settings and then attempting to start it. When I did get it to a setting that it would start, it would rev way to to about 6K and that was the best I could do.

So, I figured that the linkage screw was way out of whack. That's when I decided to pull the carbs out, and try to "eyeball" it to at least get it somewhat close (back to where it was before I messed with it) so I can drive it to someone who knows how to properly sync them.

I pull the carbs out far enough for me to see the openings, pull the throttle down, and adjust the screw until the flaps looked straight, reinstall the carbs, put everything back together and try to start it.

Now it won't start at all.

I checked all the lines and it looks like everything is hooked up correctly.

What should I do? I need to at least get it running good enough to drive a few miles to the nearest shop (no truck to put it in).

Thanks.
 
S
#2 ·
You can search the forum for how to bench sync the carbs and should be able to get them close enough to run that way. It will require you to completely remove the carbs so be prepared to do that. If you don't think you can remember how everything is hooked up take lots of close up pics of everything from different angels to help you remember. You can never have too many pics but you may wish you had taken more before it's over so don't shortcut the pics.
 
B
#3 ·
StarGate said:
You can search the forum for how to bench sync the carbs and should be able to get them close enough to run that way. It will require you to completely remove the carbs so be prepared to do that. If you don't think you can remember how everything is hooked up take lots of close up pics of everything from different angels to help you remember. You can never have too many pics but you may wish you had taken more before it's over so don't shortcut the pics.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. Like I said, I "eyeballed" the flaps and it "looks" very close. Is it still possible that they are far enough off that the bike wouldn't even start? Or is it most likely something else?
 
L
#5 ·
Carburetor is an ancient Greek word, translated loosely, it means 'someone else fixes this'.

I've been a backyard motorcycle mechanic for 20 years. I've built dirtbikes, streetbikes, minibikes etc. Carburetion is something I've always farmed out. I don't have the tools, time or inclination. Don't feel bad.
 
Kawasaki Motorcycle Forums
posts
2.3M
members
139K
Since
2003
A forum community dedicated to Kawasaki Motorcycle owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, off-road, touring, street bikes, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Kawasaki Cruisers Main Lobby Kawasaki Streetbikes/Sportbikes Vintage Motorcyle Info The Mechanics Corner