What Happened to The 250R?

[@betarider9392]

I did not read through all the comments before posting this. It may have already been said several times. I am not a "know it all", but I know a whole lot about this topic. I am a Yamaha Master Technician, and have built, jetted, tuned and repaired a whole bunch of 2-stroke engines including both outboard motors and motorcycles. If you will pay attention to the video you will notice that all of the cylinder and piston damage is on the exhaust side (front) of the engine. This is telling you that the engine did not starve for lubrication, nor did it overheat. If either of these things happened, the piston/cylinder would be scored all the way around. This is a classic case of an engine running too lean. The exhaust side of the piston expanded too much from the intense heat created from the lean running condition. The roughness in the cylinder is aluminum from the piston that melted and stuck to the cylinder wall (it's called transfer). It is highly unlikely that the melted vent hoses on the carb caused this engine failure although they must be replaced. If you jet any engine to run it's best on a fairly level dirt surface, you MUST increase the size of the main jet 2-3 sizes if you're going to ride in deep sand. You were already riding on borrowed time, the hill climb just sped up the the process dramatically! Beautiful machine by the way. I just hate seeing something bad happen to someone that is so meticulous and dedicated to the sport. God bless!

[@kevinwest1607]

This is fact!

[@biggitybaked7017]

Well said!

[@MrSnopro700]

I agree 100 percent!! I could hear it from the way he was riding it.,.

[@betarider9392]

@@MrSnopro700 Yes, the engine was very crisp. That's great for most conditions, but not for deep sand. You have to fatten up the jetting or you'll go from crisp to crispy! That's what happend here.

[@DUNEATV]

I agree!

[@breakwood8531]

I don’t get the hate, this guy is awesome and he’s completely honest which is rare now days.

[@TerrickHarden]

Ppl suck 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@Mroffroad353]

I respect mike he’s a very hard working man people just like to hate

[@slypto]

the hate is jealousy turned into attempts to drag mr sabo down, pure and simple

[@slypto]

the dudes respectable as hell and a good person to look up to as a role model

[@northsideripridahs2043]

@Klaus Van Heusen quap dont play

[@citabria4804]

“Yeah whatever try and get laid” 😂

[@gregsweet6567]

I was laughing so hard

[@Chancie00]

Same it was one of the best lines ever

[@aidano7503]

That shit was so funny I died

[@joshf8097]

I know right LOL that was hilarious

[@DrewF7210]

Man that shit was funny as hell.

[@DBC_Racing]

EVERYONE! This cylinder has a steel sleeve, and does not have a nikasil plated bore. A ball hone will not damage the sleeve on this cylinder! Keep up the killer content Mike. Can’t wait to ride with you in Oklahoma. 🤟🏻

[@brennaniannone3224]

love all the projects mike but the 4 mil and 250r were definitely my favorites

[@patrickbarnes2686]

Mike when rebuild is done after breakin do a few plug chops to make sure your mixture is dead on!!! 👍

[@slypto]

that 250r is soo fricken badass, glad everyone came together and figured out what the problem was and was willing to get to the bottom of it the amount of engineering that goes into these machines is soo crazy

[@richyfishy5120]

“60% of the time it works 100% of the time” 🤣 I love the Anchorman

[@ExticyOn2Wheels]

That’s really cool of all the guys that were helping out. Get er fixed and the video up of her rippin!

[@mainlyoctober]

I’ve watched this fella since he started doing KZbin. Such an incredible fella and friend you can just tell he’s good people. Keep your head up brother. Don’t pay attention to any haters they’re secretly just your fans too! Much love form Kentucky.

[@timpavao5298]

Shit happens it’s a new build something little gets missed and boom it’s down that’s how you learn from the experience. It’s nice to see the quad community is so tight that you got lots of help. Your doing a great job Mike keep it up love the videos

[@jeredalmeida1880]

Sabo rocks! He keeps it real, respects the community and learns from his mistakes. In a world where everybody thinks they're an expert on everything, the humble guy always gets better because he never stops learning. 👊 HOLLA

[@miked7056]

I’m big into v6 mercury outboards. The motors are nic cylinders and that looks like straight up overheat. The nic is so hard the aluminum melts off the piston and looks just like that. We use acid to pull the aluminum off the nic and see if it can just be honed

[@boatsandjeeps780]

Almost look like it started building sum heat and stuck the piston from not enuff cyl clearance, if it was that lean ,the top edge piston would be round at the exhaust port , I'm into the merc v6 to ,

[@joshf8097]

Acid is a great idea actually. I think the only problem is he's trying to get a quick fix instead of waiting for more stuff to come in the mail or having to go and source it properly. I was trying to tell him that he should probably consider using the nylon hone instead of a conventional ball hone considering that manufacturers that use Nickocil, recommend using a nylon hone. They just say that using a conventional ball hone can damage the coating. But like I told him I've used a conventional hone on a coated cylinder and haven't had a problem. I will admit one time there was some very light chipping at the very top of the combustion chamber but I used it anyway and didn't have a problem. Not ideal I understand but I'm just telling the truth. It's either that or send it out for $400 and have to wait 6 to 8 weeks for the cylinder back. You know what I mean? Anyway I just thought the acid was a really good idea. Very good point. Smart.

[@kaydentallman3040]

Hey man, I’m 14 love the vids, I’ve watched all your videos on this build, Love the quad! you’ve inspired me to start on my own quad build. Keep up the good work and don’t give up!

[@stonecold7036]

Respect for showing the damage, shit happens, life goes on...

[@andyb9994]

That's exactly it...Live and Learn, it is what it is, I know you will figure it out and be back at it. And hey if anything it's content..keep it up👍

[@ricardoguerra9411]

Awesome when 250R guys are trying to diagnose a breakdown/incident that just occurred . Drinking beer after riding and men being men, joking around all the banter ( those are good times ) . Gold my friend.

[@JSDeerstalking]

I always run my R slightly rich to avoid bad situations, especially if you’re changing climate and humidity. Shit happens though man, it’s not the end of the world.

[@jdouglas2109]

Yeah you found what I mentioned in the previous video, highly recommend you get an egt gauge, you can see from the exhaust temps where your jetting is at at any throttle position and save the engine before she goes south. Don't ball hone the cylinder send it back to Arlan and get it right.

[@eduardolugo427]

Just throw a LECTRON CARB at IT, You will thank me later!!!

[@raymocandler]

Blew my bike up last weekend on my first ride with the lectron. Didn't get a chance to adjust the metering rod because it was so lean out of the box.

[@tc1254]

Ray Candler riches it up and put new top end on it

[@OmarGarciaElDeLa_O]

You fall to the ground and then stand up even STRONGER. Greetings from Puerto Rico 🇵🇷 bro....

[@brandonsexywhitaker]

Cant wait to see this thing really rip. Hope you get it up and running soon man.

[@MxHDXB]

Honestly I was expecting the Banshee to break down. Good thing , something new to learn again. Keep it up Mike !!!

[@dirtsquadatv2714]

I'm pretty sure the hoses are routed that way to keep water from sucking in. Those hises bring in air(suction) I route those hoses up through the hole where the top of the shock is. If the suck in water the quad will stumble. Some guys run them into the airbox.

[@Wingnut7078]

That's part of it not everyone builds a bike frame up and doesn't experience issues, the 250r is sick and that was a freak problem my man keep on keeping on

[@Jacocr19]

Best part of the video "Get laid" 🤣 Man I was sad as hell when she died on you on that dune, hopefully you get it fixed up asap and back to enjoying that beast Keep the work up, your vids are bangin

[@manbearpig2164]

I knew it was going to happen before it happened, nobody builds a engine and takes it to the dunes without tuning it properly and a full break in, not that I doubted your skills, you're really good, I just had a bad feeling brother

[@erussell1081]

Never rode on the dunes but I read that you have to go richer then normally, but still it could be caused by the uphill carb float thingy

[@867diesel]

ive been there and done it so many times i could here the bike getting weak as he rode it

[@867diesel]

@@erussell1081 ive always was told and heard double the oil the brake in ride . so i do klutz 15:1 first 5 gallons . might be too much . but ive only got the money to get it right the first time .

[@backwoodsmx3274]

867diesel I personally wouldn’t do that because your bike would be running lean

[@867diesel]

@@backwoodsmx3274 dude shut the fuck up dont even talk . 28:1 is what people usually run . that means 15:1 is rich . ive owned and raced the same trx250r since 01 . i got on the podium against 450s in xc and mx before that . go read a book

[@chadriddle3517]

Awesome live video mike! So loved the content again ! You know your stuff is real . I’m sure you will have the 250r back up and running in no time !

[@Quadcrazy84]

Thats just crap Mike 😕....i get the whole overwhelmed feeling, new to dunes, and everything else going on. Now you know that if your running hot let her cool down before going again, running a little rich never hurts especially in that sand. Hone piston and rings that thing will rip again. Hope to meet you at Little Sahara for the legends tour and see the big sand hills.

[@MichaelSabo]

It happens man, I'm glad we were able to meet!

[@tyways1]

You need things like this to happen as a learning curve for you and all of us followers. Excellent build as always and I’m sure you will have it up and running 100% In no time. Embrace the negative comments with the positive, some people will never have anything positive to say. At the end of the day they are still following you.

[@jonnylong7927]

Lucky thing JST was there with that mobile shop!

[@Shaun_81]

These guys are hilarious, especially Justin! 😂 So nice to have them around cracking jokes to take your mind off being bummed out. Little Sahara for the redemption!💪 If I can get over the 1300 mile drive, I'll be there too!! 🤘

[@jeremiahcomment9473]

Mike glad to see it isn’t a total blow. Easy fix. Like you said live and learn. Keep doing your thing!!

[@royalracingtechroyalracing6128]

Awesome how everyone comes together that's what we need in this world, team work makes the dream work ,much love from upstate new York, sabo is king up here buddy

[@mystercaiden605]

Michael let the people hate they just jealous that you do good videos keep up the good work

[@MichaelSabo]

Thank you for the support bro 🤘

[@kellylargent2634]

@@MichaelSabo hey brother anyone hating on your stuff has no idea how to build they buy !!

[@kellylargent2634]

Your 250r is the baddest build I have seen so far ! Keep it up even the people that talk crap have watched your video and just wish they had half the talent you do !!

[@nacegarner7216]

wen i had my 2 strokes i took notice wen i follow the rules and with the heat cycles and shit it blew up faster but wen I'd slap it together and immediately beat the balls outta it it ran for months..man sweet ride and it happens to the best of us

[@shawndurnell2659]

Quote un quote! Sand dunes are hard on machines and being a fresh build!!!!

[@WEBO_305]

That’s what good ppl do help out

[@JamesDee11]

that open engine with all the sand around it is making me cringe

[@guskelman3058]

Me to lmao

[@connormoreland9847]

Me too lol but as long as he cleans it before he starts it it’ll be fine

[@kolobok11223344]

I rebuild my banshee at Winchester overnight and rode the next day perfectly

[@rickymitchell7586]

Sorry for the bad luck, she does look great and sounds awesome. She'll be back

[@nickmaddox5469]

What a bummer. I think your right about that vent hose on the carb. We all learned a lot from this and it will always make me check to make sure the carb hoses are routed and secured. Shit happens. Like my 250 when the center case gasket blew on the first start. This was a great video and can’t wait to see it run again. 🤘🤘

[@hondaguy425able]

That's the name of the game when riding two strokes. I just sold a banshee that went through lots of mechanics. No one could get it running properly so I finally just sold it.

[@christophermoyer9760]

I didn't watch the video yet...but I can tell you right now there is no hating going on here brother. Love all of your stuff and hope to see you more confident next time . Sometimes riding can be nervous worried about blowing something up. But at the end of the day almost anything can be fixed and almost everything can be learned from. Much love brother

[@chrissutton2285]

Forget the haters dude. Your doing an awesome job with everything. I’m sorry your trip went that way but let me tell you it’s very interesting to watch couldn’t have rehearsed the real was of the situation. Keep doing what your doing

[@erictavenner5256]

After all the work that you did the most common mistakes was made. Way to damn excited to make sure it was jetted right. Believe me I would have been out hitting it just like you . It's an amazing build. Kudos to you for showing what happened .

[@YaBoiWeeit]

Any good mechanic knows that that kroil works wonderfully, spray it and leave it for an hour and itll break anything loose

[@b-rad3987]

Don't pay attention to the negativity Mike you have an awesome channel and that is a badass quad one of the best 250R builds I've seen so far and the cool thing about it is you actually ride yours.

[@TheJesusno2]

Warms up are crucial with big forged pistons. Also having the timing advanced on top of a lean mixture there is alot of heat generated.

[@justinharrell2117]

Mechanical Hulk with the narration 💪

[@jsnow385]

Man that's the best case scenario for the bike, glad it's an easy fix. Let's see this beauty rip.

[@kevindement7418]

Man, that's still a bad ass build on one of the most iconic quads ever made. There isn't too much work to get it back in action. Yeah, it sucks on a fresh build and all but hey shit happens. Ignore the haters, can't wait to see it sing again. Great video Mike. 👍

[@lozadazx14]

Awesome content sabo !!! That’s part of the sport !!! Fix it and braaapp

[@deucenine4life813]

So your thing bro get her back and running can’t wait for it 🤘🏻

[@garthkerr621]

Damn man that sucks but luckily it’s not as bad as most would think, can’t wait to see her fully tuned in and going for a rip

[@slipweasel]

Every issue, mistake, failure, is just opportunity to learn. Yes it's not fun, but knowledge gained is knowledge earned.

[@lozadazx14]

Justin tricking really help with all the tools 🛠 🧰 👍👍👍👍

[@LPFM28]

Can’t wait for the 250R new video in the dunes!!!

[@dennisbagatin4480]

Hey not a big deal mike easy fix and we all get another 250r video 👍✌

[@BoostedEdge]

I absolutely love the vibe of this video I felt like I was there with boys drinking

[@BStrick1993]

"She is brand new driver" sturgill is the man hahahaha

[@jd0316]

You’ll be back at it, rippin soon. Look forward to the Little Sahara videoafter that trip.

[@jaidanjohnson60]

All part of the game man, trial and error! In a perfect world things never go wrong building engines. You’ll know next time now... I’m getting ready go throw my banshee together next weekend after I get my cylinders back from redline. Wish me luck 🤙🏼 keep your head up brother by far the best videos on KZbin 👍🏼

[@powderfreak7206]

Great news mike glad it’s ok!!

[@Chris-fl9hk]

Justin is cool man a lot of ppl don’t like him just bc he tells it how things are lol good video as allways brother !!!!

[@CainSample]

If you have the money look into the LECTRON carb...jetless carb that ive heard good things about them..no jets amd run perfect at any elevation.....might be the right move for a build like that💪

[@seanbrennan4759]

Your problem started from being to lean weather jetting or float level. The hose likely melted because the lean condition made the pipe way hotter then normal,, it was Awesome watching you try so hard to get it going again at the dunes. I'd really suggest having it checked for roundness, getting up to 250+ degrees and locking up can distort the cylinder and a ball hone won't fix that, otherwise you may end up right back at this point, At the least have a bore Guage and check for roundness

[@user-lx1zg2qo3c]

You'll get it up and I got faith in thank God it wasn't nothing bad 🤘🏼🔧🛠️⚙️🇺🇸

[@Justthatguy420]

Blown up my cr250 multiple times.i feel your pain. Got to live and learn. Stop learning is the day you die

[@ononewheel7]

Get her fixed up man this could have been way worse some rejetting and a new piston and repair or replace that cylinder and you are rolling again! Still looked like an awesome trip!

[@MichaelSabo]

Definitely dude; I'm itching to get the top end back together but the ballhone is on backorder 😫 New piston is just sitting here waiting lol. Thanks for keeping up with my videos man!

[@ononewheel7]

Michael Sabo oh bummer man seems like so many items are not in stock/back ordered now w this scamdemic going its frustrating!

[@jedimastergrogu3140]

camera man: this is what great story's are made of Michael: its true, its true.

[@jimjab3631]

Beautiful quad, I didn't even want him to hit those water pure let alone vapor lock

[@brianj123458]

Sorry this happen with the 250r but atleast it was not so bad. I'm really glad I have not had a problem like this with my banshee. Thanks for sharing with us have great day

[@borealmetalworx]

Love the honesty of your channel. Keep up the good work.

[@nickfrenn8617]

Awesome video can't wait for the next one good luck with it still a badass quad

[@Bunkers101]

Highly doubt that melted hose leaned it out, but what do I know

[@mechanicalking]

Yeah because even if the whole carb was sealed, as fuel is sucked out it will still be entering the bowl to fill the void via suction or gravity. In my opinion I think it was a problem with the end Gap or the Piston to cylinder clearance. There are a lot of Two Strokes pushing 350°+ all the time. Granite this is water-cooled. But still it was only 250 degrees.

[@ninjazx6boy51]

Hey i was wondering why sout tex banshee did plug chops and man this is why

[@MontomaMotorsports]

Check the short gas cap vent hose to make sure it’s allowing the fuel to flow. I had one of those on my banshee and it completely stopped the fuel flow. Popped the short vent hose off and fuel started flowing out the petcock again. Didn’t find that out until after I blew up my 421 serval. I have a video testing the vent on my channel

[@backwoodsmx3274]

I think that was a bad situation all around. The float height was sketchy the vent tube melted and I think you were probably running lean before that.That sir caused perfect shit storm. I personally would run it a bit rich at all times especially if your gonna be switching climate like that. Going from being here in pa with hot dense air to the Michigan cool air. You probably should’ve went up a jet size or 2. Oh well just build her back and tune her up good. Shit happens I’d probably jet up for the next dune trip just to be safe no reason In having another blow up when you could just run her a bit rich.

[@ralphthedog1680]

We had 9 straight days of 90+ degree temps and humidity and our second hottest July on record. Where is this cool Michigan air?

[@MichaelSabo]

"Perfect shit storm" 😂 For sure man; all lessons learned and hopefully passed on to some of the people that see this so they can avoid it.

[@DavidJones-mj5ju]

@@MichaelSabo I feel you guys made the right diagnosis 👍. That's a hard catch with the vent line before adjusting the float height, that could of happened to anyone. At minimum, new nicasil plate, piston, and machine the head..... Nothing you don't already know 🤟

[@garagebuilt4542]

I’m so glad I found your Chanel bro 😭 love the videos keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@scrappyhustler7467]

I'm binge watching Mike's vids and damn I feel bad for him this build was and still is beautiful but hobbies are just that u are constantly learning new things new ways and trial and error that's what makes it fun as well either way mike does what most cannot and that is meticulously build killer atvs and bikes and they always run as good as they look!

[@ni_wink84]

I guess that’s the best worst case scenario? Cylinder is ok, gotta get a piston and back to shredding! Still sucks it happened on your first trip out but I’m glad it’s a semi easy fix! Can’t wait to see it up and running again

[@brianbennett6949]

Sucks man. I feel bad. Me and the father in law just bought an old speedboat with a mercruiser engine and planed on rebuilding the engine and opened it up and realized that the cylinder walls are pitted really bad. I feel it man. It shouldn't be too long before you get her going again though. I believe. Take it easy man

[@lorenzov9136]

We use an old type of drain cleaner to dissolve the aluminum stuck to the walls. After that just take the high spots off (if nikasil is slightly damaged) with a sand paper wheel and give it a light hone and it's good to go. Piston is also usable, we would race with that if it happend on the track. Clear the ring grooves out and sand the molten parts smooth. Never use a ball-hone btw, it will catch the ports and rip the nikasil right of. Seizures like this can also happen during break in if you beat on it too hard. Happened to me aswell, and it was set rich. Good luck fixing it! Shit happens sometimes...

[@benriggs5569]

I have a 2001 cr250r fresh rebuild with all the treats built for trails if I ever got the money I’d come down for a rip sometime. Great content keep it goin bud ✊🏽

[@leprechaungarage]

Fricken Justin 😂 Hey Sabo , great video man . To bad it seized like that but glad it wasn’t a catastrophic event like cracking the Fuck out of your cases and cylinder . Can’t wait to see some more videos on the 309 once she’s kicking ass again !

[@jasondukette4155]

That sucks bud that’s such a nice bike hope it get up and running soon something like that needs to be shown off

[@carlcjs316]

OMG I’m checking the routing on my airstriker tomorrow!

[@nathansumerlin8391]

It’s a good idea to check the routing, but don’t worry too bad, the original pwk only had 2 vent hoses. The quad vent is great bit one plug isn’t going to cause this issue

[@evaneyeball7953]

Man that sucks I hate it when quads blow up or sieze. My CDI box went out on the lake shot at winchester bay and was detonating really bad but I wasn't stopping but amazingly it is fine and I just put a hpi on and your video helped alot thanks

[@nathansumerlin8391]

Sorry to see, but it happens! Check the bevel on the sub exhaust ports, have seen Esr cylinders shipped out and the port edges are sharp and will cause similar results. Also double check fuel flow, not sure if you replaced the petcock? But it can be w weak point on Trx250r, some need gutted tank filters or a Pingle valve to supply enough fuel, also double check your tank vent. It sound like it was a touch lean, but your float height fix may have caused it too! Good luck, and make sure you get the transfer off the cylinder!

[@chrisgamboa3744]

U make the best bike build videos out there with out a doubt

[@goldenwheeledbanshee9160]

Nothing u, did made this happen, I will let u work on anything I've got, including my Banshee. That vent tube was the bad thing, u did awesome. Good video, much respect 4, being REAL!

[@zachgurtler1762]

Hate to see it happen but hes right thing can and will happen like with my kfx400 it blew up and hour in to my first ride there was a coolant leak I didn't notice and it got hot on a straight stretch and just shut down I'm glad to see genuine videos showing the problems and struggles keep up the great work I love you videos

[@holychickensoffroad6347]

My brother has one of these and he built it from the ground up,did everything to it

[@Thewatson77]

Dude awesome video! Super rad seeing a group of guys with similar passion tear into a problem and figure shit out on the fly. 🤘🏼 fuck the haters. Shit happens and we learn from it. It’s all part of growth. Keep doin what you’re doin.

[@evanwilliams2602]

Good find man. I had this happen on a buddy's quad melted a vent hose close and it wouldnt suck fuel as normal.

[@ericbrandenburg8583]

If it wasn't for Mike Sabo, I wouldn't be attempting to do a full frame restore on my 86

[@jamesconway142]

Love the build, keep up the awesome videos. The 250r is mint no matter what.

[@Davido50]

Silver lake dunes rock! Northern Michigan baby! #Yamaha #Fox

[@fullyford]

That looks to me like a classic four corner seizure. Most likely cause is your running to lean. Air leak or just miscalculation on the main jet. I personally don’t think the melted air vent would affect anything, because it still have other vents built into the carb. All the rough stuff is melted aluminum front the piston. It can be cleaned off with Murat acid and please DO NOT USE A BALL HONE. Not on a two stroke. It will fuck all your port transfers up. The hone you need is a brake style hone.

[@logancollins928]

“Maybe try and get laid” I’m dead 😂😂😂😂. Haters gonna hate man. Keep on keeping on. 🤙🏼

[@hondaredracer]

Definitely leaned out meltdown! Betcha she was screaming right before she shutdown🤨 Have you had a shop check your ESR cylinder for trueness (correctly bored) too? On the carb vent hoses, get them where you want them, and slightly squeeze the tube holders that mount to the bowl, so there’s drag and they won’t pull without moderate force. Long live the R👍

[@MichaelSabo]

I have not checked for trueness of the bore. That's a good call pinching the carb line holders; ill be paying much more attention to those lines from now on lol

[@hondaredracer]

Michael Sabo ..great work, great videos, be careful with the cylinder and she’ll be purring again !