New owner of a 1989 suzuki lt250s

[ejam]

Here's the story. I had a 2007 lt-z90 that has been sitting for the past 2yrs not being used due to electrical problem that I couldnt figure out. Was looking on craigslist last week for a good used quad and found the lt250s. The guy was asking 1000. or a 90cc quad for his son. So we talked and agreed to trade even.
I am happy with trade, did some riding Sunday with it and it seems to be a low hour, not abused engine. I only had issue with idle and throttle response. I did not want to tear into carb without a service manual, so I put 2.5 oz of sea-foam in tank and took her back on trails. After about 10 min. of ridding, every thing was good to go. The quad would hold an idle, and had great throttle response.

So Sunday night I get on line to do a search on the lt250s and found that these were made only in 89, and 90.
I would like to find out more info in this quad like, on the carb there is something that looks like a choke, what is it used for? I would also like to know if anybody still makes nerfbars for the lt250s? And just basic stuff like common problems to look for and tips.

I some how always run into rare items like this. A few years ago, I built a computer for a friend and he paid me with a 1985 Honda ATC250SX all original and still is running like new.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

Well, congrats on your new toy. I have an '86 LT230s myself, thats been in the family since new. I remeber back in the day, my uncle had an '89 LT250s. He really liked it. As to the nerf bars, ,y guess is there probably isnt anyone out there still making nerfs for that particulr quad these days. But im sure if you bought a used set in good condition you could make them work. If the carb on your 250 is anything like on my 230, yes, there is a manual choke lever on the carb itself. My wifes '88 Quadrunner (LT230e) has a remote choke control on the handlebar. Your newer 89 might have the choke control on the handle bar as well? Is the choke you are referring to a round black knob on the right side as you sit on the seat that can be pushed in or pulled out? I have a feeling thats what you are talking about. If yes, then that is the choke limiter knob. One position is for cold weather, the other is for warmer weather. I cant remember which position was for what climate. The long and short of it is that it limits how much choke is applied in warmer weather when full choke is not needed and can cause flooding. You can tell what position its in pretty easy. One position in the limiter will let you pull the choke farther than the other. The farther setting is for colder climate, say under about 40 deg farenhiet.

As far as common problems....if your 89 has the same or similar rear axle bearing setup, they are a bit weak. Be sure your axle bearings are good. Swing arm bearings are a little weak on my older 230 as well. They may have made some improvements from my 86 to your 89 though. Also, make sure the original air filter isnt in the airbox rotting away allowing the engine to suck in dust and dirt. You pretty much want to check the regular things you would on any old wheeler like that. Sounds like you did ok. The old Zuki sport quads are not super powerful race quads, but they are alot of fun for playing in the back 40 with the family. As i said before, both of my old Zukis have been in my family since brand new. The 86 Sport I am the 4th owner. Uncle bought it new in 86, then my grandfather bought it from him a couple years later and kept it till '03 whe he bought a new Rincon. Then my cousin bought it and had it for a couple years, till I bought it from him. The quad is all original except for tires and exhaust. It has never been opened up and has been an incredibly reliable little quad for its 25 years we have had it. I do plan on rebuilding it sometime, but i dont beat it when i ride it. Its just my little machine for put-putting around with the wife and kids.

The '88 Quadrunner, which is a carbon copy of the 86 except it has electric start and an auto-clutch I am the second owner. It belonged to my grandmother since it left the showroom floor. Grandpa like his little 230 so much he bought the auto clutch, e-start version for grandma and about 3 or 4 years ago, I acquired it from them. It is all original except for rear tires and is in near mint condition. Great little quads. With the exception of stuff like axle bearings, brake pads and normal wear and tear stuff they have been flawless in their service.

[ejam]

Ahhh, that makes sence about the choke limiter. I was wondering why the choke seemed very short in movement. I have been looking at aftermarket stuff for the quad, and the axle bearings, swingarm bearings seem a good price. But for now, everything seems good and tight. There is maybe 1/4 to 1/2" of play in steering post but doesnt seem to bother things. I have a manual on its way so I can go over the quad real good.
I found a new complete Jardine exhaust system on ebay, but was wondering where to find a carb re-jet kit that would match. I really dont want to do alot of mods to this rare quad.

[RIDE-RED 250r]

You dont necessarly need a jet "kit". It should have a Mikuni carb on it. There are only a handfull of different types of Mikuni jets. Any descent wheeler/sled parts shop worth its salt will have a selection of jets in stock, or at least be able to get them for you. Just open up the carb and get the next 2 or 3 sizes richer in the main jet, and a size or 2 richer pilot jets. You probably wont need to change the pilot jet just for the exhaust. But i would expect to need to go at least one size richer on the main if the exhaust system is any good. Just start 2 or 3 sizes richer and tune your way leaner without going too lean.... Jets should only run about $3-5 a piece depending on where you get them. You can also order them from places like Dennis Kirk or other parts catologs and online parts sources once you figure out which jet type you have...

Oh, and be careful with the exhaust header bolts! If the exhaust on it is original, the bolts are likely to not want to come out! And you dont want to break them or you will be calling Dirtcrasher to see if you can send him your head to extract broken header bolts....

Good luck bud!

[ktmbk]

That play in the steering stem is usually the steering stem bushings or possibly a tie rod end, although Ive seen other things do it like bad bushings or bearings in the a arms and wheel's.
I have the two 250s and had a 230s and the steering stem bushings and tie rods were shot in every one.
When you check the steering stem bushings be sure to check the bottom cup bushing, it never gets replaced because they put it in an odd place on the part breakdowns and nobody seems to find them.

[ejam]

Well today I found bad news. I drained the oil, then removed the three screws holding the oil pump cover. When I pulled the cover off, there was a piece of metal about 1"x1/2". It has to be broken off of the inside case. There wasnt any metal shavings in oil, and oil pump is working good. Im thinking it may be left over from a past engine rebuild. I rode it for over two hours last Sunday, with no problems, but carb issue and oil leak at drain plug.

[ejam]

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[MonroeMike]

How to post a pic.

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...Post-a-Picture

or

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/faq.php...b3_attachments

[ktmbk]

I would like to see a pict, hopefully it's just a case piece that isn't important. maybe we could figure out where in the case it's from. (I been in two of these engines recently)

[ejam]

I started new thread about metal in cover plate due to replys not working. Something fishy is going on.

[ejam]

So now it works. Strang. I have been trying for days to reply to my post. Not sure if admin wants to put all post together or not. Sorry