Cold Start Problem

[jonbailey19808]

Ok i had my GZ250 at work the other day and temp dropped to 45f all day maybe below 40F Its got 2500 miles on it , had a new spark plug, changed oil at 1200. Anyway i get out of work and i just can not get it started.

I had to bump start it eventually. Tried all combos of full choke full throttle half choke etc. I could smell gas so i know i was getting it. Engine was turning over.

What is the best way to get started in the cold? Full choke and no throttle?
Should i rock it in gear to get the engine 'free first'?

Now im too afraid to drive into work incase it wont start again. Plenty of batt in it untill i flatened it trying to get it to start.

Wish i had fuel injection!

[jstark47]

I've no idea what this might have to do with your bike, but cold start procedure for mine is full choke, no throttle. If you smelled gas I'd guess you flooded it.

[Kal]

Procedure on the CG and the CX was exactly the same as J Stark just highlighted.

And if you can smell petrol its because its flooded, let it rest and try again. Try starting it beofer you have your lid on, that way if you flood it you can gear up beofre trying it again and if you get it started straight away then its got time to warm up before you put strain on the engine.

[ofblong]

yup what they said. I had to keep the choke on for about 3 minutes yesterday before my bike warmed up enough to let it go. Although for me it was 40F and raining...

[Darth Snootchie]

Hi Jon,

I have a GZ 250 too, and have the same problem in the cold. All choke, no throttle will do the trick. Let the machine warm up a minute, and you're ready to go.

Paul (aka DarthSnootchie)

[Z (fka Sweet Tooth)]

Full choke no thottle works best for me as well, mine takes a few minutes to really warm up.

[Sev]

For the sake of repitition ;) I use full choke and no throttle. I'll slowly back off the choke as it starts to warm up though.

And I won't ride away with the choke on.

[storysunfolding]

That will probably work for you guys but if anyone else out there has a Vision


Ok... probably not helpful but. Full choke, three twists of the throttle, wait thirty seconds, then find your car keys



Just kidding, replace "find your car keys" with "hit the starter" and you're set.

[safety-boy]

I had a Suzuki that was a poor cold starter. One day the Exhaust cylanoid (spelling?) froze up (300 miles from home, I might add! ). After it was fixed, the thing started right up no matter what the weather. Maybe have someone check the compression for you - might keep you from becoming stranded, or at least improve your bike enjoyment.

Of course, every bike should have a quirk or two

--Dave

[jonbailey19808]

Thanks for all the advice! Extremely helpful!

As for the solenoid, would it still be bad even if it starts with no problem in regular weather?