XR250Y won't bloody start !!!

[nifty]

I'm currently on a cattle station 1/2 way up Cape York, and have the task of getting this piece of crap to run. It's the "soft" XR from Honda, Electric start, steel tank etc.

I have spark, cleaned carby and filled tank with clean fuel, battery is stuffed so am using jumper leads from car to try to get it to go. Air filter cleaned ( side stand switch is disabled). Just won't even fire, even with Aerostart !!

Does anyone have any ideas, and does anyone have a manual as a pdf file that I can obtain to check settings etc. Might have to check valves. Has done 20,000klm, all farm work and maybe subjected to abuse.

All suggestion gratefully accepted.

Thks

[Trailryder42]

You don't state what year model. But this .pdf manual might help.

http://www.flightoftheplatypus.net/2006/09/honda-xr250r-shop-manual-1996-2004.html

If it has a side stand safety switch, does it also have a clutch lever safety switch? Or a neutral safety switch? Recheck your side stand bypass and for other loose/corroded safety switch wiring and connectors.

Are you getting spark at the plug? Check for a loose plug cap. Check/clean frame ground points for the wiring and coil.

Check the stop/kill switch operation.

Yes, definately check/set the valves.

[nifty]

Thanks TR. Got the manual. Mine's a Y model, but i presumed the valve settings would be the same. My carb is different.

Haven't checked the kill switches etc, as I have a good spark already.

I have an XR4 of my own, and have done valves before on that one. I am having a hard time confirming that I have TDC on the COMPRESSION STROKE. I have it where I believe it to be on the compression TDC, and the exhaust rocker has movement, but the inlet is firm.

I got my wife to put a finger in the spark plug hole, ( didn't that take some talking) and we get the pressure build up, but it comes just before I get to the F and then the T mark. Is this normal?

[Trailryder42]

On the XR4 at least, you should feel a little wiggle in ALL rocker arms at TDC. Go around 1 rev on the crank and check again.

The cranks marks at TDC, of coarse, I would think you'd feel compression before you reach it.

[nifty]

Thks again TR. I rotated crank until i saw the Inlets closing, then continued until the T mark. Checked and adjusted ( inlets were closed right up).

Now going to check timing while it's apart and then re-assemble and see what happens.

If no go, I intend to beat it viciously with a large, knobby piece of wood, kick the remains, and burn the bastard !!!!

Thks

[Trailryder42]

Now going to check timing while it's apart and then re-assemble and see what happens.

If no go, I intend to beat it viciously with a large, knobby piece of wood, kick the remains, and burn the bastard !!!!

LOL Been there, almost done that.