Zx2r wont start when cold.

[zx2rfan]

i have a 89 model zxr250 aka zx2r,
i paid $2000 i knew it was cheap and was expecting it to have a few minor problems,
but this has got me stumped.
these are a few things i have done to try and cure the problem
ive replaced spark plugs and plugs leads,
ive replaced the fuses and battery,
new oil filter, fuel filter and fuel lines, air filter.
sprockets and chain (not that they affect starting)

i've placed a screw driver over the solanoid, and bike kicks over, no problems with bike kicking over, i have given it 3 oil changes trying 5w-40, 10-50w and 15-40w, wasnt sure if thickness of oil was the cause, no difference, i have replaced sparkplugs twice.
When she is warm she has no hassles starting and runs beautiful.
this is my only means of transport and i keep getting stuck at work and literally its a bitch to clutch after u clutch it u need to keep pushing it till it decides it wants to fire up..

i have cleaned out the top of the carby and drained the bowls, twice with an air compressor and carby cleaner i have ran octane boosters and carby/jet cleaner products through my fuel., i am not too knowledgeable on carbies my suspiscion is maybe its out of tune. or the jets arn't insync?
or is it possible theres a compression issue..
i need answers!! this is the 3rd ninja i have owned, i bought it cause i felt sorry for its neglected condition. always looked after my ninja's they are beautiful. just wish she was more reliable..look forward to getting some feedback from you guys..
thanks in advance for the help

[timmyrocks]

Choke coming on?
Plugs wet when fail to start?
If yes to above
Valve Clearances

[robracer]

Hi Mrfan, welcome to KSRC
Try & break it down you need 2 things Spark & Fuel, if either of these are lacking then you will have a problem, for the carbies line up a date with your local mechanic, pull the carbs out & get them to give them the once over, they will know what to look for & can hopefully diagnose any potential problems, being a little out of sync shouldn't have a big bearing on starting & if they were way out you would notice it once moving.
As for spark that's a quick check & I hope you would know how to check these or you probably shouldn't be under there in the first place
Where are you located?

[Gosling1]

......or is it possible theres a compression issue....

Bingo.

There is a compression issue because your inlet valve clearances have closed up. You are not getting enough compression when the motor is cold. Your description of easy starting when hot is exactly the symptoms you get with valve clearances that have closed right up.

The clearances may never have been done, those little motors love a rev, and this combo causes issues.

Take it to a good mechanic and get them to do the clearances. I would also recommend a new cam chain and perhaps a new cam-chain tensioner as well. Ask the mechanic to check these.

There is nothing wrong with your carbs or spark plugs or timing or leads or anything. If there was - the bike would not start easily and run well when the motor is hot.

[robracer]

Like yer work Gos

[zx2rfan]

Thanks for the help guys my old man has been yelling at me for 3 days now sayin its not a compression issue.
when i read that to him he apologized and said "Well i'll be fucked" hahaha
how much approximately? will it all cost?.

[Gosling1]

depends on the mechanic. But there will be at least a couple of hours workshop time & parts - cam gasket etc.

You are unlikely to see a job like this done for under $300, but should not have to pay more than $400 or so - always depends on the workshop you go to.

cheers Rob

[zx2rfan]

oh that! IS GREAT NEWSS!!! i was expecting $1000+ thanks heaps Mr Gosling your a bloody legend. i wanna see if kelen kawasaki can do it in penrith
thanks again guys for confirming my suspiscion of a compression issue. looks like i keep the bike

[timmyrocks]

Kelens Kawasaki will be more then competent to do it, there an awsome bunch of blokes

As stated above get them to check cam chain tensioner, I had mine play up a few times and just needed cleaning and put back together. Although I did end up replacing it eventually.

[zx2rfan]

yeah unfortunately they referred me to triple rrr motorcycles in mcgraths hill, and i really don't like that shop or there dodgy mechanics. they said probably a bit more to have the cam chain tensioner, valve clearances and cam chains done. your looking at about $700-800. ohwell whats 800$ when i have 40+ years to make it back.. bought a new junk box today, replaced all fuses in old one and it still buzzing, new junkbox works, but for some reason i hit the start button now and it doesnt do anything.. been clutching it too and from work.

[zx2rfan]

cant wait till i can afford to have the work done that is needed.

[zx2rfan]

thanks heaps for your help, oh by the way, doesn't matter what gear im in if i roll the throttle on all the way it will gain revs then when it hits approximately somewhere between 8000-12000rm it just like skips and revs to the redline, ive been told these bikes have powerband not sure if that is "true" and either way i dont believe that is how powerband should kick in, and it feels like the bike isnt going anywhere like the clutch is engaging itself..
Does this mean the clutch is slipping? or on its way out?

[timmyrocks]

Check the clutch adjustment, there should a few mm (4-5) at the lever end.
That's a shame about kelens kwaka.
Have you checked your battery?

[robracer]

ive been told these bikes have powerband not sure if that is "true"

It aint no 2 stroke tell em they are dreaming
Sounds like you might need to shop around..... try our site sponsor Allfixed Automotive @ Castle Hill

PM sent with another suggestion

[Wattie]

Allfixed is the G-O