dumb starting question

[oilspot]

my (new to me) rmx250 is kinda hard to start. It had the wrong plug so I got the correct irridium(spelling) plug. I just tried starting it and can't get it to start. The old plug looked like it was pretty old and had been cleaned up several times. I was hoping (yeah I know, wishfull thinking) that a new plug would make it fire way easier.
It's 33 degrees right now. Does tempeture make a huge differance starting a 2stroke.
I don't have much time to ride so I want to do the work necessary to be able to get the bike to kick over quickly. It seems to have great compression and runs really strong once you get it going.

 

[oilspot]

after I hit post I realized a little more info would probably be helpful.
Once started the bike runs strong but it act's a little like it want's to die at idle.
Mabey a cleaning out of the carb is in order. Will I need a gasket kit or is there really anything in a kit that I need.
I'm going to try to get in touch with my friend that i got the bike from today. I've got to pick up the manual and get some maintence history on the bike. I know he had replaced the piston a while back and the cylinder had be checked out and ok'd by the local suzuki shop.

 

[freakystyley]

make sure choke is out all the way, try some starter spray in the airbox to get a quick boost - and stand up on something with your left foot so your kick is more powerful and down straighter. I sometimes use a cynder block or my bike stand. no throttle for a minute or so after it starts, then choke off and gas it a bit.

as for cleaning the carb, you can drain the gas from the bowl with the little screw on the bottom, but it will need to be opened up to remove the varnish.

 

[apb]

You don't need to use that pricey iridium plug. But most people trail riding and riding at moderate throttle settings are better off running one heat range hotter than what the manual calls for (go down one number) -- this is unless you're running the bike wide-open for long periods of time. I'd recomend opening up the carb and cleaning the jets and air passages with some carb cleaner then compressed air. Also note which jets you have in there -- when temps go down, you usually need to go a step bigger on both jets. A richer pilot jet will make starting easier (but too rich could foul plugs), and a larger main will ensure you have the right mixture and prevent seizing at full throttle settings.. Is your new plug fouled with oil/fuel already? If not, you should lean the bike sideways until fuel starts running out of the overflows, then see if it starts with the choke on -- makes it much easier on my bike. Good luck

 

[1BAD250]

heres how i start my bike between 30 & 35 degree days.
turn on fuel,open the throtle around 1/4 ways & give one slow kick,then i hold the throtle closed to be sure i dont open it wile giveing a hard kick, then give it a firm kick & it fires up 1st kick every time.also when im done riding i turn off my fuel flow & let the engine idle just till i here a faint diffrence in the idle then shut it down that way the next time your ready to ride you get a good amount of fresh fuel in the carb. hope this helps..but you need to be sure you carb.,air cleaner, & reeds are in good shape.

 

[KawKaw7]

1BAD250 is correct. I think it is probably best to do it that way and wouldnt was to waist the money on a plug like that.

 

[oilspot]

I'm thinkin that the bike may have sat for a little while before I got it. I can get it to start third kick now most of the time. I few more this morning at 27 degrees.
I'll have to try the fuel shutoff thing next time I ride.
The high dollar plug was only about $4 more that regular plugs so I'm not really sweating it. I'll just save the $4 next time I need a plug.
thanks for the tips!!!

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

http://dirtrider.net/forums3/showthread.php?t=92818&page=1&pp=20 Read!! Then formulate your own opinion. Many more where that is, search. I think you did the right thing on the plug choice, the oem plug is there for a reason!

 

[oilspot]

That starting/ choke technique works great. The bike starts quick now even if it's cold.

 

[2 strokes for life]

Just turn the air fule mixture screw out a little bit and call it done. No more chokeing it.

 

[biglou]

Just turn the air fule mixture screw out a little bit and call it done. No more chokeing it.

Wrong. Out = lean. Choking = rich. Colder air needs a richer fuel mixture. I think he's got it figured out just fine.