My 85 ATC250R is runnin quite rich...

[phatcat600]

I got my R about 5 days ago, the first 4 it ran great except it wouldnt idle after riding it for a while. It gradually got worse and worse to the point where I would have to manually keep it running. Today I started it up and it died after about 30 seconds of running crappy. It fouled the plug, so I cleaned it and started it back up and it smoked a lot and still ran crappy...then it died.

I was told it could be running a little rich when I ask some people about my idle problem. Now I know Im runnin way rich.

We tore apart the carb today to check how its jetted and its 145, which is stock. My dads afraid to jet it any leaner cuz then you risk burnin up a piston. Since its all stock (except for the silencer, but who cares) and has stock jetting, the jets shouldnt be the problem.

We found something else in the carb that you can adjust, I dont know the name (dad does but i cant ask now cuz hes sleepin). Its like a needle with 5 notches in it and a ring that can go in any of the notches...its set in the 3rd now. Is this right?

I checked the compression and its 180psi, so I dont think its time for a rebuild. The carb is clean inside and the air filter is clean.

What could this be? Reeds? I ask my dad if it could be the reeds and he says it would be running worse than it does if it was the reeds, and it woudlnt have gradually gotten worse.

Im sorry if Im hard to understand, its a long story to try to put into words (this is actually my second try, first time i clicked send it didnt work)

any advice would be appreciated

[KASEY]

look at this jetting chart,,, you will see that the main jet does not effect the idle at all so rejetting leaner won't help your idle problems at all.... and the needle position won't do any good either,, you need to work with the air screw and if you can't get it close enough with that a pilot jet change might be in order,,,, if it idled good before them i say play with the air screw . if you have altered anything expect to readjust ie: airbox lid ,,aircleaner,, pipe ,,,,

[phatcat600]

:( its hopeless and ive only had it for 5 days. Im lost.

[phatcat600]

You understand that it used to idle until ridden for a while right?

Also, it was cutting out after 3/4 throttle and the gas kept cutting out.

[3WheelsForever]

Did you ever change the oil to gas ratio? If you went from 32:1 to 50:1 that will make it run rich. Many people dont think it makes a difference but from my experience with my tecate I know it does.

[phatcat600]

No Ive been usin 32:1 with synthetic since I got it.

[tp250ratc]

check the reeds for sure, and make sure they are not broken. my 86R was running rich and crappy and throwing gas out the back of carb till i replaced them. the old reeds had worn holes at the corners because they were loose in there

[phatcat600]

Where is the air screw? I have the diagram but the air screw isnt labeled anywhere. The screws are just labeled screw sets.

If someone could point it out on the diagram it would be really helpful, here is the diagram

http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/assets/schematics/Honda/H01640016.gif

otherwise i guess i can just wait for my dad to get home from work

[phatcat600]

where is the reed cage located? if i knew where it was i could take them off...

[Fox250R]

Hey,I've was having the same prob with mine..What i didn't know was my ground was bad because i had just painted the frame..If your ground is bad or dirty your bike will run rich..So i recleaned the ground post and everything seems to be running normal again...And the stock jet for a 85 R is 142..Atleast thats what my book says..Just make sure you've cleaned out all your jets and check your gas/oil ratio..I run 40-1 and it runs pretty clean. i know you run a bit leaner try a different type of premix..well hope that helps GOOD LUCK!!

[Fox250R]

Between the engine and carb..

[Mr. Sandman]

You've had the bike 5 days, been riding 4 times and it's running crappier and richer each time you go riding. Clean the air filter!

[md1985250r]

Did you ever change the oil to gas ratio? If you went from 32:1 to 50:1 that will make it run rich. Many people dont think it makes a difference but from my experience with my tecate I know it does.
Reducing the amount of oil will make it run leaner not richer....at least where I come from...anyway I am not posting to start an arguement.I just want to help phatcat.

I would first check the spark plug, to see what is going on before changing jets or messing with the air screw. Also check the air filter , like the sandman said.

good luck GREG

[phatcat600]

The reeds seem good, there is very very little blowback. Which way should I turn the air screw?

[tp250ratc]

for the air screw,counterclockwise for leaner, clockwise for richer.

[phatcat600]

Ok, my dad started it up and was tryin to adjust the air screw but it wouldnt run long enough for him toget anywhere. I need a new plug. We have the plugs we use for the snowmobiles and they are like 9's or somethin, and the one in my r was an 8. Will a 9 be ok or will it burn it up?

[phatcat600]

Hey we fixed it. We just replaced the plug and my dad noticed it wasnt revvinn all the way it was cuttin out. He held it wide open for a few seconds and it fixed it. It got all its power back, maybe more. He thinkks there was carbon built in the exhaust (i think thats what he said...) but anyway its fixed and badder than ever.

[phatcat600]

Btw, after he tested it out on the dirt road I looked at it and there was probably a 200 foot burnout mark with only about 6 inch gaps where he shifted :O

this thing is a beast, i cant wait til i learn more about it and can start modding it