Ignition problem

[Kwackermad]

Hi - I'm hoping someone can advise me on an ignition problem with my 1999 KDX220.

Basically my bike wont start from cold but if i pour some fuel into the cylinder head the bike will start, and when warm, will stop and start all day - no problem. I've had the issue for a few months and have tried new plugs, fitted a new coil, checked the reed valves (seem ok?), cleaned the air filter, had the carb and jets out and blown them all out with a compressor but I just can't start it from cold. My spark is good and will jump a 5-10mm gap so I don't think it's a problem there so I'm a bit stumped now so if anyone can advise me i'd really appreciate it.

 

[droopie69]

Hi - I'm hoping someone can advise me on an ignition problem with my 1999 KDX220.

Basically my bike wont start from cold but if i pour some fuel into the cylinder head the bike will start, and when warm, will stop and start all day - no problem. I've had the issue for a few months and have tried new plugs, fitted a new coil, checked the reed valves (seem ok?), cleaned the air filter, had the carb and jets out and blown them all out with a compressor but I just can't start it from cold. My spark is good and will jump a 5-10mm gap so I don't think it's a problem there so I'm a bit stumped now so if anyone can advise me i'd really appreciate it.

Reeds seem ok? Are they chipped or frayed? Do they have any gaps between them? It would be wise to do a compression test. You may be due for a set of reeeds, top end and a KIPS de-gunking.

 

[KDX200Kev]

Are your floats adjusted properly in your carb? May want to try a richer pilot jet.

 

[Kwackermad]

The reeds aren't chipped, don't seem to be frayed or have any gaps between them. It is the first time i've ever checked some though so i may be missing something. Regarding a compression test, is this something a dealer needs to do or could i do it myself ? (i've got the readings). What do i need to de-gunge the KIPS?

 

[droopie69]

The reeds aren't chipped, don't seem to be frayed or have any gaps between them. It is the first time i've ever checked some though so i may be missing something. Regarding a compression test, is this something a dealer needs to do or could i do it myself ? (i've got the readings). What do i need to de-gunge the KIPS?

To do a compression test all you need is a compression gauge. It's a tool that screws in where the spark plug goes. You just kick it over and read the pressure. If it's over 110psi, the top end is probably ok. Less and your rings are worn.

To deal with the KIPS setup, you'll need a service manual and have to take the top end apart to clean the spooge and carbon off the valves in the KIPS unit. It's not too hard if you have some mechanical aptitude.

 

[COMBEN]

try her with no throttle

Hi kwackermad, I'm on the same side of the pond as you...small world...do you race?

It may be choke problem, or rather lack of enough choke...if so, you can try blocking 50% of the air inlet and she may start like this??
But and this is big but, I have had two KDX-220's and from my experience with these two 220's they just don't like the throttle being even off the idle stop when going for a cold start, it's so noticeable that it can even stop my new one from starting. She always starts second or third kick from cold with closed throttle and she runs real sweet.

So just try kincking her with your hands off the throttle, nothing to loose...may sound strange but works for me :coocoo:

hope this helps?

Richard

 

[duzmor]

I have to go with Comben: I have a 1994 KDX 200 and if you give it throttle on a cold start it will not start - When we don't touch the throttle it will fire on the 2nd or 3rd kick with out choke

Duz :) :)

 

[rollerman]

i hit the throtle two times with the choke up kick once starts everytime don't touch the trottle when kicking ... :yikes:

 

[G. Gearloose]

So just try kincking her with your hands off the throttle, nothing to loose...may sound strange but works for me :coocoo:

Nothing strange about it, its entirely predictable.

Its not a choke, its an enrichment circuit. Opening the throttle reduces vacuum and no enrichment occurs when kicking.

 

[COMBEN]

I knew that but didn't wanna sound like an anorak :fft: ;)