I live in Yucca Valley, CA and I have an '86 250R that I am the 2nd owner of. I can't find anybody out here that can or will still work on my bike. Everybody is bitching about it being too old now and blah blah blah. I would love to learn myself, but I just can't seem to find anyone capable or willing. My number is (719) 440-1944 if anyone wants to text me some information or if someone wants to help for some beer and dinner, I would be forever grateful!! I JUST WANT TO RIDE!! Just spent $500 and now it's leaking oil. Might just be that dude didn't put a washer on, but I am not riding it until it's been fixed. Please say one of you cool ass trike riders can help me out....I am losing hope!!
I don't live close enough or I would help. What they are telling you is nonsense. There's no difference between your 80s two stroke engine and a modern one. The 250R doesn't have a power valve, which means it is even easier to work on. They are probably just scared away by the fact that it is a 3-wheeler. Some shops won't work on them because of wrongheaded ideas about them being dangerous or maybe they're afraid of liability issues. Where is the oil leaking from? If it is the oil drain plug on the bottom of the engine, it may just need to be tightened. Check it. Or, if it is more serious, you might try a shop that only sells or works on used bikes. Shops that sell new bikes may not touch it, but one that trades in used bikes should. They are used to dealing with older machines.
Unfortunately, the two places I found over the years that I fully trusted, one closed up shop and the other guy no longer works for the shop. I am going to check the bolt in the morning and see. Is there supposed to be a washer on it? And yeah, it's a bunch of bullshit they're telling me. All I want to do is get this damn thing dialed back in to where it was running perfect. Had it jetted for Colorado and now need it for California. I don't think dude has the right size either main or pilot in there. I also haven't messed with the air screw either. I am just so afraid of messing my bike up. I'm the second owner and have had it for 15 years now. I am finally in a place where I can go riding whenever I want, I just need some help from someone who knows about our bikes so I don't have to stress about it. Thanks again for your reply.
Yes, the drain plug should have a crush washer. If you're living near sea level you can return it to the stock jetting and use that as a starting point. The stock jetting is: 145 on the main, 42 on the pilot, 3rd groove on the needle jet, and 2 1/4 turns out on the air screw.
