250 The 1999 YZ250

My latest;
00e0e_24549WPFsIB_1200x900.jpg

I picked it up for next to nothing and thought it was gonna be another basket-case, but it's totally not, and is a complete bike that runs great.

Does anybody have a link to a download for a service manual?
Right now I have the carb apart and would like to check/set the float height.

Also, what removes decal goo? I tried brake cleaner but that didn't work.
 
@Big Dan,
I dont have a service manual, and wasn't able to procure one before I cleaned the carb.
I did however find ManualsLib.com, which has some stuff, and while I wasn't able to find a manual for a 99, I did find one for a 2000.
Also, the carb was leaking right at the carb, not the drainage tubes, from what I could tell yesterday. When I pulled it apart this morning I was under the impression I had 2 leaks. One at the petcock, and the other at the carb itself. It appears both those leaks are fixed right now.
Manual.lib said that the float level should be from 5.5mm to 7.5mm for the 2000.
When I measured it mine was right at 7.5mm, so I figured I was probably real close.
I did not change anything else.
I appreciate your input. This is somewhat new territory for me.
 
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Wouldn't day it's broke, at least not yet. Fuel related issues should be fairly easy to dial in. Still though, you should absolutely have touched it. It is much easier (and cheaper) to fix em before they break.
This bike should serve you well in performance, and experience. Know this motor inside/out and you will be able to work on just about any YZ from then till now. Not a whole lot has changed.
Years ago I bought an '03 YZ 125 that ran great first second and third ride. Fourth time out grenaded. top to bottom rebuild and new cylinder. my $1,300 bike turned into a $2,300 bike. Either way I was Fkd because it had an iron sleeve so the head was trash, but it would have been nice if I hadn't driven 5 hours to Houston for a lap and a half. Never do that again. New to me bikes get one ride(if that)and a teardown. Did you comp test the 250?
 
Same engine 99-2017. Kick start and shaft change in 2002. Left was change in 2014 for NSS.
Same plastics 96-2001
same air filter
Same wheels except the front hub so the rotor side spacer is bigger
Same forks 96-2003
Ask, and I will let yah know
 
@Big Dan,
I dont have a service manual, and wasn't able to procure one before I cleaned the carb.
I did however find ManualsLib.com, which has some stuff, and while I wasn't able to find a manual for a 99, I did find one for a 2000.
Also, the carb was leaking right at the carb, not the drainage tubes, from what I could tell yesterday. When I pulled it apart this morning I was under the impression I had 2 leaks. One at the petcock, and the other at the carb itself. It appears both those leaks are fixed right now.
Manual.lib said that the float level should be from 5.5mm to 7.5mm for the 2000.
When I measured it mine was right at 7.5mm, so I figured I was probably real close.
I did not change anything else.
I appreciate your input. This is somewhat new territory for me.

On a bike like this and at $650 the first thing I would do is get it started. The 2nd thing I would do is shut it off and pull the motor and go through it. A new top end is cheap insurance and it gives you a chance to defuse the rest of the bomb befor bit goes off.
No substitute for a paper manual get one ASAP.
 

SRAD97750

Moderator
Staff member
I would
-Clean the petcock and lines
-Get a compression # in psi, with the carburetor off
-Test the carburetor for internal fuel height. Carburetor inlet hooked up to the tank. With a clear tube from the bowl drain, open the bowl drain and keep the other end of the clear tube open and above the carburetor. The level in the tube next to the bowl is the same as in the bowl.
-Purge the crankcase of fuel. Fully kick it 10 times with the carburetor off. When my 89 YZ250 would flood you had to pull start it after, for near a football field before it would clear up.

A larger 2t deserves an inspection every 50 Hrs. Minimum. Smaller ones every 25 hrs. I pull the cylinder and piston every inspection and check the "Big 5" measurements.
Gasket kits are cheap, you learn alot about 2Ts the first time you tear them apart for inspection. Inspection is cheap insurance against a failure while on the track/trail.
-BIG DAN:thumb:
 
As long as you dont call that top end a "ground up rebuild" (in this crowd anyway) I am all for an early teardown when you don't know the history of the bike. Lots of the ones I know the "history" on are torn down before I even start them, but it is why I buy them like that. Cylinders can be used even wall past their prime, pistons not so much.
 
Just got back from a 5 hour day at the track with my kid. It was his first time, and we are both stiff, sore, and happily beat up.
I layed the XR over again, a little harder than the last time, with my head hitting the dirt, so my hips and neck are sore as %@$*%$. I was racing a guy and tried to throttle my way through a corner but wasn't quite lined up with the groove during exit. Another note to self moment.
My wrists are sore as $&^@*! too.
About all I am up for now is some cleaning on the YZ, maybe a compression test. I found some Goo Gone and have been rubbing away at that sticker residue. She's starting to look good anyway.
The kid is now at the park with his friends bragging about his day at the track; I'm ready for bed...or maybe a jacuzzi.
Thanks for all the advice, I'll see what my pocket book and schedule will allow.
Will report back later.

Also - I beat the tar out of the XR today, poor thing. But I finally figured out how to clear a table-top I was working on last week. The YZ'z suspension will be very welcome.
 
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Coolant 20
Trans oil 8
OEM seals and gaskets (bottom only all seperate no kit) 65+
OEM seals and gaskets (top end kit) 30-50. Look at RMATV OEM YZ250S 2004 "Optional parts"
Fork seal kit to 2003 same 45
Then anything else you would like to get into.
 
Okay, I'm sold. I'll start yanking the engine today after work.
I want this thing to be right, I'm probably gonna have it for a long while.
Thanks for the link Dan, the gasket set is on the way.
 
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