Ongoing 250R problem: starting issues

[kneedragger88]

Should make this a sticky. Just did another one yesturday. Same thing every time.

Old 03-31-2010, 03:01 PM #18
kneedragger88
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,830

Default Re: '09 Ninja 250 - Not Starting
I store about 30 of these every year. End of season I drain the gas, run the bike 10 min on stabil (d) gas then drain the tanks. Put them away with the batterys on charge and every spring about 1 in 10 wont run.
Its ALWAYS the same thing. Somehow the teenie tiny pilot jets plug up and dont allow any fuel through. I would put money on this being your problem.
To test my theory go get a propane torch like you would use for plumbing. Just turn on the propane NO FLAME and hold to your airbox intake. On that bike right side there are three bolts holding on the cover. Put the torch bleeding raw propane into the intake and try again. Bet it starts!
Dont worry the propane will do no harm to your engine unlike over use of ether (quick start). If I prove out correct pull the carbs and blow out the pilots. re-assemble and she will run good as new.
If you can get it pm me I can come get it running. I work cheap.

[Brian P]

Good thread. The underlying cause and PERMANENT fix ought to be mentioned, too.

The issue is that the low speed carburetion on these engines is set EXTREMELY lean, for emissions reasons. The problem is that if anything is the slightest bit out of spec (or if the fuel in the carb has sat around for the slightest bit too long), it goes too lean to fire, and then ... no start.

To fix this, the carburetors need to come apart. Replace the pilot (slow) jets with one or two sizes bigger and put one or two washers underneath the needle in each carburetor. It may take minor experimenting to get it right, but once sorted out, they start and run a lot better.

I don't have the part numbers of the required slow jets on hand - maybe someone will do this and chime in. You can get the appropriate shims and replacement slow jets very cheaply from Winner's Circle.
http://www.winnerscirclecanada.com/index.php

[toastywaffles]

It can also be added that before you go shimming needles, get those pilot screws adjusted PROPERLY as they are set very lean from factory.

The Ninja 250 FAQ covers this, and the process is simple and can sorta be done on the bike.

***NOTE: All model years of the 250 and 500 can benefit from this.***

1. Drill out the pilot plugs located at the bottom of the carbs.
2. Factory setting is around 1.5 turns out. Not enough.
3. Screw both pilot screws/fuel mixture screws in
4. Back both out 2-2.5 turns.

BOTH carbs must be exact. Paint a small dot on the screw driver if necessary so that they are consistent.

If you're still having problems, shimming the needles is the way to go, but start with what is cheapest, easiest and makes sense first.

[Favre]

It can also be added that before you go shimming needles, get those pilot screws adjusted PROPERLY as they are set very lean from factory.

The Ninja 250 FAQ covers this, and the process is simple and can sorta be done on the bike.

***NOTE: All model years of the 250 and 500 can benefit from this.***

1. Drill out the pilot plugs located at the bottom of the carbs.
2. Factory setting is around 1.5 turns out. Not enough.
3. Screw both pilot screws/fuel mixture screws in
4. Back both out 2-2.5 turns.

BOTH carbs must be exact. Paint a small dot on the screw driver if necessary so that they are consistent.

If you're still having problems, shimming the needles is the way to go, but start with what is cheapest, easiest and makes sense first.

What would it cost for someone to do all this for me?, I am not that Mechanically sound :P. I change my oil and plugs thats about it for me :P.

[RRGUY]

2009 ninja 250, always hesitates on tip in.

removed idle screw plugs and found left side set at 2 3/4 turns, right side set at 1 7/8 turns,
set both sides to 2 3/4 turns and synched carbs, problem solved, hesitation eliminated.
thought id share.

cheers

[Brian P]

If you can fix it by idle mixture screw adjustment, you are one of the lucky ones. Obviously, it's the first thing to try since it costs $0. Seems to vary a little from one bike to the next. Had to deal with one a while back where a shop had set the idle mixture screws 6 (!) turns out to try to fix this, and it didn't fix it. Having the mixture screws more than about 3 turns open doesn't make them flow any more fuel. Nothing short of new (bigger) slow jets and a washer under the needles (and the mixture screws reset to 2 turns out) fixed that one.

[joy]

What would it cost for someone to do all this for me?, I am not that Mechanically sound :P. I change my oil and plugs thats about it for me :P.

did you ever get this done? my bike is running fine now, but i wouldnt mind a referral if i'm expected to have the same problem

[FiReSTaRT]

did you ever get this done? my bike is running fine now, but i wouldnt mind a referral if i'm expected to have the same problem

Read the op.. The best person for the job

[2motors]

Just wanted to share you dont have to use a propane torch if you dont have one. You can spray just about anything into the engine. Carb cleaner works great too.