250F 2007 KXF250 Valves

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Chandlerh93

I just recently finished putting back together a buddies bike that had been sitting in the garage in pieces for a while. The motor is fine, I cleaned the carb, air filter, oil change, coolant, the works. It starts on the very first kick damn near every time but I think the valves need to be done. The idle is fairly inconsistent, as well as the ride when you first start going through the gears (kinda jerky) . Not to mention it pops in little.

I'm pretty familiar with the inner workings on the bike and id rather not get it into a shop. Could it be as simple as just changing the shim sizes under the buckets to a slightly bigger size? I have the tools needed (torque wrench, feeler gauges) and I know I could replace those shims no problem. I just wouldn't know what size to put in there.

-Chandler
 
SRAD97750

SRAD97750

Moderator
Staff member
I would check the clearances per the manual and if you need a different shim, the measurement you initially took is how you determine the new shim size. No way to know until you inspect!
It is common for valves to cause hard-starting, so if it starts hot, then the valves are probably not the issue.
Any leaks at the header or pipe can cause popping as well. Check for minor leaks. Exhaust leaks sound like 'ticking.'
-BIG DAN:thumb:
 
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ossagp

If it starts too easily cold I always suspect that it is too rich. Having it blubber more as it gets warmer, or become harder to start after killing it is kind of tipoff. the problem is that since it has been down awhile, no one can probably tell if it is better or worse down low etc. its really possible to have one that is running too rich due to a high float level and have the low speed circuit partially plugged too, so that it responds like it is lean sometimes.

checking the valves for clearance is fast and easy. taking the carburetor apart and completely cleaning out the low speed (and highspeed)circuits is a longer process, setting the float is basically free. for my time and money I would check the valve clearance and set the float today. then make a determination on the next and spendier steps.
 
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Chandlerh93

Starts first kick when it is hot every time. But now that you've mentioned the header SRAD97750, I went and checked the pipe and it is extremely loose at the exhaust port connection. I would have never thought of that. I'm going to tighten it all up and get back you. Thanks for the responses guys!
 
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