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Makotosun

XT250 starting problem

  • Catpie
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XT250 starting problem was created by Catpie

Hi all , my 81 XT 250 is having a starting issue as in its is very very hard to start ,so much so it only seems to start by putting a bit of fuel down plug hole and then starting it , once started it purrs  like a contented cat. it has a great spark & i have tried different plugs , it has a clean air filter ,does not seem to be leaking air so i assume its a fuel issue but why if once started its ticks over ok so it must be getting fuel it wont start from cold. Thanks in advance.
26 Jan 2025 14:17 #1

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Replied by Oldbikenut on topic XT250 starting problem

I have an 83 XT250 and it’s one of my least favorite carbs to mess with and removal and installation is no fun but once dialed in they work great.  It’s sounds like using the choke doesn’t make a difference?  Have you ever rebuilt the carb or at least removed it and cleaned all the jets?
1971 RT1B-360
1971 Honda Trail 70
1972 Kawasaki S2 350
1975 Ossa MAR 350
1978 Honda Trail 90
1983 XT250
1984 Honda XR250R
26 Jan 2025 15:09 #2

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Replied by Catpie on topic XT250 starting problem

Hi yes i restored the bike a while ago and had the carb apart & cleaned it all , the choke only seems to make a difference once its running EG: if put on it will cut it out .
26 Jan 2025 15:17 #3

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Replied by RT325 on topic XT250 starting problem

Wonder if the choke fixed jet in the carb bowl is blocked.
Think those have that choke jet setup like a twostroke carb has.
But these have a acceletrator pump "unless unhooked like i did with mine".
So try wicking the throttle hard a few times before your cold start kick it & see if that works.
Might have to go full open quickly the hold open for a second before doing it again as by memory the arm has a spring on the rod so relying on that to finish each pump.
Then again i could be way of course haha as was a lifetime ago.
Pretty familiar with those though from work back then.
Difficult to start for short people like me as kick start is so high. That's my excuse.
26 Jan 2025 18:14 #4

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Replied by Catpie on topic XT250 starting problem

Many thanks , will have a go at what you suggest when i get a chance ,if not its take the carb off again & recheck time.
27 Jan 2025 14:52 #5

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Replied by Badrul on topic Re:XT250 starting problem

Confirm that fuels is in the carb bowl.
Me,I always pour fuel inside carb bowl before putting them together.
This save me from kick start many time .
Hahaha

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27 Jan 2025 17:26 #6

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Replied by Catpie on topic XT250 starting problem

Sonic cleaned carb again and rebuilt it new gaskets, new brass , diaphragm , checked float height etc ,pilot screw adjusted would not start unless fuel in bore then would run fine , after about an hour of kicking it to death it will now start but it is still hit & miss whether it will start again & if left for an hour it is a pig to start again. fuel is in bowls , spark is good and gap set & once started ticks over fine , im at a loss so if anyone has suggestions i would appreciate them .
10 Feb 2025 12:42 #7

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Replied by pahiker on topic XT250 starting problem

When you put in new jets did you validate they're genuine and not knock offs? 
1973 Yamaha RT3
2024 Suzuki DR650
2023 Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro
10 Feb 2025 12:58 #8

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Replied by Catpie on topic XT250 starting problem

They were keyster from Yambits , i only put them in because i had the same problem with the original brass so thought i would change eveything just in case , i thought it was the diaphragm not pumping but seems ok
10 Feb 2025 13:03 #9

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Replied by RT325 on topic XT250 starting problem

You say "thought diaphram not pumping but seems ok" are you talking the accelerator pump diaphram with is under the bowl operated by a rod. To check its operation with carb on the bench you'd need a full bowl then wick the throttle & watch for a squirter from the thingy sticking up with hole squirting forwards towards the motor. Also choke bowl fixed jet, while carbs on the bench if you opened the choke & blew compressed air in the airway which goes across the jet under the 'now open' choke piston it should sensual vapor out the engine side of the carb. Choke I think has a fast idle needle in the center. All that said, on mine I didn't run the accelerator pimp but started ok by choke. DONT keep fanging the throttle while kicking but leave it shut with choke open until it fires. Maybe one or two fangs for the a/pump to squirter but then don't open again. All a random guess though!!. Not tight tappets, is compression ok. Not overnight decomp valve lifter leaving no usefully compression. Bottom line is, I don't know sorry.
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10 Feb 2025 14:45 #10

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