Strange Engine Cut

RallyImprezive · #1 11-02-2006, 02:18 PM

Ive got a 2003 YZ250

When I was at Glamis a few weeks ago, anytime id pin it up a steep climb, the bike would do great, but right afterwords the engine would sputter a bit. It actually sounded like it was "skipping" and ingition stroke. I replaced the plug, which seemed to make a small difference, but did not solve the issue.

What is the best way for me to troubleshoot this issue? Thanks is advance.

ossagp1 · #2 11-03-2006, 01:18 PM

The first thing to do when you ask for opinions or in this case help, is to actually describe what is happening. If you read what you just posted from a third party posistion, you will see that there isn't much in clues.

The first thing I would do, and I am betting you have not done it since this machine came into your posession, is to set the float. There is a really great post by faded in the archives on how to do it, if you don't have a manual to help you. Fuel level is one of the first things I think of when someone tells me they have response problems, especially on inclines.

Again, when you describe a problem that can have many different causes such as an engine miss, tell things like riding temp ie how long was it running, rpm range, throttle position it is at it's worst, throttle position when it is at it's best, what work you have recently completed, is it a new problem, is it ages old, is it getting worse? Things like that will help you get a well thought out answer rather than a guess.

RallyImprezive · #3 11-05-2006, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ossagp1

The first thing to do when you ask for opinions or in this case help, is to actually describe what is happening. If you read what you just posted from a third party posistion, you will see that there isn't much in clues.

The first thing I would do, and I am betting you have not done it since this machine came into your posession, is to set the float. There is a really great post by faded in the archives on how to do it, if you don't have a manual to help you. Fuel level is one of the first things I think of when someone tells me they have response problems, especially on inclines.

Again, when you describe a problem that can have many different causes such as an engine miss, tell things like riding temp ie how long was it running, rpm range, throttle position it is at it's worst, throttle position when it is at it's best, what work you have recently completed, is it a new problem, is it ages old, is it getting worse? Things like that will help you get a well thought out answer rather than a guess.

It was a hot day (its Glamis) and I had been riding a lot (cause its Glamis.)

Pinning it means to give it 100%, and going up an incline means that the bike was under a lot of load.

It was when I stopped climbing (so no longer at 100% throttle, most likely just idling or cruising) that is when I noticed the issue.

It was a sputter, like a miss-fire. How else could I explain it?

I am a noob to THIS forum, but not a noob to forums in general.
The first thing I did was search. No luck.

Yes, I set the float bowl, and yes I had carefully mixed 40:1 w. Castor, filled to the top. If I wasn't smart enough to put gas in my bike, I probably wouldnt know how to sign up for ATM either.

The air filter was clean, I run a 6 paddle tire, and I wear cotton briefs when I ride. Does that help?

Oh, and dont talk down to people.

Florida 393 · #4 11-05-2006, 05:47 PM

You weren't being talked dwn to here. A member with alot of knowledge asked for infi necessary to help you out. Attitude will not get you far when asking for help here.

Bill

RallyImprezive · #5 11-05-2006, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida 393

You weren't being talked dwn to here. A member with alot of knowledge asked for infi necessary to help you out. Attitude will not get you far when asking for help here.

Bill

I agree. My first post was really friendly. I suppose thick skin would be better.

Id still like someone to help. We can argue forum etiquette later. I apologize if I offended anyone.

**Keetoman393** · #6 11-05-2006, 07:49 PM

Hey Rally, Ossagp will probably give you some great advice. Stick around and there will be some really smart guys that can answer all your questions.

Recon1Delta · #7 11-05-2006, 08:24 PM

It almost sounds like you might of gotten a little sand into the ignition cover,which could of made it fire a little irregular. It happend to me along time ago in Oregon when I was at the dunes on my 80, I had sand pitted on the points.Or maybe your bike was running way hot.Sand does that to bikes, but Im not thinking it would make it sputter. Try checking for sand inside the cover.

ossagp1 · #8 11-05-2006, 11:24 PM

Ral,

I am laughing so hard that I think I may need to take some Lotrel. You set the "float bowl", you think your bike is missing on an "ingnition" stroke? Tell me how to talk to you at all without talking down to you?

Good luck though, maybe someone else on one of those other forms where you aren't a noob, will be able to help.

Yeah, at the very least I would hope you could get fuel into it.

RallyImprezive · #9 11-06-2006, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ossagp1

Ral,

I am laughing so hard that I think I may need to take some Lotrel. You set the "float bowl", you think your bike is missing on an "ingnition" stroke? Tell me how to talk to you at all without talking down to you?

Good luck though, maybe someone else on one of those other forms where you aren't a noob, will be able to help.

Yeah, at the very least I would hope you could get fuel into it.

Whew. Ok.

First off, OOPS, force of habit, I typed "float bowl" as opposed to float. My bad. Take your high blood pressure pill and calm down.

When I said ignition stroke, I was refering to the stroke where the spark IGNITES the fuel mixture in the cylinder. I know that you are capable enough to understand what I meant. And I simply stated that it SOUNDED like it was skipping, to help provide some information. Ironically something that you must overlooked despite all your hard work to tear down my valid post.

Its not really possible to word the question is such a way that suits every reader. I wasnt really sure how to explain the issue. If it was simple, I would have been able to fix it myself. But apparently, I did not cater to your particular needs. And you seem to actually be LOOKING for things to not like. I browsed through some of your other posts, and I do see that you seem to have a lot of knowledge, im sorry that you instead chose to flame.

But enough of that. Im done. Im sure this terrible moment will pass.

RallyImprezive · #10 11-06-2006, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Recon1Delta

It almost sounds like you might of gotten a little sand into the ignition cover,which could of made it fire a little irregular. It happend to me along time ago in Oregon when I was at the dunes on my 80, I had sand pitted on the points.Or maybe your bike was running way hot.Sand does that to bikes, but Im not thinking it would make it sputter. Try checking for sand inside the cover.

You know, I thought of that, and I checked it when I got back from the trip, everything looked great. What confused me is that changing the plug made it better...but didnt fix it. Im starting to think that the Castor oil is gumming up the power valve, although, i dont think it would have that type of affect. Thanks for the idea though. =)

Oh, and yea, the engine was gettin pretty hot. But even first thing in the morning when the ambient temps were lower, it would happen. Ill keep checkin stuff out. Im goin to Glamis again this weekend, so we will see what happens.

Florida 393 · #11 11-06-2006, 09:30 AM

Rally,
Well you have one true expert with you in OSSAGP1, he can help out big time. I'd P.M. Faded if he does not pick up on this one today. These two guys can really help out. My only suggestions would be a careful jetting session including full load climbs and checking the mix ratio of your pre-mix fuel/oil.

BTW, I should have siad this first, welcome to All Things Moto, stick around and the guys taht know will help you solve this problem so you can get back to enjoying that ride.

Bill

RallyImprezive · #12 11-06-2006, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Florida 393

Rally,
Well you have one true expert with you in OSSAGP1, he can help out big time. I'd P.M. Faded if he does not pick up on this one today. These two guys can really help out. My only suggestions would be a careful jetting session including full load climbs and checking the mix ratio of your pre-mix fuel/oil.

BTW, I should have siad this first, welcome to All Things Moto, stick around and the guys taht know will help you solve this problem so you can get back to enjoying that ride.

Bill

I have a feeling it will be jetting. I hate jetting. Oh well.

It would be cool to get Ossa's help, so I guess I will accept his apology.

NYMXer · #13 11-06-2006, 10:47 AM

I would check some simple stuff like making sure the carb vent hoses are not clogged. Try draining out the float bowl and check over the electrical connections around the handle bars. Might be a loose wire that you move when going up/down hill.
My bet is a clogged vent hose or a little water in the bowl.

RallyImprezive · #14 11-06-2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NYMXer

I would check some simple stuff like making sure the carb vent hoses are not clogged. Try draining out the float bowl and check over the electrical connections around the handle bars. Might be a loose wire that you move when going up/down hill.
My bet is a clogged vent hose or a little water in the bowl.

Ill check the hose when I get home. Thanks for the tip.

I have already check the float and float bowl, and cleaned it all out..I didnt SEE anything, but who knows.

boogieonmyfinger · #15 11-06-2006, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RallyImprezive

If it was simple, I would have been able to fix it myself.

Therefore, since you are the utmost expert on this bike, only the difficult problems escape you. Don't assume that it's not a simple problem affecting your bike. Always check the simple stuff, maybe twice.

I think the only difficulty you'll have, which is a major bonus for this board, is trying to deal with guys that actually have experience and intelligence. I've seen the other boards where people will argue for pages and pages about a certain bike being a 2 or 4 stroke.
There's lotsa good stuff on this board, and just strutting in and trying to get somewhere with your attitude will only cause you grief.
Nobody needs to rub anyone's feet or anything, but a little respect goes a long way here. You'll see that this forum is much different than the rest. Now be nice, and let everyone help you get you bike running right.