2012 250 not getting gas? please help!

cmcintyre13 · June 23rd, 2013, 11:41 AM

okay so i started up my 250 on friday to go to work, and it seemed really muffled. i took my car and today i checked again. took it for a ride and it seems like it isn't getting gas.. i have no idea what's going on. could this be a product of getting bad gas?

DaBlue1 · June 23rd, 2013, 12:32 PM

Why would you suspect bad gas?
Had the bike been sitting for a while or you recently purchase some suspect gas?
Did you try opening the gas cap to see if it needed to vent?
Have you checked to see if something possibly fell down under the passenger seat and is blocking the snorkel?
Have you checked the air filter and airbox?
Did you use the choke and warm up the bike enough prior to pulling off?

rojoracing53 · June 23rd, 2013, 12:36 PM

nice introduction

welcome

Why do you think it's not getting gas

we need more details of the symptoms in order to help.

cmcintyre13 · June 23rd, 2013, 02:06 PM

it had only sat over night, the night before i put gas in, but i usually go there for gas.
how do i get to the airbox? and where would i check to see if something fell through. the only thing i keep in the passenger seat is the alarm and it's there. i also did use choke

as far as symptoms its just as before.. the rev just sounds really muffled. and it's extremely weak. i tried to ride around the block to see if i could think of anything and it just seems its not getting anything..

rojoracing53 · June 23rd, 2013, 02:16 PM

To get to the air box and filter you need to remove the plastic side cover I have three fingers on, its just the one silver bolt then pull and it will release from the rubber grommets. After that you need to pull of the air box cover and that's held on with the three black bolts, my index finger is pointing to one of them. After removing the cover you should see the snorkel and then from the passenger seat area look down through it.

Motofool · June 23rd, 2013, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

it had only sat over night, the night before i put gas in, but i usually go there for gas.

What and when was the last work on the bike done (repair, service or upgrade)?

Welcome to our site, Chris !!!

cmcintyre13 · June 23rd, 2013, 02:21 PM

what would i need to be looking for in the airbox?

last time work was done to the bike was an oil change i did at 3000 miles (currently has 4500ish) i did not overfill oil or anything. before that i had a slip on put on at around 1000 miles. and then the 600 mile service

Motofool · June 23rd, 2013, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

..........last time work was done to the bike was an oil change i did at 3000 miles (currently has 4500ish) i did not overfill oil or anything. before that i had a slip on put on at around 1000 miles. and then the 600 mile service

Then, it could be something in the fuel.
Water is the most common substance that causes problems, because is heavier than fuel (goes to the bottom) and cannot be sucked from the carburetor.
Draining the bowls is simple and effective, unless more water is in the bottom of the tank.
Some times, it also happens after the bike has been exposed to heavy rain.

There are cases in which something (like a rag) falls into the airbox and blocks the air intake.

rojoracing53 · June 23rd, 2013, 02:36 PM

A video is always quite helpful

cmcintyre13 · June 23rd, 2013, 02:41 PM

it was exposed to some heavy rain a few times when i wasn't able to cover. no garage due to living in an apartment. a video would be very helpful.

cmcintyre13 · June 23rd, 2013, 02:54 PM

another problem i've been having recently is that when i shift up or down sometimes my shifter won't spring back down into place. if that makes any sense

cmcintyre13 · June 25th, 2013, 11:31 AM

just an update. i checked to see if anything was in the snorkel and there wasn't anything.
i also put heet in the tank to get rid of any water. still no dice.
any ideas?

Motofool · June 25th, 2013, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

........any ideas?

New or old ones?

http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showp...21&postcount=8

cmcintyre13 · June 25th, 2013, 11:42 AM

info on how to drain the bowls?
nothing is in my intake i checked that.

DaBlue1 · June 25th, 2013, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

another problem i've been having recently is that when i shift up or down sometimes my shifter won't spring back down into place. if that makes any sense

Are you briefly letting the tension off the shift lever so that it may spring back.
You may also want to check to make sure the shift lever is properly adjusted and tightened.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

....i also put heet in the tank to get rid of any water. still no dice.
any ideas?

How much did you use. It may be easier for you to drain the gas tank and refill with fresh fuel if you think there is that much water in the tank. Drain some in a clear jar and wait several minutes to see if water settles to the bottom of the jar. More than a few people have gassed up the night before then the next day have running problems out of nowhere, due to bad gas.

cmcintyre13 · June 25th, 2013, 12:27 PM

and how do i go about draining the tank?

DaBlue1 · June 25th, 2013, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

and how do i go about draining the tank?

Get about a foot of 1/4 fuel line from any auto parts store.
Get a gas can, bucket or container big enough to collect the old gas.
Locate the petcock, then find the larger diameter hose that attaches to the side of the carb.
Make sure the petcock is in the on position, then pinch the hose clamp and remove the hose from the petcock. It may be a little hard coming off, but work easy with it.
Attach the foot long fuel line to the petcock, place one end into the container and turn the petcock on PRI to drain the tank.

cmcintyre13 · June 25th, 2013, 09:48 PM

okay so an update. i got a siphon and took all the gas out of the tank. tomorrow morning ill turn it on until it dies to make sure it's all out. along with that is there anything else that i should check for that could cause this to be happening??? thank you so much for the help btw.

DaBlue1 · June 26th, 2013, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

.... along with that is there anything else that i should check for that could cause this to be happening???

An air filter that is wet or overly saturated with oil can restrict airflow as well as an extremely dirty one.

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaBlue1

An air filter that is wet or overly saturated with oil can restrict airflow as well as an extremely dirty one.

and getting to the air filter means that ill have to pull just about everything off the bike correct?

DaBlue1 · June 26th, 2013, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

and getting to the air filter means that ill have to pull just about everything off the bike correct?

No. Just the large black side panel and the airbox cover underneath.

See pic in post #5

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 09:36 AM

oh okay, just the filter that pulls out? how should i go about cleaning it?

rojoracing53 · June 26th, 2013, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

oh okay, just the filter that pulls out? how should i go about cleaning it?

I think its the same as any Dirtbike foam filter so its kind of a pain in the ass. I swapped mine to the K&N replacment(not pods) so it would be easier to clean in the future.

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 10:02 AM

okay i googled it and it says to wash with dish soap until water comes out clear and then soak it with oil before putting it back in. sound correct?

DaBlue1 · June 26th, 2013, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

oh okay, just the filter that pulls out? how should i go about cleaning it?

If it's extremely dirty, remove the black frame (they simply snap together.).You may use a foam air filter cleaner or a little carb cleaner to clean with. if dirty is caked on it, use something the lightly brush off the layer of dirt. Make sure the filter is completely dry after cleaning and then very lightly re-oil the filter with engine or air filter oil. Add a tiny bit of oil inside a zip- lock bag and get the filter totally coated with the oil.

If the filter is a little less dirty, you can use some warm water and a degreaser or dawn dish soap. Rinse, dry completely, then re-oil.

Also look at the steel mesh screen inside the airbox the make sure the holes are not clogged by dirt, corrosion or rust. Clean any dirt or debris inside the airbox as well.

indr · June 26th, 2013, 10:10 AM

A new filter element doesn't cost much to replace every year, so do that if it's too dirty. Unless you're a cheap bastard like me.

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 10:22 AM

how do i get to the airbox, i pulled out the filter and it doesn't seem extremely dirty so i'm gonna go ahead and wash it.

indr · June 26th, 2013, 10:44 AM

You want to remove the airbox? You'll need to remove the rear wheel, passenger pegs, rear fender, and battery box. It's best to shine a flashlight down the hole where you removed the air filter from and see if there is any debris in there. Also shine one down the snorkel (on the right side of the airbox; towards your left if looking at the airbox from the airfilter slot side).

Also, make sure your filter is totally dry of water before oiling it again.

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 11:32 AM

okay right now i'm letting the filter dry before i re oil it. i wasn't able to get the frame off, it's obviously smarter than i am. lol

edit: after messing a little more i was able to get the frame off

will update later!

indr · June 26th, 2013, 12:57 PM

I was afraid that I'd break the frame and didn't bother removing it for the first few times when I cleaned the filter. You just have to slide your fingers down between the two columns, one at a time, and just yank. They won't break. Just make sure you pull evenly.

EDIT: You got them off, NVM.

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 03:51 PM

okay so i dried the filter and reoiled it. i put it back in and went to start the bike and.... it seems i have a completely new problem... ignition button is doing nothing... so now my bike won't even start...

rojoracing53 · June 26th, 2013, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

okay so i dried the filter and reoiled it. i put it back in and went to start the bike and.... it seems i have a completely new problem... ignition button is doing nothing... so now my bike won't even start...

Maybe your battery is dead now

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 04:24 PM

im guessing im not able to charge it up with regular jumper cables? dunno why it would be dead.

DaBlue1 · June 26th, 2013, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

okay so i dried the filter and reoiled it. i put it back in and went to start the bike and.... it seems i have a completely new problem... ignition button is doing nothing... so now my bike won't even start...

Dash lights on?
Emergency shut off switch in the run position?
Bike in neutral?
Have you tried kickstand up, clutch in to start?
What's the voltage on the battery?

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 04:37 PM

it's daylight so i didn't see the dash lights, but gas guage was working so i guess that means battery is okay.
turn off is in the on position.
ill check if it was in neutral, also the kickstand here soon.
battery is stock for 2012 250 so i haven't seen it.

will check all of those soon.

DaBlue1 · June 26th, 2013, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

it's daylight so i didn't see the dash lights, but gas guage was working so i guess that means battery is okay.
turn off is in the on position.
ill check if it was in neutral, also the kickstand here soon.
battery is stock for 2012 250 so i haven't seen it.

will check all of those soon.

When you turn the key on you should see the oil pressure light (red) and the neutral light (green if the bike is in neutral).
A working gas gauge does not necessarily mean that the battery is good. Even a weak battery can operate the lights, but not turn over the motor, however it will give an audible clicking noise.

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 05:18 PM

okay so i went back out there and still the same problem. but i was able to get it started this time. ideas? uploading a video of how it sounds soon.

edit: http://youtu.be/BpFlo9oJuTA

DaBlue1 · June 26th, 2013, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmcintyre13

okay so i went back out there and still the same problem. but i was able to get it started this time. ideas? uploading a video of how it sounds soon.

edit: http://youtu.be/BpFlo9oJuTA

Video is private.

cmcintyre13 · June 26th, 2013, 06:24 PM

http://youtu.be/BpFlo9oJuTA

sorry try again

DaBlue1 · June 26th, 2013, 07:48 PM

Sounds like your idle rpms are too low. Locate the idle adjustment knob, turn it to the right about a 1/4 turn, start the bike using the choke. With the choke on, the rpms should be around 2-3k. Once the bike is fully warmed you will have to adjust the idle with the choke off to 1350 +/- 50 rpms.

June 23rd, 2013, 11:41 AM	#1
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	2012 250 not getting gas? please help! okay so i started up my 250 on friday to go to work, and it seemed really muffled. i took my car and today i checked again. took it for a ride and it seems like it isn't getting gas.. i have no idea what's going on. could this be a product of getting bad gas?

June 23rd, 2013, 12:32 PM	#2
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Why would you suspect bad gas? Had the bike been sitting for a while or you recently purchase some suspect gas? Did you try opening the gas cap to see if it needed to vent? Have you checked to see if something possibly fell down under the passenger seat and is blocking the snorkel? Have you checked the air filter and airbox? Did you use the choke and warm up the bike enough prior to pulling off?

June 23rd, 2013, 12:36 PM	#3
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	nice introduction welcome Why do you think it's not getting gas we need more details of the symptoms in order to help.

June 23rd, 2013, 02:06 PM	#4
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	it had only sat over night, the night before i put gas in, but i usually go there for gas. how do i get to the airbox? and where would i check to see if something fell through. the only thing i keep in the passenger seat is the alarm and it's there. i also did use choke as far as symptoms its just as before.. the rev just sounds really muffled. and it's extremely weak. i tried to ride around the block to see if i could think of anything and it just seems its not getting anything..

June 23rd, 2013, 02:16 PM	#5
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	To get to the air box and filter you need to remove the plastic side cover I have three fingers on, its just the one silver bolt then pull and it will release from the rubber grommets. After that you need to pull of the air box cover and that's held on with the three black bolts, my index finger is pointing to one of them. After removing the cover you should see the snorkel and then from the passenger seat area look down through it.

June 23rd, 2013, 02:21 PM	#7
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	what would i need to be looking for in the airbox? last time work was done to the bike was an oil change i did at 3000 miles (currently has 4500ish) i did not overfill oil or anything. before that i had a slip on put on at around 1000 miles. and then the 600 mile service

June 23rd, 2013, 02:36 PM	#9
rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	A video is always quite helpful

June 23rd, 2013, 02:41 PM	#10
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	it was exposed to some heavy rain a few times when i wasn't able to cover. no garage due to living in an apartment. a video would be very helpful.

June 23rd, 2013, 02:54 PM	#11
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	another problem i've been having recently is that when i shift up or down sometimes my shifter won't spring back down into place. if that makes any sense

June 25th, 2013, 11:31 AM	#12
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	just an update. i checked to see if anything was in the snorkel and there wasn't anything. i also put heet in the tank to get rid of any water. still no dice. any ideas?

June 25th, 2013, 11:42 AM	#14
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	info on how to drain the bowls? nothing is in my intake i checked that.

June 25th, 2013, 12:27 PM	#16
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	and how do i go about draining the tank?

June 25th, 2013, 09:48 PM	#18
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	okay so an update. i got a siphon and took all the gas out of the tank. tomorrow morning ill turn it on until it dies to make sure it's all out. along with that is there anything else that i should check for that could cause this to be happening??? thank you so much for the help btw.

June 26th, 2013, 09:36 AM	#22
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	oh okay, just the filter that pulls out? how should i go about cleaning it?

June 26th, 2013, 10:02 AM	#24
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	okay i googled it and it says to wash with dish soap until water comes out clear and then soak it with oil before putting it back in. sound correct?

June 26th, 2013, 10:10 AM	#26
indr ninjette.org guru Name: . Location: . Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331	A new filter element doesn't cost much to replace every year, so do that if it's too dirty. Unless you're a cheap bastard like me.

June 26th, 2013, 10:22 AM	#27
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	how do i get to the airbox, i pulled out the filter and it doesn't seem extremely dirty so i'm gonna go ahead and wash it.

June 26th, 2013, 10:44 AM	#28
indr ninjette.org guru Name: . Location: . Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331	You want to remove the airbox? You'll need to remove the rear wheel, passenger pegs, rear fender, and battery box. It's best to shine a flashlight down the hole where you removed the air filter from and see if there is any debris in there. Also shine one down the snorkel (on the right side of the airbox; towards your left if looking at the airbox from the airfilter slot side). Also, make sure your filter is totally dry of water before oiling it again.

June 26th, 2013, 11:32 AM	#29
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	okay right now i'm letting the filter dry before i re oil it. i wasn't able to get the frame off, it's obviously smarter than i am. lol edit: after messing a little more i was able to get the frame off will update later!

June 26th, 2013, 12:57 PM	#30
indr ninjette.org guru Name: . Location: . Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: 331	I was afraid that I'd break the frame and didn't bother removing it for the first few times when I cleaned the filter. You just have to slide your fingers down between the two columns, one at a time, and just yank. They won't break. Just make sure you pull evenly. EDIT: You got them off, NVM.

June 26th, 2013, 03:51 PM	#31
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	okay so i dried the filter and reoiled it. i put it back in and went to start the bike and.... it seems i have a completely new problem... ignition button is doing nothing... so now my bike won't even start...

June 26th, 2013, 04:24 PM	#33
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	im guessing im not able to charge it up with regular jumper cables? dunno why it would be dead.

June 26th, 2013, 04:37 PM	#35
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	it's daylight so i didn't see the dash lights, but gas guage was working so i guess that means battery is okay. turn off is in the on position. ill check if it was in neutral, also the kickstand here soon. battery is stock for 2012 250 so i haven't seen it. will check all of those soon.

June 26th, 2013, 05:18 PM	#37
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	okay so i went back out there and still the same problem. but i was able to get it started this time. ideas? uploading a video of how it sounds soon. edit: http://youtu.be/BpFlo9oJuTA

June 26th, 2013, 06:24 PM	#39
cmcintyre13 ninjette.org member Name: Chris Location: Missouri Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250R Posts: 29	http://youtu.be/BpFlo9oJuTA sorry try again

June 26th, 2013, 07:48 PM	#40
DaBlue1 Long Time Rider Name: Blue Location: Charlotte, NC Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Sounds like your idle rpms are too low. Locate the idle adjustment knob, turn it to the right about a 1/4 turn, start the bike using the choke. With the choke on, the rpms should be around 2-3k. Once the bike is fully warmed you will have to adjust the idle with the choke off to 1350 +/- 50 rpms.