Died in the water

[Noels69]

Hi,

Just new to the forum! I have a 2001 KX250 set up for woods riding. I was out with my son today in Ontario woods and crossed a few wet and fairly deep swamps. By the fourth water crossing the bike died in about  1 1/2' or so of water. Pulled the plug, wet, oil, milky. Took it home, drained the oil and changed the plug. Still won't start. I'm assuming I need to drain the carb and start again.

Problem 2: it was pretty cool today, about 50 degrees, after the water episode the kickstarter seems to be slipping. Won't engage all the time. I've done a few searches and seem to read that the KX 250's have issues here, especially in cooler weather. I am also wondering if it's part due to the water in oil. Just looking for some input on the two issues.

I didn't think the KX would bog in water that deep? Thanks!

Noel

[k5abuser]

sounds like the deep water might have gotten in thur the vent tube hole behind the kick starter . and the main seals could be leaking and that would explain the milky oil . look at the stator cover and see if it is leaking . water will get in an cause it to stall out and suck water in to the crank case and look milky on the plug . stewart found that 3 year old main seals tend to lose horse power .good luck

[The Flyin Hawaiian]

The carb vent tubes hanging down in the water will bog or even stall the engine in deep crossings. Water can also enter your bottom end through the crank case breather line. Its happened to me on my 04 KX250. I put T vents in my carb vent lines and route the crank case breather up higher.

[Noels69]

Thanks for the quick replies! Really appreicated. I've had the bike 2 seasons and it was fresh from a complete rebuild by the local Kawi shop. It sounds like the vent tube and breather are the cause. Any chance you have pics of the T you set up? Thanks.

Any thoughts on the kickstarter?

Noel

[cbxracer30]

Noels , the side cover is going to have to come off and you will have to check the spring assy. Does the kicker return on its own?

[Noels69]

It does return on its own and will catch, mostly right at the top of the return. But won't grab all the time and seems to slip once I put my foot into it. Thanks for the reply!
Noel

[nd4speed]

I have found that slipping kick start levers are from transmission oil being contaminated with water or coolant.

[Danger4u2]

It sounds like the spring that pushes the ratchet gear into the kick start gear is weak.  The teeth may be rounded and not getting a good bite plus a weak spring.

http://www.kxriders.com/forums/index.php/topic,2318.0.html

[Danger4u2]

The carb vent tubes hanging down in the water will bog or even stall the engine in deep crossings. Water can also enter your bottom end through the crank case breather line. Its happened to me on my 04 KX250. I put T vents in my carb vent lines and route the crank case breather up higher.

This is a very common problem on the KLR650.  Check here for ideas.

http://www.klr650.net/forums/showthread.php?t=63557&highlight=carb+vent+mod

[Noels69]

Thanks for all the replies! I'll be getting into it this week sometime. All the input is helpful. I'll give an update shortly!

Noel

[joetaco87]

I just did the same thing at Thomaston Dam in Ct.  What looked like a few inches of water turned out to be about 5ft!   Had to push my bike about a mile back to the truck....

[Noels69]

They make great stories after you finally get back! I was really surprised how much water was in the motor. Ends up I'm going to have to replace a number of the kickstarter pieces, springs etc. Not a biggy. Since 2001 it's been kicked over enough to warrant a freshen up. Next time I'll go out with a depth sounder!

Noel

[joetaco87]

Haha yea they do make great stories. ill let other people go first next time lol.