'04 KX250F no Kick, just roll start

**JohnPatrick007** · May 23rd, 2009

I have been traveling for about 1 month now going all over, mainly in all that rain we received few weeks back, the bike has been in the back of my truck while on the road--in the rain. I noticed this problem around the same time and curious if all the rain had something to do with the issue. Problem is no kick, just roll start. Have replaced all fluids, filter, plug, drained gas; put fresh in. Anyone suggest Sea Foam for a dirt bike?

The mechanic thinks it might need a carb clean---$160 plus parts. Of course, before anything I emailed ktm300hater; his quick response suggested to adjust the valves or even replace the top end---Thanks ktm300hater!!. I got some feeler gauges and took apart the valve cover, waiting for an expert to stop by and take a look before I go into the shop. But if it's just $200, I don't mind bringing into shop for professional work to be done, have a good place in Dallas. If anyone has any other ideas, that are more cost effective, please let me know.

No kick, just roll start--could need carb clean, valve adjust or new top end. Any other suggestions?

Thanks Y'all, have a good one! I'll post ktm300hater's response just in case someone needs for reference.

"If it will push start but not kick start, the valves probably need adjusting or the top end needs replaced. Pull the valve cover and get a set of feeler gauges. roll the engine over with the kickstarter so that the lobes on the cam point away from the valves. the intake cam clearance should be .003-.005 and the exhaust should be .005-.008. The intake cam is the one closest to the carb. I would almost bet that one of the intake valves or both have no clearance and are hanging open just a bit."

**iracekx** · May 24th, 2009

I would check the valves it is simple to do a 15 minute job.

**suz341kid** · May 25th, 2009

Yeah it bcomes second nature once you get it down. It is best to get it done pretty soon because if those valves go south then you are going to be set back alot more than 200 dollars. Same goes if you need to get a new top end.

**Piper** · May 25th, 2009

Like Hater said...........i`ll put $100 on you got tight intake valves.

Note:when is the last time the top end on that bike has even been freshened up????

**JohnPatrick007** · June 12th, 2009

Originally Posted by Piper

Like Hater said...........i`ll put $100 on you got tight intake valves.

Note:when is the last time the top end on that bike has even been freshened up????

Yup Yup, went ahead and replaced the entire top end. Had some other work done too...running like a champ! Kinda pricey, but runs great.

Thanks to everyone for the input. This forum is a lot better than some of the idiots in Mckinney, Texas that call themselves "mechanics". Ha.