Engine starting problem...This is weird

[BigRedOne]

Here's the low down.

When the 250 engine is cold, the engine pops instantly but doesn't start. Engine keeps cranking over. (Choke on/off, hot/cold weather..it doesn't matter) It will do this forever. But, if you then kick start it it fires right up. Spark is real good. Starter is strong, no slippage from clutch.

Once the engine is warm, engine will start by the starter every time. Engine runs fine once its started.

:wtf:

Plug is very clean, no carbon deposits etc. etc. Compression is very good. This engine is super clean.

I'm thinking carb problem, too lean??

Thanks for any suggestions.

[dads]

pull the plug wire and look for spark when that happens. you sould get no spark or a weak one. sounds like a bad connection some were. check all connectors and grounds.

[Stan MaN]

Dads is prolly on the right track, but..... I am assuming that this is a 4 stroke an not a 2 stroke, if it is a 4stroke then I would check the valves, I had a similar prob on a 225DX make sure the lash is set correctly, if it was a 2 stroke(I'd like to get a 2 stroke w/ elect starter) I'd check the reeds, but lookin at your rides its prolly a 250es

[puttputt]

just kidding, Dads

The starter pulls a lot of juice out of the system, reducing the amount available for the coil to fire to the plug, as I understand it.
So, if your plug is dirty, or your battery a little weak, or a wire
partially broken, or something like that, then there would be
enough juice to get a good spark until the starter pulled some
out - then, there might not be enough available to get a good
spark.
If it does that with a fresh plug too, then replace the plug wire
and clean all your connections , look for broken/cracked wires,
loose grounds, that kind of thing.

[dads]

Dads is probably right ( as usual - annoying, isn't it ?)

Why thanks Puttputt.

Oh Putty, the batt. has not a thing to do with the firing system on a trike. they are to diff systems. thats why you can start with out a batt. They both use some of the same components like the neutral safty switch. which couse no start if bad connection. but the light will not work at that time.

[puttputt]

See, Dads ? That's why I don't post much. Just when I think I know something that might help someone, and I have a chance
to contribute back to the board that has helped me on so many
things, I end up sending someone in the wrong direction.

I've been spending all my garage time lately working on my old
RD350 , which is a points/condensor setup, and a dead or weak battery
WILL prevent starting on those. I forgot that an electronic
ignition setup doesn't work that way.

It's funny - I'd like to jump in and help out, so I don't feel like
a mooch on the board, but most of the time the questioner is
better off it I just keep quiet and let you and Nut do all the
heavy lifting . . . .

[dads]

:thumbsup: Thats OK Puttputt.
Things like that just makes use think more. :headbang:

[BigRedOne]

Thanks for the input everybody.

The problem seems to have went away. (Must have finally blown the cobwebs out of her)

She did sit for a few years w/ battery, so now that shes been running and battery has been charging up... :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[BIG BAD RED]

it matters how the charging system is set up tho....if it grabs spark from the batt then yes i would try checking you charge rate...if it has a seperat generating coil for the spark then i would check the compression.....

[BRR]

my big red has a similar starting problem. the starter is fried so i have to use the kick start. in any weather it will start up with on good kick but after the engine warms up and i turn it off, it will take me up to 10 or more kicks to start it up again.

[pistonhead]

to much fuel in the end! like fuel in the exshust, plug gets soaked