1985 atc 250r issues need help

[fordtech90]

So I went out and road the 250r today it felt screaming fast to me but bowl gasket leaks at idle or atleast only time I noticed it and so we tore it down float is fine just needs bowl gasket. Went to check the plug and it was barely even finger tight so I tightened it up but plan to put new plug in it this week. But, when I went to loosen intake tube to take it off of carb I noticed the coolant reservoir was oil soaked but seems to be old even clumpy in some spots. I drained both radiators, the water pump and even pulled water pump front cover off (one bolt is stripped of course), and there was just a tiny bit of oil sitting at bottom of cover and anyways I would like to think it was misplaced thinking it was a fuel mix tank, or not cleaned out before past rebuild. I was told head gasket or anything head related cant actually cause oil in coolant on 250r's was told only thing that could was water pump seals or water pump itself. Would like to know how true that is? I plan to flush radiators and whole coolant system very well and soap and hot water clean reservoir and refill it with coolant. I drained crank case to check for antifreeze and see no signs of any coolant whatsoever. Whats best case oil? What is a good hotter than stock plug to use?

[rjs89ia]

being that its the reservoir its not out of the ordinary to have some crusty brown residue accumulate its good to clean it out but shouldnt hurt anything. to clarify the water pump seal is the only way oil can get into the coolant system vise versa for the case. if it was through the head gasket then you would have white smoke while your running. if the case oil wasnt milky and your coolant level wasn't noticeably low then theres probably no leak just keep an eye on the coolant level to be sure. br8es and br9es are your common plugs br9es being the hotter i believe, you should never need to run anything hotter than that. for case oil i run honda hp4m 10w40 synthetic. you can run just about whatever you want aslong as its quality and it meets or exceeds stock requirements. plenty of threads to search for case and mixing oil.

[fordtech90]

It wasnt crusty brown it was oil and I agree I think that its just old oil from before rebuild it had plenty of coolant in it. Going to do some cleaning and refill with the oil you suggested and one of the plugs you suggested. I am really wanting to put extended swingarm but having a heck of a time finding one on ebay or anywhere any ideas?

[fordtech90]

Still no help on swingarm?

[09RappySE]

For the swingarm...why don't you just go to a local weld shop and have it cut and extended, I did the same thing on my raptor and LTR...just a thought.

[09RappySE]

Here are the guys that do all the stock raptor swingarms, ...have heard nothing but good results about them.

Phone # 1-573-346-7600

or contact then through their facebook ad:

http://www.facebook.com/OutBackAluminumWelding


I am sure they can give you what you want.

[rjs89ia]

extended swingarms come up from time to time, i myself have a westcoast +2 on mine but thats an old aftermarket brand and they are usually pretty expensive along with some of the other aftermarket swingers from in the day. several people get there stock ones cut and extended and im sure you could find one on ebay somewhere so you dont have to do that but its always an option. alot of it is a waiting game just have to save and wait for what you want to show up on ebay or here.

[fordtech90]

I would really like to avoid cutting up stock swingarm.

[oile]

I had mine custom made at metal tech they make any length you want. ask for Tyler 623-915-9856 www.metaltechproducts.com

[09RappySE]

Check this link.....it is a +4 swinger for an 86, just happened to come across it this AM...to use this I think you would have to change your rear caliper and mount, maybe carrier as well.

http://www.offroadvintage.com/198586...R(1639455).htm

[RIDE-RED 250r]

OK, first things first... Yes, the only way you will mix tranny oil and coolant is via bad water pump seals..

Second, with NGK plugs, the lower the number the hotter the plug. I know, it's opposite of what you might think, but I am 100% sure that is how they run. I'm pretty sure the BR9ES is what is called for by the factory and that's what I run. I usually don't run hotter than called for plugs for a couple of reasons.. 1 being that sticking with the cooler plug will keep your engine safer on longer pulls. And 2, if the carb is dialed in jetted proper there is no need or real benefit IMHO to run a hotter plug.

Why are you looking to run a hotter plug? Alot of people play around with sparkplug heat ranges in an attempt to address what is really a jetting issue. I am running a BR9ES in my 350 big bore and I can ride all day without biffing a plug.. Riding hard or easy, doesn't matter....

Trans oil.. My Honda service manual calls for 10w-40. I run Valvoline 10w-40 ATV oil as it is specified "wet clutch safe". There are many trains of thought on "wet clutch safe" vs conventional motor oils and I'm not saying I am right or anyone else is wrong, But that is what I run and have had zero issues. My clutch life is outstanding, even with the higher HP of my big bore. You may however want to run the Honda HP trans oil if racing or riding hard in very hot weather. It is a thicker oil and probably holds up better to hard running in high temps.

As stated earlier, there are alot of "oil threads" and a quick search should flood you with lots of info to make your decision from.

Swingarm: The '85 swingarm, carrier and brake caliper mount are all unique to '85. I am not aware of any individual or company that makes custom swingarms to '85 specs. If you want to stretch her, you will either need to have your stocker cut and stretched or convert to the '86 rear end. Lots of makers are still building swingarms to '86-later specs, including our site leader BillyGolightly. He has them listed on the 3WW shop. They look awesome, I plan to get one at some point myself...

[fordtech90]

Rappy thanks alot for the link I emailed for a price on it that would be perfect. Ride Red really appreciate all the info the plug you mentioned is what ive already decided to go with seems to be what everyone is running. One of my friends whose built several banshees was tellin me get a hotter plug...im new to 2 strokes so i figured he knew what hes talking bout...but anyways thanks for letting me know there was a parts store on the website I would have had no idea if you wouldnt of told me they really need to advertise that better. Also, where can I get a aluminum front wheel? Looking for full set of wheels to put dune tires on

[RIDE-RED 250r]

The rear wheels are easy enough to acquire from just about any ATV parts source, but the front wheels for our old trikes are a little harder to come by.

Make sure you keep an eye on the classifieds here on 3WW when you gain full access or even post a WTB there as well. Watch ebay too. I am running OEM 350x front rims on both of my R's and I love them. I have always found that cast hub unique to the 350x OEM rims was very attractive. 86-87 200x front rims will swap over too, not sure about 85 and earlier though.

[rjs89ia]

If you go with a stock front wheel your tire selection will be very limited. Best to go with a 10 inch wheel thats got a larger selection of tires especially if you want a dune tire. You can do as RIDE-RED mentioned and watch the classifieds or try to contact Xowner and see when the next group buy on 10 inch wheels will be. I bought a 10 inch polished wheel from him and its very nice, custom fitted for our trikes and you can also get them in gold i believe.

[fordtech90]

I dont know how to get ahold of Xowner or I would gladly purchase a front 10 inch polished wheel! Id also really like to find someone with a plus 2 or plus 4 swingarm I can buy! I cant justify 500 on one from the shop and I forget what all I must swap to use an 86? I am mainly concerned about the stripped water pump cover bolt on it right now.