Fixing a dirt bike that just won't start.

After sitting for over a year, this Honda CRF 250r just won't start. I will walk you through the steps in diagnosing this no-start condition. This video applies to Suzuki, Kawasaki, Yamaha as well.

[@triley4889]

Much thanks! After not being able to get my bike to fire my best diagnostic was the valves. After watching this a couple times I took my time and tackled the task myself. After some trial and error I got my valves in spec and it fired right up. Much easier task than I anticipated thanks again.

[@alecstasy890]

Awesome video. The greatest mechanical youtuber with proper explaination style!

[@sihyungpark8311]

Thank you for such an excellent video!

[@ThenZ6]

I bought my first bike in July. Rode it once since it was way too hot in Vegas. I don’t have friends here yet so I parked it and figured I’d wait until it got cooler out. I tried to start some weeks ago and it won’t start. I parked it with a full tank. Whoops. I changed the spark plug but forgot to check for a spark. So from this video and whatever everyone at work is telling me is to check for a spark. Then check if fuel is getting to the carb or if the and if the fuel line is clogged. I’m super hopping I don’t have to mess with the carb. That will be pretty invasive. This video is a great help. Hoping the yz250 is a similar setup.

[@jkline999]

Thanks so very much!!!!!! Just the vid I was looking for.

[@philbrown4760]

Cool video very good explanatory man thanks 💪👍

[@CrankAddict]

thanks for watching

[@colombianoman4426]

Awesome video! I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge I’m a visual learner and this video helps me tremendously if you ever do a video on cleaning a carburetor I will memorize the whole thing because my bike has been sitting for one year and now it won’t start and I’m getting the bug to take it apart and try to fix it myself

[@CrankAddict]

LOL I've such a video, but I lost some footage and I get a lot of complaints about it from viewers

[@koajairo2356]

instaBlaster

[@cadebrink9594]

Great Video! I hope your bike is finally running. What do you think was the issue? Head Gasket? Timing? Thanks Man!

[@leroyperry1714]

Well you should probably start with the carb. Way easier than tearing the whole top of your engine apart. Just because you have fuel does not mean you have the right amount of fuel. Carbs are very easy to work on.

[@bobbyhillthe3rd]

I have a yz250f that ran perfect but after sitting for the winter it won’t start. Everyone suggested that my carb was dirt so I took it out and sprayed carb cleaner all thru the jet ports and stuff, mind you it wasn’t even dirty so I did all that for nothing. I didn’t no checking the carb would be the hardest part. I guess I should buy a spark plug or check my one I have now

[@adrianabishop9579]

Mans on a estate not crib

[@shotbyjmac211]

great video but honestly all you had to do was drain the bad gas inside the carb bowl and she would've fired right up.

[@chrishoonbag8844]

Put new jets in also

[@chrishoonbag8844]

You tore the bike down before you even changed your jets . Why ?

[@roger2323]

Respect sir. I dont have the propper tools or the know how to dare this operation. But i've got the same problem with my 08 honda crf 250r. It starts after kicking the h#ll out of it and runs great. But starting it is a difficult story. I live in the netherlands and professional garage's are very expansive over here. So i watch your video and i think i need to leave it up to the experts. But cool video anyway fun to watch. 👍👍👍

[@CrankAddict]

Try the new spark plug first and new gas. That is easy. Checking the valves (not adjusting them) is one step harder. If you determine that the valves are out of adjustment, then you may want to take it to a mechanic. Good luck.

[@roger2323]

Yes i have installed a new sparkplug ! And i runs. But to get it started i need 20 minutes of constant kicking

[@CrankAddict]

@@roger2323 sounds like a valve lash issue.

[@roger2323]

Yes maybe. So need to do some savings 😂and bring the bike to the dealer. Thanks for your help/info. Keep making great video's buddy👍👍👍👍 wish you all the best and stay healthy👍👍👍 greetings from the netherlands🇳🇱

[@chrishoonbag8844]

@@roger2323 install new jets before anything with the valves

[@ceclay1]

I have a 2005 Crf250 that won’t start. I just traded it up for my son. We knew it wouldn’t start. I feel more comfortable knowing what to look for and some tech tips. Do you have a rebuild video also? Thanks for the video! I think I can do this if I need to go this far. How did you get the silicone cleaned up? Did you just put everything back together with a gasket kit then have the proper compression?

[@robertmccully2792]

Forget to drop some oil in the spark hole test, to see if compression came up. Good video. Have not pulled a motorcycle engine apart since the early 70's. Nice house!

[@CrankAddict]

You're right about the oil, but I got lucky. the piston was so oily (from where?) I don't think it would have made a dif.

[@robertmccully2792]

Crank Addict your an intelligent guy , keep making the vids.. I will watch them all.

[@emanuelstevenson3312]

Crank Addict will valve adjustment cause the motor to lock up

[@kristoffernordsveen3183]

when doing a compression test, you should pin the throttle.(atleats on a two stroke)

[@CrankAddict]

You are correct, and it applies to 4 strokes also.

[@pnwusedmobilehomes]

This is fucking mind blowing...

[@JayDeeFrm7400]

5+ million dollar home but owns a Honda that won’t start...makes sense

[@CrankAddict]

Gimme $5M and its yours!

[@alanyeo8507]

Are yer having FUN all

[@brendanlloyd3266]

More dirt bike videos!

[@jaysfixnride1630]

when you do the compression test u are surrpossed to hold the throttle all the way open as you kick it it just give u more accurate answer

[@CrankAddict]

yes.

[@azr2d1]

When I park my carbed bike for the winter I always (when possible) drain all fuel from the carburetor. On these bikes it's one screw. Takes 2 minutes. If you park a bike for a year and it won't start , it's almost always a carburetor issue. Needs a good cleaning which isn't that hard.

[@nielslarsen5821]

Hey Are you familiar with the decompression mod, some people do at their decompressor weight? I have read a lot of positive response to the mod. I have Honda crf 250 2009 that have troubles to start, and I am considering the decompressor mod. Do you have any experience doing the mod??

[@CrankAddict]

I haven't done this mod, but I confirmed that the decompression lever was working when I had the valve cover off. I feel that this 250 is hard enough to kick start as is! I don't want to make it harder.

[@nielslarsen5821]

@@CrankAddict Hello there I understand. I will try it upcoming future though

[@krishnaprakash9898]

I too have a same issue with CRF 450. Need more assistantance any chance to get your number

[@Ryder-qx1df]

I got a good way to fix all three of them rigs. Fixes GMs every time. Pull the radiator cap off pull the rest of of the garage pull a Ford in put radiator cap on the ford presto gm fixed.

[@12131218]

Where's the second part to this? Good video by the way

[@CrankAddict]

No second part. I ride off into the sunset and forget to film. LOL.

[@DeltaMikeNoshoot]

@@CrankAddict was it the head gasket after all that?

[@mikeclifton3095]

Just checking.., did you ever get the CRF 250 running? My son and I are doing a carb rebuild on his 250. The carb is a pain in the a$$ to get to

[@CrankAddict]

It has been running since. Yes, the carb is difficult to get to.

[@slimshady8249]

While you have it apart how about adjusting your rear shock so the fenders not sitting on top the tire.

[@CrankAddict]

You whippersnapper! You're just making fun of an old man.

[@Clorsry]

Do I need that breather tube in order for it to start ?

[@CrankAddict]

I don't think so.

[@Wander.Fleaux.Productions]

Do you have a carburetor rebuild video for this bike?

[@CrankAddict]

maybe one day...

[@AdryannLs1]

I have a 2006 Kawasaki kx80 I checked that the spark plug was good I replaced it I had bought it like 2 days ago off someone and it was working fine till I put gas but didn’t know I had to put oil and it just stopped on me out of nowhere

[@CrankAddict]

On a 2 stroke, the oil in the fuel helps to lubricate as well. however I am surprised it ran at all without the proper mix.

[@downdirty8543]

@ 11:11 did dude just take the plug out using a hex head bolt lol. Sweet! I never knew!

[@-xer0-901]

I have a 2010 CRF250R, certain circumstances had it sitting for a year, I’ve changed all the fluids and the plug, it is getting a spark and the compression seems good, but I can’t get it to start. I tried starting fluid as well, sounds like it might be a valve problem with the 2010’s anyways or a possible fuel delivery problem, not sure what else I can do before taking it to a mechanic, any suggestions?

[@CrankAddict]

The compression test should reveal any mechanical issue. On Friiday, I just diagnosed a blown 300XS Mercury outboard doing a compression test. Also, the spark needs to be decent, not faint. I'm betting carburetion though. Clean the carb and put fresh gas in.

[@vxnpxwers11]

@@CrankAddict i got the same problem with my 2010 250r, its not carbourated though it is fuel injected, im not new to fixing bikes either but i am pretty much stumped with this one

[@CrankAddict]

@@vxnpxwers11 Fuel injected? Hmmm. Check everything else that you can. Hopefully you won't have to take it the dealer.

[@idontgetit2124]

Hey man I have a 2004 rmz250 4 stroke and It's not starting. It used to start in about 3 kicks but one day it starting taking up to 40 kicks to start. I just cleaned the carb and I have spark and cleaned the air filter and it's still not starting. When I pull in the hot start it sounds like it's about to start but doesn't actually start. When I don't hold It in it doesn't even sound close to starting. I don't know what's happening and I've been trying to figure it out all week any chance you know what's wrong with it? Most of the time even when I am holding in the hot start it doesn't even make a sound like it wants to start I have gas in my tank but not sure if It's getting fuel. When I turn on my fuel it goes down into the carb so I assume I'm getting fuel. I've had people say it's flooded but I don't know what's wrong

[@CrankAddict]

You say you have spark. Is the plug wet? If so then it may be flooded or weak spark. If the plug looks good, then you can squirt a little gas in carb and kick it a few times. If that doesn't work then you should prob check valve clearance.

[@idontgetit2124]

Crank Addict spark plug is good Just got a new ngk spark plug. Checking the valves right now and noticed that the cam chain wasn't positioned on the correct pins don't know if that's a problem but I'm fixing it right now, as for the valves I don't have the tools to measure the valve clearance but will get some

[@popandrei8927]

@@idontgetit2124 hey man I have the exact same problem with my ktm but my motor cand carb is fixed but it just doesnt start...Im thinking to buy a new spark and change the fuel ... did you solve your problem?

[@mynameisnamel3593]

Pop Andrei no I have not solved the problem yet (btw this is my second account) but I have cleaned the carb and I jsut did a a top end rebuild and I also Made sure it was getting gas so I doubt it is compression or it's not getting gas. I also did a valve adjustment and the bike doesn't even sound like it wants to start I also got a new spark plug and it had spark when I kick it about 100 times the exhaust pipe doesn't even get hot. Have you fixed yours yet if is what was the problem I'm starting to think now that the problem is that the gas is old even tho it's only been sitting for 2 months

[@mynameisnamel3593]

Crank Addict can you help me with my problem

[@chrishoonbag8844]

Why does your bike set so low?

[@EarthWasHere]

Hey man, question...i had a mechanic fix my bike twice already, he’s literally changed just about everything possible (internally) and im way over budget on this bike. He got it to run both times but it’ll die within the week after. My mechanic has given up and now whats more money. My bike has a new spark plug, new valves and the carburetor has been checked. This damn bike might be possessed or something and im out of ideas to think what it can possibly be. Its a 2005 CRF 450.

[@CrankAddict]

Man, that sounds rough. Most mechanics are competent, but occasionally they miss something. Unless the bike is being driven weekly, its usually the carb if all else fails. I'm betting he wants the money to put a new carb on it.

[@EarthWasHere]

@@CrankAddict Everything sounds right, there’s compression which is good. Valves were adjusted good. My only bet is that it might be something electrical, i pulled the stator and it looks like it might need a new one, gotta see tomorrow because it was too dark outside. Hoping its that, i just wanna ride already 😅. I bought the bike in April and i haven’t be able to ride it.

[@CrankAddict]

@@EarthWasHere intermittent electrical problems can be a curse! I can see why the PO sold it.

[@EarthWasHere]

@@CrankAddict Ya the douchebag scammed me, he told me is was just a screw that needed adjustment on the carburetor, check med it out and was fine. Ill take fault for falling into such thing but whatever i can’t do anything about anymore.

[@sipe254]

@@EarthWasHere Dont worry you are not alone. My yz250f 2002 dont wanna start after a skmple oil change. 3 days in a row after work I kicked it like 30 times it wont start or will it bump start. It was all fine before I changed the oil it ran absolutely fine. On top of that my mechanic doesn’t pick up his phone even tho ive tried to contact him a few times meaning he gave up aswell. Btw the same problem of not wanting to start happend before what I described up above and the mechanic as far as I understood started it by cleaning the carb but then the spark plug blew so he changed it.

[@desert-teen]

Hi, I have 2009 CRF 250r, it was difficult to start, took a few kicks so I replaced the shims, I tried kicking it over but it will only hill start now. I also put a new spark plug in, did nothing. Any ideas on what's up with it?

[@CrankAddict]

How does it run when you hill start it? Any issues? low compression?

[@4pf339]

Did u end up fixing it?

[@chrishoonbag8844]

New jets in carb. 42 pilot and 172 main

[@desert-teen]

I managed to fix it in the end. The cam chain was too tight and had skipped a tooth.

[@blshellride6468]

If i have to replace T chain do I have to pull jug?

[@CrankAddict]

No, I accidentally have removed the chain before, but it is possible to work it back around the lower pulley if you are patient.

[@crazycarl6922]

And just because u have spark doesn't mean ur spark plugs good I had many foaled plugs that kept it from starting all tho u could still bump start it

[@Alex-gp1fz]

11:14 when I took that plug out a whole bunch of grey liquid came poring out. Now I know this can’t be good, so what caused it, and do you know how to fix it?

[@CrankAddict]

First make sure that engine isn't overfilled with oil. If oil level is good or even low, then you have leaking case (hopefully only a gasket). Engine disassembly will be required.

[@804jojo6]

can you help i have a 2006 yz450f i replaced the spark plug air filter oil and radiator fluid *i got the bike 2 days ago* and cleaned the carb and it still won't start and i made sure it had spark compression ect...

[@CrankAddict]

If it has a good spark, compression and fresh fuel, then you need to make sure the spark is occuring at the correct time. Your timing chain may have jumped a tooth (which means you'll have low compression, too). Visually check for vacuum leaks if you had the carb out. Will it start if you squirt a little fuel past the carburetor slide?

[@804jojo6]

@@CrankAddict yea it will start

[@CrankAddict]

@@804jojo6 then you've got a carb problem. clean it again and blow out all the passages. Some of the idle circuits are very tight and may need a good soaking. make sure the accelerator pump is working too (I once had problems with that after a rebuild).

[@804jojo6]

@@CrankAddict ok thanks i thought that was what it is when i first got the bike about 4 days ago it was filthy and it had a rotten air filter will do

[@804jojo6]

@@CrankAddict ok so i've taken it to the shop to get my carb cleaned and no luck it still is hard to get running and i have absolutely no clue what is wrong at this point i don't have a lot of experience

[@gtgoq8229]

Hey man when I unplug the filter no fuel comes out 3:47 can you help please

[@CrankAddict]

You could have a plug in the line if the dirt bike has been sitting. pull off the entire fuel line and blow it out with compressed air.

[@gtgoq8229]

@@CrankAddict thank you Very much

[@gotogames1748]

I swear that’s a yellow Koenigsegg front light in the garage

[@CrankAddict]

I'm slowly saving my money, buying one part at a time until I have the whole car.

[@jappiemoto]

Ah i see the problem it’s a four stroke

[@CrankAddict]

LOL

[@nino3958]

What year bike is this??

[@CrankAddict]

2007

[@cheapthrills5494]

I'm not really a motorcycle mechanic I'm just very curious

[@TheFabfab905]

B , Curious 🤣🤣🤣

[@allisonalder172]

YOU never checked you rd ring end gap fella , no compression & you went that far & never checked your ring end gap in the cylinder ?

[@CrankAddict]

I did get more into this engine than I was initially expecting, so I could have checked the rings. This video was supposed to be for beginners, but it got out of control! Just eyeballing them on the piston, they didn't seem to be an issue. Pulling the rings and measuring the gap in the cylinder would have added to the completeness of this video. Maybe I need to film it again with a better camera. I need another dirtbike...

[@allisonalder172]

@@CrankAddict good valves , good spark & fuel , "No compression (45 psi) = worn piston/rings . Simple fix champ 👌

[@logandeleon5808]

@@allisonalder172 i got a crf250r 2007 with only 30 compression, new valves new piston new rings valves are good rings should be good but still only getting 30psi what should i do now and ive swapped the cylinder to see if it had a hairline crack but stiil didnt change anything

[@BHMoto]

@@logandeleon5808 maybe check the head gasket, I gotta tear my motor down too now, it destroyed itself

[@logandeleon5808]

@@BHMoto when ever I poured oil in the spark plug hole it gained 30 compression

[@Chillape]

Thanks for a good video! I have a 05 crf250 that i have shimmed to specs and also cleaned the carburator. Do you know what makes the engine go like this? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3LdqWCNqdSfZpY Thank you

[@CrankAddict]

sounds like the accel pump is clogged up, and possibly tuned a bit rich to compensate. With the engine off, you should be able to twist the throttle and see a squirt of fuel. Take the carb off, clean it well.

[@Chillape]

Thank you for the answer 👍 I will check the accpump and also clean the carbu again 👍

[@Alex-gp1fz]

@@Chillape did it work? Mine does the same thing

[@Chillape]

@@Alex-gp1fz I have cleaned the carb and the accpump works perfect but it still runs like in the video my valve clearance is to spec so i dont know what to do next.. sorry!

[@Alex-gp1fz]

@@Chillape ah shit sorry to hear that mate. I’ll try do the same, hope it works for me :/

[@user-yo1pk4ky4k]

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