This 2009 Kawasaki KX250f won't start...Let's FIX IT! (Troubleshooting / Adjusting Valves )

[@PaulG304]

I have same issue with my 2006 kx250f and It was rebuilt not long ago by the previous owner, hopefully this is the problem. Thank you for the video.

[@ThUmBzIzPrOatPvP]

I don’t usually take time to subscribe to people but this knowledge was very useful. Thank you.

[@bikelifesoldier5412]

Awesome video!! I'm trying to expand my knowledge of small engines and your videos are an excellent source of info. So simplified the average Joe can do his/her own repairs and maintenance. 👊✌

[@mxgryan]

Thanks man, that means so much!

[@codyhammett2060]

@@mxgryan i have the same problem 08kx250 bump starts and runs great but wont idle and it might start after 20 kicks watched your video checked my valves intake are good at .006 but the exhaust are loose at .010 one side i was able to get a .011 is loose valves going to cause this?

[@mxgryan]

@@codyhammett2060 loose valves should be chattery, but shouldn't cause the bike to not start.

[@Cody2nd]

Every track has that guy that can only bump start his bike.

[@mxgryan]

Truth!

[@JayDeeFrm7400]

Yep 2 or 3 people helping push so he can get it started 😂😂

[@beeyatwo8ight58]

That’s flipping badass! I want to get my 2006 kx250f running so bad. 😫😭 I just wish I was mechanically inclined with dirt bikes or motors in general .

[@icebergcustoms7593]

Just got a 08 kx 250f wouldnt kick over but it bump started. Brand new top end seats valves etc. I got it in a trade so I'm not out any money

[@PostedUp]

Awesome work! I don't know much about bikes, but i could learn from you :)

[@jacksonstott8289]

i can only bump start my 2009 kx250f but me and my dad are going to look at the valves and stuff tomorrow

[@mxgryan]

If it wouldn't kick start, I wouldn't bump start it.

[@marcuslindberg8620]

When you put the chain tensioner back in do you just put it back or do you have to make some adjustment.

[@mxgryan]

It must be wound up and locked, then put in, bolted, and then unlocked.

[@marcuslindberg8620]

Thanks, im going to replace the schims on my kx250f for the first time. I got that round mark on one of my schimcups too. Do i need to worry the valve is in spec and i cant feel the round ring scratch.

[@haydenpowell2555]

Holy shit I'm looking into buying a 2009 kx250f that won't kick but will bump lol great timing

[@mxgryan]

Haha...should we go do karate in the garage?!

[@haydenpowell2555]

@@mxgryan y e s

[@boystoyz8922]

Backfires on deceleration change the slow jet or the main jet?

[@CoffeeMusic]

hope im here in time to see it :P

[@madcitisinner]

Awesome vid earned my sub

[@mxgryan]

Thank you so much Ranken!

[@Jason-zr6il]

Hey nice vid! I have a 014 CRF450R it got a head job, new valves, new cylinder, piston and rings; and stator. Got the bike back it still won’t run. The timing was on but I decided to check the shimming and the clearance was tight. I reshimmed and it still doesn’t want to run. Any ideas on what the problem may be? It’s getting fuel and spark btw.

[@mxgryan]

If it's getting fuel and spark, next step is a leak down test. That will tell IF there's a motor problem and where it is.

[@Jason-zr6il]

If the motor doesn’t have a problem could it be the capacitor/condenser?

[@mxgryan]

@@Jason-zr6il that's possible...but not as probable as other issues.

[@bigwormtv8496]

Got an 09 that fires up and shuts right back of instantly kick or bump start any ideas i will be checking the clearance tmr but puzzled at what size feeler gauge you used

[@Yes-uf8yc]

I was told by a shop near me that a valve adjustment is a 3 hour job.

[@mxgryan]

If you work really slow, have to adjust all 3, have to use a shop manual, and haven't done it 500 times, I could see about 2 hours. I do a KX in about 20 minutes.

[@Yes-uf8yc]

@@mxgryan thank you so much, there’s always asshole shops out there trying to take advantage of people. Glad I didn’t take it there.

[@2ATVSANDOURLIFE]

Great job hope Ya'll had a great weekend

[@MrLimani12]

Hi just wondering if I can use this video to help with my 2006 kx450f which won’t kick.. Like I can use the same valve adjustment numbers you used and everything??😁

[@mxgryan]

Yes, .10-.15 intake and .17-.22 exhaust clearances.

[@MrLimani12]

Alright thanks man! Imma try pull this thing apart now! Thanks again

[@Blocanbentlyyahu]

So before I changed the oil on my 2016 Kx450f it ran fine, and after I did it needs throttle to start can you please help me diagnose the problem?

[@josephshammas8938]

sane

[@FiveStarGaming22]

What would an issue be if its hard to start when warmed up? Looking at a 2009 250f with that problem wondering if i should stay clear

[@joegreeley3122]

Are kx250f generally known to need more valve adjustments more than other brands ? My 2013 just had a top end done, 20 hours riding later can only bunpstart

[@mxgryan]

Not really, no. Probably the worst were the 02-08 CRF450s. You had a top end done, but that doesn't affect valve seats. If you keep having to adjust more often, means your seats are shot...time for a head job bro!

[@joegreeley3122]

The MX Guru the intake cam was spun as well when the top end was done so the intake and exhaust cam were done as well as valves is what I was told , ran me about $1300

[@davidu8688]

20 hrs is completely ridiculous unless you're actually racing this thing I have the exact same one but 2012 and have the same problem If you had a new top end, valves and all that seems crazy ridiculous Crazy thing is I heard the crf450s were great getting upwards of 200 plus hours

[@nico3727]

So if you need new valves, would you only need 1 valve or would you need the entire kit with springs, sorry im new to this...and what would the price be? I seen it from15$ to 200$

[@mxgryan]

Normally they all wear at nearly the same rate...so you would at least need to intakes or two exhausts...BUT by far the easiest and most common is to just have the entire head redone at once. This usually costs 500-800.

[@nico3727]

@@mxgryan sheesh, thanks!

[@tannerheistand8873]

@The MX guru I have a 2007 rmz250 that kick starts first or second kick but after I run it for 15+ minutes it won’t kick over but will bump start

[@braxtonmeadows7362]

I have a 09 kx250f , not getting any spark to my plug got any suggestions??

[@mxgryan]

Start with plug and kill switch. Then go to plug wire and coil. Then stator

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Did you torque those cam caps to spec? Its very important not to overtighten those not even a little bit or else you’ll ruin the head

[@mxgryan]

Of course I didn't. And thanks for the tip, I've only been doing this for 16 years.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

Why wouldn’t you torque them?

[@mxgryan]

Because I've seen many people torque them with calibrated torque wrenches and strip the threads out, ruining the head just like you said. However, I have yet to EVER see the bolts come loose from hand tightening.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

I think hand tightening is good but for the internal parts i believe its good to have a quality torque wrench for the job and be able to use it right. The spec is 7.2 ft lbs but if you hand tighten it to lets say 9-10 that’s excessive drag on those parts and will wear it out faster. thats the only reason i’m against hand tightening

[@davidu8688]

Think my 2012 has the same problem but ive heard reshemming the valves is only a temp fix as it usually means the top end is going bad/needs rebuilt Im worried if I get it done I could have a far bigger problem like the bottom end?

[@mxgryan]

Nah what you just said is simply not true.

[@davidu8688]

So nothing wrong with shimming got it

[@bigwormtv8496]

It also coughs back through carb when it does finally hit off

[@pmolczan]

Only suggestion I have from working on these 4-strokes. I would try and avoid using a impact driver. These bolts are not very strong and can snap pretty easy with the right impact gun. It's more work but I rather get them started with a wrench and use the drill after. Same with putting them in. Use your fingers to get them started to feel/verify they are seating correctly. All in all this is simply a suggestion and nothing more.

[@TheSultanOfBlocks]

Said the same thing and he called me a troll..guys a menace

[@pmolczan]

Yup. Sometimes its better to not say anything cause not worth the time and energy to be called names. @@TheSultanOfBlocks

[@tiana5271]

I’m deciding to buy a 2008 kx250f it’s for $1500 won’t start I’m taking mechanics classes so I’m wanting to start getting my hands on to rebuild stuff

[@mxgryan]

That's far too much to pay for such an old bike that won't start.

[@tiana5271]

@@mxgryan Aw man I thought it was a good deal because where I live everything is so expensive i live in Texas so dirt bikes are pretty popular and I’m been waiting since December saving up money to find a buy to fix 😭 I’ll have an extra $900 to spend on parts and stuff

[@DVSONENL]

Aren't you afraid the timing will accidently change a tooth by not fixing the chain on the camshaftsprocket?

[@mxgryan]

Pardon me?

[@DVSONENL]

@@mxgryan the distribution timing.

[@mxgryan]

@@DVSONENL no clue what you're talking about friend.

[@Mrfurballs]

chill on the weed bro skie ….

[@fivefivesix-sevensixtwo4114]

Subscribed! I have a 98 KX250 that won't start. I'm going to try to figure it out.

[@Qwerty44960]

Howd you go

[@fivefivesix-sevensixtwo4114]

​@@Qwerty44960 I changed the spark plug and removed the old gas from the tank. I tried new gas and it still didn't start. I removed the carburetor and bought one of those carburetor rebuild kits. When I took it apart, I found what I believe is called the pilot jet clogged up. I was able to clean it but I used the new jet that came in my kit and replaced the tiny gaskets and stuff. After that, it started on the 3rd kick. Before that I would kick it 'til my leg cramped up and it still wouldn't start. Now it starts in 1 to 2 kicks. I still have to adjust the carburetor to get it right where I want it but haven't taken it out much since the summer. I basically rebuilt the whole bike. It turned out really good.

[@madcitisinner]

What size carb should b on a 01 kdx250r thnx

[@mxgryan]

I'm actually not sure man...I have 0 experience with a kdx surprisingly lol

[@axelmensch3369]

@The MX Guru Hi I really liked your video and was hoping you have a hint for me and my bike (2011 KX450f ) This bike doesn't start at all. I have a good spark, but I can't start it at all (no kick or bump) Even a little bit break cleaner in the air box did nothing. Also I flooded it several times, so I think I haven't a fuel problem. I'm really clueless and hope you could give me and my bike some hope. Thank you 🙏🏻

[@curated.flavor]

Hey i know this video is old but do you have a video of doing the timing chain? I was told my 09 kx250 timing chain has stretched

[@mxgryan]

Yup I believe so! Search MX Guru timing chain!

[@curated.flavor]

@@mxgryan wow thank you man chillest guy ive met on youtube look forward to watching more of your videos

[@patrik-w2d]

hey man i hope you can see this even after 2 years.. i have kawasaki kx 250f 2012 and it idles for about 30-60 seconds and then suddenly stops? what should I do? also it started to do (occasionally!) some rattle noise in the upper engine ? could it be stretched cable bouncing of walls thanks a lot

[@mxgryan]

Check valves, then do a leak down test!

[@patrik-w2d]

@@mxgryan okay, thanks so valves could do The ocassional engine koncking? And last question will be compression test enough?(instead of leak test)😅

[@mxgryan]

@@patrik-w2d no, compression test is pointless on a 4 stroke. Leak down for the win!

[@Voiceinthewoods]

i got a 05 kx250f with a bad engine but got a good 09 engine for it.05 engine had no head or cylinder i do not know where head motor mounts go got some and i see no way to show where they sit or bolt up.but at 59 seconds i see a good idea but went t look see nowhere to hang them.

[@mxgryan]

That is not worth the time or effort bro. Sell both of those piles and get a different bike lol

[@Voiceinthewoods]

@@mxgryan yeah can you donate me 5 g to get one.

[@mxgryan]

@@Voiceinthewoods decent 250s and 450s both can be found for 2500.

[@andrewenglish9373]

This video helps a ton do you know the spectrum for both intake and exhaust side plz I cant find it anywhere??

[@mxgryan]

.10-.15 IN and .17-22 EX I believe.

[@andrewenglish9373]

@@mxgryan I have a 2000 Mojave is that correct for my atv or different?

[@andrewenglish9373]

@@mxgryan I have a 2000 Mojave is that correct for my atv or different?

[@andrewenglish9373]

@@mxgryan and what kind of shims should I use?

[@mxgryan]

@@andrewenglish9373 lol. No.

[@jmac127]

What are your thoughts on the 17 Kim Xc-F 350?

[@mxgryan]

Great bikes! I'm about to borrow an 18 350 XC-F to ride for a few months, love them!

[@jmac127]

The MX Guru pretty easy to work on? If you are able to make some videos on those in the future I would appreciate it. Thanks for the feedback

[@jmac127]

The MX Guru any suspension tips for the xcf on motocross track? I’m 200, 6’1 intermediate rider, i hear the suspension can be soft. I’m not opposed to buying new springs or anything but need a little advice

[@zweitakt2T]

Hi, I have a kxf250 with a carburetor. When I throttle only to 25%, the motorcycle seems to suck fake air and no power. When I add more than 25% of gas, the motorcycle is already going as it should. But that is problem because when i riding trails, sometimes i ride on low RPM and 25% throttle, and thats not possible right now. It can cause carburetor, valves, or air intake?

[@syntheticsoneindependentam9939]

Is it 12 or 13 pins between top cam marks when setting up timing?

[@mxgryan]

Its 28 far dot to far dot

[@syntheticsoneindependentam9939]

@@mxgryan ok because I've seen in my rmz250 manual it says 13 pins from tip dot to top dot and in the kx manual it's 28 pins which makes 12 pins btwn top dots. Either way the valves don't hit when rotating by hand but 13 dots makes the intake cam out of time.

[@bryce099]

I checked my valve clearances and I found exhaust left is .23mm and intake left is .06mm. When I make my adjustment, can I pull the cams and tensioner still at TDC?

[@mxgryan]

Sure can. It probably wont stay in PERFECT TDC so you will have to double check it when you reinstall...but it will stay close.

[@bryce099]

Awesome, thanks for the fast response! I had problems starting and idling. Figured it would be valve related

[@mxgryan]

@@bryce099 You're welcome Bryce...and yea, on these bikes its tight intake valves 90% of the time!

[@jettgriffith7216]

How did you get the cam chain so loose? I have a 2012 kx250f and took the whole cam tensioner out and the chain was still so tight I could barely get the cams in/out

[@mxgryan]

Something isn't right then!

[@jettgriffith7216]

@@mxgryan is that a hard fix?😅

[@banpolly1020]

Hey man I'm doing my vaules rn on a 17 kx250 f can't get the timing Chain tensioner back in any ideas

[@mxgryan]

It just slides in. Did you reset it?

[@banpolly1020]

I figured it out that was my proplem I didn't reset it when I did it the first time. Thank you you video are very helpful man I watch them now just to learn more

[@mxgryan]

@@banpolly1020 awesome dude I appreciate you

[@banpolly1020]

@@mxgryan hey buddie so my vaules are good and in spec I got spark I got gos but I can't get it started unless I post start it ?

[@mxgryan]

@@banpolly1020 then you have issues. Run a leak down test.

[@bikelifesoldier5412]

Does anyone know what the 2 rubber dampers attached to the frame that the gas tank sits on are called? You can see them clearly at 11:53. I'm missing one and can't find them anywhere! Thanks

[@mxgryan]

I just always called them dampers. You should be able to find them on any schematic under the frame section.

[@JayDeeFrm7400]

You could rig almost anything up to hold one side of a gas tank shouldn’t be a big deal tho I wouldn’t worry about it

[@wtjreactions]

“Noooo” lol hopefully you can fix it

[@mxgryan]

You know I got you

[@slowb4lls1]

Damn dawg I was hoping after all that you would at least show the timing gears and marks brother dang. I got something fishy going on with my back camshaft on used bike I just got and the thing runs like a bag off ass off idle except idle and wide A open, otherwise she’s popping and making all kinda racket and I feel like it’s out of time but I’ve timed it up but back cam looks like someone messed with the cam gears location on the cam itself which is kinda hairy and the Hendersons so im prolly gonnna end up just getting a new cam for the thing cause it’s in time and still runs like arse

[@mxgryan]

@slowb4lls1 I've done tons of videos on kx250f valve adjustments man. This was a diagnosis vid

[@slowb4lls1]

@@mxgryan yea I copy ya. I’ll check em out, it’s not that hard to time em. My issue wit this bike I’m almost certain is someone who used to own the bike had the cam in a press and moved the sprocket on the shaft, so the timing marks are jacked up, I can see two grinded down booger marks that looks like they spot welded the gear back on the cam, this one whipped me, got a new factory intake cam for it came in today ima try and slap that back in here and time her up and see if that breaking down is fixed. It was ok before at idle and wide ass open, but to get wide ass open you wud have to go thru 3/4 of the throttle breaking up bad and sounded like timing to me and then I ripped it down and seen this janky intake cam and I’m like I bet that’s what’s been whippin me

[@Imdustin88]

Learned alot. Thanks

[@TwistedThrottleyt]

Mine turns on but cuts out when riding then takes about ten kicks to start however my coilpack is cracked is that the problem

[@mxgryan]

Idk bro

[@JayDeeFrm7400]

Mine did the same exact thing I spent 500$+ trying to figure out the issue but it ended up being the fuel pump... It was pumping enough fuel for the bike to run and idle but as soon as you give it any throttle the bike would bog out and die bought a new fuel pump and never had another problem!

[@TwistedThrottleyt]

@@JayDeeFrm7400 it was the coil pack the bike got hydro locked and its gone now but thanks anyway lol

[@arrowheadhunter420]

My 2012 is terrible to start. Newer pro circuit head with maybe 5 hours on it

[@TheSultanOfBlocks]

Your a nut job for using a drill on the cam cap bolts 😂 good way to loose the threads..id break the tension with a socket then use the drill after it's free'd up

[@mxgryan]

No.

[@TheSultanOfBlocks]

@@mxgryan surprised people let you work on their bikes smh as a mechanic I can say your doing things the hack way

[@mxgryan]

@@TheSultanOfBlocks lol.

[@mxgryan]

Guys he's a mechanic! He's a mechanic guys.....see? No one cares. A troll is the best word to describe you.

[@TheSultanOfBlocks]

@@mxgryan you sound dumb smh..but carry on there nothing dumber than the way you work on shit..tell me, if your roached those threads with your drill would your take the time to rethread it correctly id bet not..guy like you would just impact a bolt in an crossthread it.. Hopefully people understand you shouldn't be allowed near an engine..but yea im a troll for calling you out on your bS

[@Skylersdad22]

I have a 2010 kx250f I got it from a guy I traded my 125 he told me that all it would do is just spin over and not run what to you think it could be

[@mxgryan]

Man it could be about 100 things haha.

[@JayDeeFrm7400]

@@mxgryan that’s for sure it could be a million different things lmao that’s like asking how many gallons of water is on earth😂

[@chasemitchell4546]

My bike is doing the same thing that did and mike bike is the same bike as that one in the video

[@dominickmcdaniel4603]

I put a new upper head, valves, cams and we can’t get it to start what would be the problem

[@mxgryan]

Who did the valve work

[@dominickmcdaniel4603]

The MX Guru my neighbor

[@mxgryan]

@@dominickmcdaniel4603 lol does your neighbor cut valve seats and pressure test heads

[@dominickmcdaniel4603]

The MX Guru no

[@dominickmcdaniel4603]

The MX Guru we have tried timing every way you could and it’s got good compression the motor just won’t turn over

[@Superingar1]

I have a kawasaki 2008, it always start easy, but when I ride it "hard" 20 minutes, and stop the bike, it's very hard to start again. Or if I do stop the bike in the track for a 2 minutes brake, or if I'm riding with my son, and he needs help, i need to stop mine a couple of times, suddenly I need to spend 15-20 minutes to get it to start again. But if I wait 20 minutes, and then tries to start, if usually starts fine. Is there anything u suggest I can do?

[@Superingar1]

The bike is in very good condition, it has only 30 hours on its back.

[@10brostv48]

mine is found the exact same thing

[@mxgryan]

Sick! Now you know how to fix it! hehe

[@BabyWally]

hey, so i just got a KX250F 07 and it has dings in the cylinder (says the previous owner) we are confused on how to get the top end off the bike to check the cylinder.

[@mxgryan]

Watch videos. I have one doing the top end on a kx450f. Same deal

[@BabyWally]

@@mxgryan alright

[@youngman7655]

Hey, I’ve hade my 2010 kx250f for 3 years and everything runs perfect, the bike starts within 3 kicks but backfired when I let off the gas should be concern?

[@mxgryan]

Mild popping on decel is normal. Anymore than that, change jetting.

[@youngman7655]

The MX Guru okay thx

[@haxyrust]

So i got a VIN code on kxf 250 and it says its 1993 but thats just impossible any clues?

[@mxgryan]

Are you asking me to use my psychic powers to guess the year of your bike over the internet?

[@haxyrust]

@@mxgryan yes magician

[@mxgryan]

Evensl my powers have limitations, young padawan learner.

[@aTcMDaMo]

maybe post the vin?

[@haxyrust]

@@aTcMDaMo JKSKX250NPA015050 here you go

[@gintautasnik5214]

8:12 not sure what you are trying to do there mate

[@mxgryan]

That would be checking the valves.

[@gintautasnik5214]

@@mxgryan and what do you expect to see/feel if they are correct?

[@mxgryan]

@@gintautasnik5214 if the feeler guage fits in and has slight drag, they are where they need to be. If I cannot fit the right size gauge in...they are still too tight.

[@gintautasnik5214]

@@mxgryan thanks

[@cameronbarben3354]

What if I hear a tapping coming from the top end

[@corybob7915]

all kawis make top end noise even brand new. if its anything excessive theyre probobly a little bit loose

[@tpghl5225]

-Didn't use a torque wrench at all -not using proper size Flathead for engine plugs -working with dirt on the bike

[@mxgryan]

Ha. What a loser. - a torque wrench is not required with working with small 6mm bolts that I've done hundreds or thousands of times, never ONCE had an issue. -I literally used the motion pro ENGINE PLUG removal tool to remove the engine plugs. -There was not nearly enough dirt to cause any issue with popping a head cover. get out, nasty troll.

[@tpghl5225]

The MX Guru I'm not being a troll lmao but it's just nice to do things properly. I'm not saying you did a bad job, just pointed it out.

[@mxgryan]

@@tpghl5225 no, you're just ignorantly wrong. And that's okay.

[@tpghl5225]

@@mxgryan Oh is that it? Lol ok gotcha

[@mxgryan]

@@tpghl5225 yeah, like you clearly have no clue what the tool is to remove an engine plug. Troll!