85 Big Red 250 been sitting outside for years

[troyky29]

I bought a 85 Big Red 250 that has spent thV last 7-10 years outside. Apparently there was nothing wrong with it, just got parked and never rode again. The engine still turns over, brakes and throttle are froze. I'm about to start on this and was looking to see if anyone had any advice on one sitting this long. I know the carb has to come off, but is it possible it can be cleaned and used? I know to change oil but should I put wd40 in the cylinder? Any tips would be great.

[aldochina]

most carbs can be cleaned, and reused, unless the actual body is corroding, which i have seen, but is rare. if its been sitting that long, there was probably no ethanol in the fuel which would be a plus. i find you can alot of times re use the needles and jets, but your gaskets will be shot at this point, so a full rebuild kit is probably your best bet! If the engine turns over i would just change the oil and filter. some one here can hook you up with a link to the service manual i'm sure. Very valuable resource for bringing them back! good luck with it!!

[86T3]

Go to napa and buy the carb dip. Its a gallon pail you submerge your carb in. I left a terrible 125M carb in in for a month and it came out perfectly clean. You want to disassemble the carb before you put it in, they say not to put plastic or rubber in but i do and haven't had any problems. With everything else, use lots of penetrating oil, heat, and most of all, patience. You're going to brake things, but try to keep it to a minimum. Good luck.

[dustrunner]

ya, i bought one that sat in the woods at a guy's hunting camp.. took it home and a week later it runs better than any of my other ones... go figure... goo luck

[troyky29]

153721
Here is a picture of the Big Red, if it shows up. As a bonus, stuffed in the storage compartment were both side covers in really good shape.

[atc007]

There are how tos on here too perfectly go through that carb and even bring it up to the 86-7 cold choke equivalent. Last one was by Flying W and he does them almost text book the same as I do. If you want a quick fix,,search him in the classifieds,he'll send you one all redone ready to bolt on for an xchange. Instant gratification ! Drain tank,clean carb,drain all oil,flush with gas/diesel/ kereosene wherever oil goes. Air filter will probably be crumbled. If not clean and OIL it. I start with removing the tank,and tilting the fenders,,soaking her with degreaser where she needs it. Lay it on it's side,remove skid plates. Steam clean,,then service work. Lube or replace all cables. Make sue both axle nuts are tight and cotter keyed. Adjust/replace brakes. Check tires for cracking,and you should have the best bike you could ever wish for ! Report back for any issues please.

[Flyingw]

I have rebuilt SX/ES carbs ready to go. They are bead blasted and thoroughly gone through. I have installed all of them in my SX and run to verify operation. $100.00 with exchange. I'm heading to St Joe to ride so I wont be back in town till Sunday night. Let me know if you're interested. I have one to mail out to Captainweezy tomorrow before I head out so if you want to do this, I can get it out tomorrow.

[troyky29]

Thanks for all the tips. I may get in touch with you and get a carb. I'm in no big hurry. Only get one day a week to work on it.