How do I adjust the valves on an '85 BigRed 250ES?????

[MistangoRiverRat]

Both my Brother and mines' Big Reds are hard to start when cold.
We've done new carburator kits and cleaned.
They'll only start with the kick starter as if the electric start isn't turning the engines over fast enough. Both Batteries are new.
Could it be a valve adjustment problem?
As far as I know they've never been Done on either bike.
I would like to know how to do it and what the specs. are?
Thanks in advance for any help.

[MistangoRiverRat]

I didn't think adjusting valves on a Big Red was that difficult, or is it just that no one wants to play with me :'(

[atcmatt]

Hi and Welcome.

I really dont think the valves have anything to do with your electric starters. Have you tried putting new brushes in the motors yet. Maybe they are worn out and it is not getting enough electrical cuurent for the starter to turn over...

Matt

[MistangoRiverRat]

The electric start on both bikes seem to work fine.
We have a few buddies with the same bikes and all seem to turn over about the same using the electric starts.
It just doesn't seem to be fast enough (not as fast an engine turn-over as when I kick it) to pull fuel from the tank into the engine. This is why we thought maybe we have a leaking valve somewhere thats hampering engine vacuum and only during a hard engine turn over from a kick start is enough vacuum being created to pull the fuel through the fuel train.
When the ambiant temperature is above freezing or the engine is already warm, the bike starts fine using the electric start. When its cold the electric start can turn the engine over until the cows come home and she won't start??

[atcmatt]

Sorry mate no help here. I think a starter motor would give more of a force than a kickstarter. Not sure.

Matt

[Seabass]

I have an 85' 250es. I beleive it is an air lock issue with the cold start performance. I have that cold start kit honda put out for all 85's and it consists of new starter jet, and new vent hoses that tie into each other. I was told these vent hoses are what prevents it from getting an air lock in the carb...I do believe this is the case because when I put a heater on the carb she'll fire right up, no problem. I can;t see how valves would be affected by heating the carb. my .02$

[MistangoRiverRat]

Thanks seabass, I'm looking into one of those tomorrow.
I knew I couldn't be the only one with this problem. Just couldn't put my finger on it.
I still think the electric start on these '85 and '86's is geared a little too low though. The starter spins like a bugger with a good battery but if you listen carefully you'll hear that the engine is not turning over very fast.
I find anyway ??