Can't start my 525 SX

[brentgibbs]

I have just purchased a 2003 525 SX. I have rode it two days now and my kicking leg feels like it might fall off. I think it is mostly human error, but I wanted to ask advice. The problem is when I start it cold. I can kick and kick and never get anything. I almost always end up bump starting. It bump starts very easy, then runs perfect. It usually even starts OK once it is hot, usually 2 or 3 kicks with the hot start. If it doesn't start right away though, I have to find a hill. So far, I have tried adjusting the air screw, I have changed the pilot from a 42 to a 45, and I have cleaned the carb out. I have also tried every starting procedure I have read. I guess the valves are next? Any other advice? Oh, I should mention that I was riding at 2000ft and about 35 degrees F.

[bajadog]

Hi Brent,

You did not mention whether or not you had or used the choke?

I had a similar deal with my '03 EXC, and it turned out the
exhaust valves were tight.
That might not be your problem, but if it were my bike....

[brentgibbs]

Baja,

Thanks for the post. I have tried it both with and without the choke. The procedure I have been using most recently is gas on, two or three turns of the throttle to prime, choke out, 2 slow kicks, then full hard kicks. After many many kicks this will start it, if I dont give up and bump it first, which I usually do. I will be checking the exhaust valves tonight.

[brentgibbs]

Originally Posted by bajadog

Hi Brent,

You did not mention whether or not you had or used the choke?

I had a similar deal with my '03 EXC, and it turned out the
exhaust valves were tight.
That might not be your problem, but if it were my bike....

Thanks for the dead on advice Bajadog. I just adjusted the valves using the 1/6 method then fired it up with two soft kicks while wearing sandles. I let it warm up a bit then shut it off and then started it with one kick. Just in time for the weekend. I am a happy man.

[bajadog]

Originally Posted by brentgibbs

Thanks for the dead on advice Bajadog. I just adjusted the valves using the 1/6 method then fired it up with two soft kicks while wearing sandles. I let it warm up a bit then shut it off and then started it with one kick. Just in time for the weekend. I am a happy man.

Never tried the 1/6 method. Must be easier than a straw in the spark plug hole and trying to find TDC.

[brentgibbs]

Baja,
I don’t know how hard the straw method is, but I do know the 1/6 method is ridiculously easy. I have never even seen valves before and it took me less than an hour to get my valves set up perfect. It was so easy I thought I must be missing something. If you are interested, you can follow this link to the video that I used to walk me through it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWS9RuEQzc8

[bajadog]

Thanks Brent, I will try it next time.