KDXRIDER.NET

Greetings all,
I have a 1997 KDX 220 that I'm running into issues with :(

I'm the 3rd? owner, but I did have a shop take a look at it when they installed a new Wiseco piston and also re-jetted it because it came with an aftermarket expansion chamber and silencer (both Pro Circuits, silencer I'm not sure what it is, expansion chamber is Pro Circuit platinum 2 pipe I think)

I've ridden it probably 100 miles since the service, all seemed to be well - it's gotten warmer though, and I noticed that the bike wouldn't idle unless I was giving it a bit of gas (so hand on the throttle constantly, even at a stop).

The other day, once I tried to go faster than ~ 35mph I didn't get any throttle response, and then the bike died and subsequently would not start.

I replaced the spark plug (it was fouled up) - but it still won't start.

I'm wondering if someone could help me troubleshoot - I'm new to working on my own bike, and am wondering about what the best course of action would be.

I replaced the plug, when I kick it I can smell gas at least, when I try to kick it over, my headlight doesn't even dim though (usually when I'm kicking it over, it lights up a bit, and then when it starts - it's on fully)

This is what I'm thinking about trying next:
1 - Verify ignition circuit is intact - kick bike, make sure spark plug is actually producing a spark
2 - If the above works, then I'm going to tear into the carb, maybe it's gummed up?
3 - Then check compression
4 - If it still doesn't run, I don't know . . . call the shop back? :P

Are my priorities correct? Should I check the magneto? How do you check the CDI box?

Thoughts, feedback, direction?

Thanks very much in advance :)

If there is spark then how much splooge is there coming from the exhaust? Does it smoke a lot when riding?

There's some, but I'm not sure what the norm is from the exhaust - the shop said that the bottom of my cylinder was a bit dry, so to increase the oil in my fuel mix a bit.

It smoked a bit when riding, but I don't think it was a ton more than I had seen from other 2 strokes?

I'll try to get more details tonight after work :)

Thanks!

KdxRiderX wrote:the shop said that the bottom of my cylinder was a bit dry, so to increase the oil in my fuel mix a bit.

???wtf?
what the hell does this mean??? the bottom of the cylinder is "dry"???
increase the oil in the mix???

It seems to me that shop doesn't know (or care) what they are doing and did NOT jet your bike properly (shocking...)
.
If it was me, I'd run away from this place and save my money.
I'd start with this jetting guide:
http://www.kdxrider.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1156
If you foul plug, I'd guess your either jetted way rich, or you mix 2 different batch of oil that don't wanna mix(happened to me before)
just my .02.

what is your current jetting? main, pilot, needle and air screw setting.
also, do not forget to adjust your airs crew according to the riding condition, it's not a set it and forget it.
What mods do you have? is your engine stock? reeds, pipe, head cut, modified carb?
riding elevation, temp?

First things first, we need to get her started.

Your check list looks pretty good.

Verify spark
verify fuel is getting to the cylinder (plug wet after trying to start it?)
Verify compression

Come back with results of the above. And I second scheckaet, do NOT go back to that shop.

Make sure you don't have water in your fuel

Thanks everyone for your responses - you guys all rock

I put in a new spark plug, and made sure the gap was correct - it started up okay!! (hooray!) then rode it for a bit, and it died again :(

I agree with what you guys are saying, it's probably the 2 items that Scheckaet and others mentioned.

1. I did go rich with my oil mix because the shop had said to do so . . . my fault for not verifying by how much, and for also going away from the recommendations on the site (and also on my oil mix)
2. I fouled another plug, which leads me to believe that the jetting is indeed incorrect (also, the fact that it started up and it did idle fine when the weather was cooler).

The great thing about all this is not only am I learning about my motorcycle, I found a great community that helps others out :)

I'm going to go through that tutorial on jetting this weekend and give it a go!

Happy riding all

once it's jetted right you'll have a totally different fun beast.
Most use 1:40 ratio btw.

scheckaet wrote:once it's jetted right you'll have a totally different fun beast.
Most use 1:40 ratio btw.

Must be an Okie thing?

40 to 1 better?

probably run better

Oil mix ratio really doesn't mean squat unless you are getting into the absurd. I would have no problem running even 20:1 if I felt the bike needed it. Just pick a ratio, 32:1 in my case, stick with it, and jet your bike properly.

SS109 wrote:Just pick a ratio, and jet your bike properly.

that's what I meant, couldn't care less what it is as long as it's jetted right. unless you gonna use 1:40

Nah, 40:1 sucks! LOL!