[DOM1235]

So i got my 05 crf 250 around 3 weeks ago and when i first got it it started up like 2nd kick but back then it wasent that cold, but today i went to start it and it was propely around -4 to -6 degrees and i must of took me about 10 to 15 kicks, but some of them felt like there was a litle less copmpresion than others. but anyway, i just kept kicking it and then it just all of a sudden sprung to life, ideld nicley and then i left it for about 5 minitues to warm, switched it off and it started up first kick and then again and again. also i havent rode the bike since i first got it, as it is a cristams present for my son. any help appriciated

[JAWS]

Try opening the fuel screw up about 1/2 turn.
Joe

[DOM1235]

cheers pal, could you tell me or semd us a pic of where bouts the screw is, sory for the inconvinence but am a newby. lol

[JAWS]

No worries. It's the small brass screw in front of the float bowl. Look at the picture and you will see it clearly.
http://crfsonly.com/howto/450x/jetting/ ... bolt-2.jpg

Joe

[DOM1235]

cheers pal, ill try that and see if it starts any easyier tomorow

[woodsman]

Some people say to buy a special screw that is easier to adjust, but I'd suggest that you take a "bit"(the things that are about half an inch long and go in the tip of screwdrivers) and screw it in or out with your fingers, its pretty easy.

[[email protected]]

Your wrong, It may be no problem for your little xr100 because they can be put through anything, but its a nono on our bikes.

Very wrong.
The bit if it's the right one can work, but it's no fun with a hot engine !
The crfsonly fuel screw remains a best seller for a very good reason. Doug

[DOM1235]

Thanks guys, ermm so should i turn the fuel screw out a little bit and then if my bike startsz easyer, then i should leave the screw and that will be problem solved. and if its no better, turn it back....

I dident think it would be the valves, as just last week, the bike started up first kick, but like i said, that was when it was al lil warmer,,, it wasent till yesterday that i discoverd it was takin so many kicks but that wasd like -5 degree. and i also havent rode the bike yet,

manny thatnks,dom

[JAWS]

One of the symptoms of your valves going to 0 is the all of a sudden hard starting. In your case, though, with this showing up after the weather has gotten so cold, there have been other guys reporting the same issues. Opening the fuel screw has helped them. It's worth a try. If nothing changes then you can check your valves and see. You might also be sure to give the throttle 2-3 whacks before attempting to light it. Try the fuel screw first. If that doersn't work, try the throttle whacks, then check valves. Don't let the bike sit and idle more than a few minutes as these babies can over heat quickly without air moving through the radiators.
Joe

[DOM1235]

cheers guys, ermm, i went to strat my bike agiain this afternoon and it only took like 10 kicks, so i think somthing mabey faulty am gona check it when i can, like this weekend. if anyone else has any ideas on what else it could be, thanks guys.

[Black z400]

You are supposed to let it warm up a few minutes. In those temperatures, 5 mins is a little bit much, but is still fairly reasonable. You will not hurt anything, but don't go over that. Just get it hot enough that you cannot keep a hand on the radiator. Atleast thats my method.

[DOM1235]

ye cheers pal, will do,, anyone else got any ideas

[[email protected]]

Well.
You've gotten suggestions to open your fuel screw,you should if nothings any better remove and clean your pilot jet, and to check your valves. Sounds like you've got some work to do.
Note that in cold weather the manual recommends you open the throttle fully and close it 2-3 times before the initial attempt to start.
It's possible that you have dirt in your float bowl,causing the pilot to clog ,clear itself,then clog again, your bike is about 3 years old and it's worth checking. If your pilot does have crap in it you absolutely need to remove the float bowl and start cleaning, drain and change your fuel,etc.
It's also entirely possible that your intakes have gone to zero.
Almost nobody on this site or any publication recommends letting a CRF or any other high performance four stroke engine idle for anything like 5 minutes. I've ridden my X and the R with temperatures in the 20's and the choke never needed to be on any longer than 1 minute, even in temps like those. If the choke needs to be on longer than a minute the bikes not running right. Doug

[woodsman]

My starting procedure is weird but works. Give it no more than 3 full flicks of the throttle and let it sit for about a minute, then kick hard from TDC.

[DOM1235]

cheers guys, is there a quick way to unscrew the pilot jet, or should i just get the carb off,