New 85 250 R Starting Question Please Help

[jamesca]

Hey guys, you have'nt heard from me before. Well, I'm new to this board and recently found it becasue I just bought an 85 250R. Its in really good shape, a very nice bike. I just have one question. Today I started it up and was playing with the idle screw above the choke. My bike died, then would'nt start. I took out the plug and it seems to have no spark. I just wanted to know if playing with the idle while running could possibly screw up the spark plug. I'm not too "trike technical" so be nice. Any help.advice.reassurance would be appreciated.

[200x Basket]

are you sure it does not have spark? running a 2 stroke at an idel can foul a plug if the pilot is too large. 250r's are not bad about loosing spark. check that the switch is on and check for spark. to do this be sure to ground the plug againt the engine and kick it over. it can be hard to see the spark if you are in direct sunlight. where are you located? someone me be close enough to help....
chris

[84250r]

Just wanted to Welcome you to the board! Have fun with your ride and be careful.

[jamesca]

Hey guys, thanx fo the help. I changed the sparg plug and it started first try. I think I just freaked my self out. Bought a new bike, then could'nt get it running. I'm still having problems with the idle. I can't seem to get it right. I played with the knob above the choke, but still can't seem to get it right. It dies pretty quick, unless I give it some gas. Oh yeah, I'm located in Vancouver BC. Again, thank you for the help.

[Billy Golightly]

A somewhat unorthadox (But effective) method I use for testing spark is just holding onto the end of the coil wire with the spark plug boot off. Doesn't matter if its during the daytime and the sun is shining on it then or not, you'll know when it sparks :P

If you try this yourself and get hurt its not my fault and I'm not liable for you.

[200x Basket]

does gas flow out the over flow tubes on the carb? sounds liek you may have a reed problem but more info is needed

[Billy Golightly]

Actually if you have a leaky gas problem like Basket suggested, I would be awefully careful on testing the spark and not igniting a fire. Just a heads up.