Engine won't turn over.

[Kbeezer101]

I changed the spark plugs and installed a newer carburettor. The bike is acting just as it did before I worked on it. The engine tries to start but won't fire. It seems as if the plugs aren't firing but I know I gapped them correctly and installed them correctly. Any suggestions?

[csmith12]

Time for a new battery?

[csmith12]

Try a jump start from a car. Make sure the car is not running.

[Kbeezer101]

I baught a brand new battery 3 months ago so I wouldn't think that would be the problem but I'll try it out as soon as I get home from work. Thanks

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

To check your plugs just take them out and attach the coils to them and hold them against the silver part of the engine on the outside. You should see lightning when you hit the starter button. Careful it can shock you which won't kill you but better safe than sorry.

On a side note, are you interested in selling your old carbs to me?

[Kbeezer101]

thanks I'll do that too. I kind of like having an extra set, especially since I don't think anything is wrong with them, but maybe. They have 20,000 miles on them. How much are you offering, I have no idea what they're worth.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

thanks I'll do that too. I kind of like having an extra set, especially since I don't think anything is wrong with them, but maybe. They have 20,000 miles on them. How much are you offering, I have no idea what they're worth.

Can you poast pics?

[Kbeezer101]

Maybe, I'm working with an I pad. Itook six pics, this is all that uploaded.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Pm sent

[Kbeezer101]

I checked the coils, they are fine. Plugs are firing. It seems like there is no gas getting to the plugs. I guess I'll take the bike in. I don't know what else to do.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

I checked the coils, they are fine. Plugs are firing. It seems like there is no gas getting to the plugs. I guess I'll take the bike in. I don't know what else to do.

I wouldn't be so quick to take it to the shop as there are very helpful people here. Just don't tell them you do wheelies.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

I'd love to help you out if you just give us any and all information you have on the bike and the work you've done.

If the spark is good you definitely want to look at the carburetor as that is the source of a lot of problems.

Did you buy the bike in its present state?

Your fuel filter could be clogging the fuel line.

Your jets inside the carbs might be clogged up from sitting for so long.

You may have a clogged air filter.

There are many things that could be simple fixes so let us know more if you want help.

[Jiggles]

Go to the top of a hill and roll down in gear

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Originally Posted by Jiggles

Go to the top of a hill and roll down in gear

If you're able to do this ^^^ make sure you're in 2nd or 3rd.

[Kbeezer101]

I baught the bike with 14,000 miles on it In september. I replaced the air filter at 15,000 because the one in it was falling apart. I changed the oil and oil filter twice since I've put 6000 miles on it. I use the bike daily so the gas hasn't been sitting. The chain broke a month ago so I baught a new chain and front and back sprockets, let the dealer put those on. And I learned my lesson with wheelies. I dont do them any more I rarely get the rpms too high, I treat the bike like a cruiser. When the bike messed up I had just filled yup the tank and put about 20 miles in it then it started bogging down. Luckily I made it home then the next day it wouldn't start.

[Kbeezer101]

In the last two days I've had two people tell me that I might have filled up my tank with a bad batch of fuel. I've never heard of this, but it kind of makes sense because the bike was running perfect then all of a sudden it bogged down out of the blue. Have you ever heard of getting a bad tank of gas?

[Kbeezer101]

Ps, I'll sell the carb, but it might be a couple of weeks before I can. I'm really busy right now with work and not having a ride.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

Ps, I'll sell the carb, but it might be a couple of weeks before I can. I'm really busy right now with work and not having a ride.

Sounds good.

I haven't personally gotten a bad tank of gas (yet) but I hear of it happening all the time. I guess you could try to replace the gas but I wouldn't be too worried if that doesn't change anything.

How old is your fuel filter? A new one is very cheap and a pretty quick install.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

In the last two days I've had two people tell me that I might have filled up my tank with a bad batch of fuel. I've never heard of this, but it kind of makes sense because the bike was running perfect then all of a sudden it bogged down out of the blue. Have you ever heard of getting a bad tank of gas?

A bad tank of gas? It can happen. It can be running fine then nothing, especially if water is in it. The water will settle at the bottom of the tank and eventually get into the carbs. You will have to drain the tank and carbs and add some fresh gas to see if that is the problem.

[Kbeezer101]

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even know it had a fuel filter or where it is. So obviously I have not replaced that yet, I'll get one asap and drain the tank and carbs just in case. Hopefully that will work.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

I'm embarrassed to say I didn't even know it had a fuel filter or where it is. So obviously I have not replaced that yet, I'll get one asap and drain the tank and carbs just in case. Hopefully that will work.

Ok, just in case you haven't come across this:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/How_do_...fuel_filter%3F

[bruce71198]

Is your bike still not running? What are the odds you filled up with E85 ethanol?

[Kbeezer101]

I got off work at 2 am. this morning and I just woke up. I havnt had a chance to look at the bike. I could have filled up with ethanol, I've never put the wrong kind of gas in the tank before, but theres a first time for everything I guess.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Bike would run but knock

[DaBlue1]

If you went to a gas station that sells either E-15 or E-85 from a pump that also dispenses E-10 from the same hose (blender pump), there is a very small probability that someone before you pumped either E-15/E-85 and you got a high volume of ethanol that was left in the pump and lines. Also using additives that contain high levels of alcohol/ethanol can have negative effects as well.

With the introduction of E-15, riders will have to be careful pumping gas at certain stations. Here is what can happen if to much ethanol is introduced to a regular gas burning engine.

Alcohol Content Results
Effects of percent (%) alcohol on engines.

Up to 10% alcohol = Legal limit for E10 -Safe for most engines.

11 to 15% - * Risky - Use with extreme caution. Engine performance problems will usually occur, eg. stalling. Fuel should be drained (discarded), and replaced with fresh gasoline. Although possibly unsafe, if only a small amount of fuel is left in tank tests over 10% alcohol, (eg. less than a 1/4 tank full), filling the tank with a high octane (93) fresh gasoline can be considered. After filling tank, check fuel again to check alcohol percentage has decreased to a safe level.

16-25%- Very Risky - Do Not Use - Will experience varied engine performance problems, including unable to start, frequent stalling, difficulty accelerating, and more. Will reduce life of engine. It is recommended that fuel be immediately drained and discarded. Do not run your engine on this unsafe level of alcohol. Damage to your engine and parts will occur, sometimes immediately. How soon this occurs is dependent on several factors, including age of engine, type of engine, parts used, and condition of engine.

26-40 %- Severe risk and danger - Do Not Use - Affects will be same as listed above for 16 to 25 %, but damage will appear much sooner, sometimes immediately after running one time on this dangerously high alcohol content level. Performance problems will be greater, and older or poorly tuned engines most likely will be unable to start on this very high level of alcohol. Black smoke from engine will be apparent. Fuel discoloration and a strong odor is proof that gas is contaminated. The dirtier your engine, the greater amount of gunk released will be noticed. Engines that have older, dirty parts will notice clogged fuel filters very quickly. See important notes below.

Over 40% - Engine most likely will not start. Do not use - Severe damage will occur. Damage to engine will be permanent, engine may not be repairable.

[bruce71198]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

I baught the bike with 14,000 miles on it In september. I replaced the air filter at 15,000 because the one in it was falling apart. I changed the oil and oil filter twice since I've put 6000 miles on it. I use the bike daily so the gas hasn't been sitting. The chain broke a month ago so I baught a new chain and front and back sprockets, let the dealer put those on. And I learned my lesson with wheelies. I dont do them any more I rarely get the rpms too high, I treat the bike like a cruiser. When the bike messed up I had just filled yup the tank and put about 20 miles in it then it started bogging down. Luckily I made it home then the next day it wouldn't start.

The last part of this post is why I am suspect of what fuel he used.

[rickthefix]

II was told a long time ago that if you think it's a fuel issue, it will turn out to be an ignition issue & vice-verse. Just a thought.

[rickthefix]

Oh, something else I was told (but not always true for me), it will take 3 carb cleanings to actually get them clean

[Kbeezer101]

I drained the tank and carbs completely, put one gallon of supreme in the tank. I hope using supreme wasn't a mistake. My battery is now dead so my neighbor helped me with a jump. (car engine off) after a few tries it almost started but would not. My neighbor was getting bored after about 15 minutes of this so in order not to bother her any more I gave up and my battery is dead again. I'm off the next two days so I'll try again tomorrow with cables again. On the brighter side, my neighbor is ultra hot, and has a stripper pole in her apartment. So that was fun.

[DaBlue1]

Make sure the bike petcock is on prime, turn the throttle all the way open while trying to start it a few time. When it starts turn the petcock back to on.

You should also nicely thank your hot neighbor. Maybe introduce her to Dr. Dick B. Goode.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Jealous of your hott stripper neighbor. In b4 thread derails into hot times with stripper neighbor. Thread is worthless without pics.

Oh by the way I don't think it should take too long to jumpstart the bike you just have to get the fuel through the carbs. Dont flood your engine trying too much!

[cuong-nutz]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

I drained the tank and carbs completely, put one gallon of supreme in the tank. I hope using supreme wasn't a mistake. My battery is now dead so my neighbor helped me with a jump. (car engine off) after a few tries it almost started but would not. My neighbor was getting bored after about 15 minutes of this so in order not to bother her any more I gave up and my battery is dead again. I'm off the next two days so I'll try again tomorrow with cables again. On the brighter side, my neighbor is ultra hot, and has a stripper pole in her apartment. So that was fun.

Pics of said hot neighbor or this thread is now worthless

Be careful of flooding the carbs since it'll spill over into your engine. I did it once and gas was pouring out of the exhaust flanges. If it does, it would be best for you to change your oil.

[FvnnyL3tt3r1ng]

Originally Posted by cuong-nutz

Pics of said hot neighbor or this thread is now worthless

Be careful of flooding the carbs since it'll spill over into your engine. I did it once and gas was pouring out of the exhaust flanges. If it does, it would be best for you to change your oil.

Lol out the exhaust?

I second this advice

[Kbeezer101]

I went back to the gas station I filled up before the bike bogged out. They don't offer etha ethanol e 10 or whatever was mentioned. So if I did put the wrong gas in, that means I put diesel in. Hopefully I didn't do this but if I did , would it ruin my engine. Sorry no pics of the neighbor but I do have a you tube video of her belly dancing in malaysia from a couple of years ago. I'll post that link in a sec.

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

... So if I did put the wrong gas in, that means I put diesel in. Hopefully I didn't do this but if I did , would it ruin my engine.

No. Diesel does not evaporate and ignite very well with spark plugs. If you had any mixed with gas, it will smoke then eventually the engine will die. Besides that, there is a distinct smell difference between gas and diesel.

[Kbeezer101]

i lost the you tube link, sorry guys......well i tried to start the bike again today and the engine will barely put and die. If I give it gas while trying to start it, it also dies. I think somehow i broke the engine, I'm taking it in to the shop to get it checked out in the next few days. Thanks for all the help guys, but I don't think I'll be able to fix this one.

[choneofakind]

I can say from experience that ninja 250's do not handle diesel well at all. I have a friend who made a clueless mistake one day...

But we got it running again. We cleaned out the tank, the fuel lines, and carbs by running compressed air and then clean gas through them. Then we replaced the plugs, and took it for a long ride to burn off anything still inside the engine. Then we changed the oil. It was fine after that.

[Kbeezer101]

Ive replaced the carbs and fuel lines and drained the tank and put new plugs in and still nothing. The bike wants to start but won't. It doesn't make any sense to me, I know the guy who had it before me ragged it out because he told me, but for the six thousand miles i put on it, it ran perfect than one day stopped. I've learned a lot from you tube and you guys but nothing is seeming to work this time. So I guess I'm going to have to pay somebody $600 who can fix my problem in less than an hour most likely. I hate mechanics, they are a bunch of crooks...last time I called for a price quote on changing my back brake pad they said it would be $140 for labor. So I you tubed how to change brake pads on a ninja 250 and I did it myself in about 15 minutes. I don't feel like doing the actual math but that's like $600 an hour. F that!

[DaBlue1]

Originally Posted by Kbeezer101

... I know the guy who had it before me ragged it out because he told me, but for the six thousand miles i put on it, it ran perfect than one day stopped.

Did either one of you adjust the valves and timing at any point?

[rickthefix]

could possibly be the ignition module. I repair XS650 & other vintage ignition modules & some of them act as you are describing when they are going out.
Try finding one to borrow on this forum or find a cheap one on flea-bay.