Hard Time starting 96 RM

[TomMcT]

Ok, here is my problem. I have a 1996 RM 125 and when it is cold (hasn't been on for say 2-3 hours) it is hard as hell to start. the only way I have been sucessfully able to start it is by bumping it... and sometimes I have to go down a hill 2 times to get it started does anyone know what could be causing this?


Cheers,
Tom

 

[sparkysakitas]

could be number of things bad or wrong plug clooged fuel line
plugged carb bad reeds no spark or weak spark

 

[John Cena]

It could also be your piston rings when were they last changed?

 

[sick 96 250]

it could also be your jetting, when my rm was jetted way lean i couldnt kick start it, had to bumped, once fixed, fired up 1st or second kick

 

[TomMcT]

ya, I think it might be jetting because the rings were recently replaced and I already checked the fuel line and the spark... so I need to jet it a bit richer? do I need to buy new jets or can I just fine tune it...

 

[rm_dave]

If you have to bump it two times chances are you need to do a top end on it. Run a compression test and see.

 

[sick 96 250]

try turning the air screw in and see if it does anything, if it help it start then you need to richen up the jets. Pull the old ones out and see what size they are and then go get a few extra a few sizes bigger and see if it helps. A top end could be needed but i would check the jetting first. If it is running really lean then you could possibly need a new top end just cause of that, its not good to run lean

 

[christopher in tam]

Assuming this is a perfectly good running bike that needs no repairs... if it sits for 2 or 3 hours then it will most likely need the choke to be turned on for it to fire up.

 

[TomMcT]

thanks sick, I turned in the airscrew 1 turn and man it started 2nd kick!!!