Hey all,

I have had my FL 250 (I think it is an 83) put back together for a while now. I Tried to get it started last weekend to break it in and I can't get it to start. I have good spark, and have fuel to the carb. I cleaned the carb good and replaced the needle set-up and the main jet. I have a 125 main jet in by recommendation of others. I am wondering if this is to big? Would it start with the bigger jet? I think I might try a 122. Any suggestions or thoughts.

Also, is an aftermarket carb a good modification to the FL 250? I have a couple of hundred bucks I would like to put into the oddy. Should I just upgrade the carb? Everything else is in great shape now.

Thanks In advance for your responses.

Oddy_Fever

My 250 did that too, It is probably your coil. Mine had spark also but it wasn't a good spark. To test the coil the best thing to do is take an old plug that is clean and make the gap like 1/8 inch hook it up and ground it to the machine. turn it over as fast as you can and the spark should jump the gap. If it don't you need a new coil. I did the same thing about 4 months ago. I rebuilt the top end, (the machine had sat for like three years) I got it together and It wouldn't fire a lick. I rebuilt the carb, put new fuel in it, checked the spark and it had it. I did my test and sure enough the spark was weak. Put a new coil on and she runs like a champ. If you absolutely cannot wait to ride you can use Starting Fluid (either) to start it, It will fire off on it but don't use too much it can wash the cylinder walls of the oil. Me personaly I don't think that either will hurt it but some people freak out anytime you mention the word either and two-stroke in the same sentence.

What was done to the machine that you put it back together?

You can try closing the spark plug gap if the spark is weak...

Hoser,

I tore the whole machine apart. I stripped all of the old paint off and repainted everything. I had a full top and bottom end rebuild on the Engine. I tore apart the carb and cleaned it and replaced certain parts. I took apart the gear reduction unit and replaced bearings, seals, and the main sprocket and chain. I have pretty much gone through or replaced everything except the clutch assy. I have a new fuel pump, lines and vacuum line. I cleaned the tank good as well. I also added the upper air box and a K&N Air filter. I did visually test the spark with the plug gapped properly. It looked liked like it had good spark. I am puzzled as to why it will not run.

Oddy _Fever

Was there anything wrong with the Engine before the rebuild or was it running
when taken apart, its possible to twist a crank when an Engine comes to a
sudden stop like when you sieze the piston, this will throw off the timing just
enough where it wont start, your sure its getting gas, the plug is wet when
removed after starting?

Give it a shot of starting fluid/or pour a little gas if you don't want to use either, when it is cranking. If the timing is off it will pop back/or you will hear the flame go out the exhaust. Remove the spark plug when you spray starting fluid into the Engine. It is possible to have a crank seal that is leaking bad enough that you will not get the gas mixture into the cylinder. The spark should be blue in color when gapped properly. It is not uncommon for an Engine to start hard when it is first fired. The rings are not seated to the cylinder walls allowing some compression to leak by, your carb is empty of fuel along with your fuel lines.

The Engine did not sieze before the rebuild. I did a general maintenance inspection shortly after I got the machine. I pulled the head off and a large portion of the top of the piston was missing. I decided at that point to rebuild the machine from bottom up.

The spark is a nice blue color. I get good spark at various plug gaps.

I primed the fuel lines.

The plug is wet after I try to start the Engine.

Maybe I will try to prime the Engine next.

Back to my other question though, are aftermarket carbs a good investment? If so what is a good brand/ model for the fl 250?

Thanks again for all of your help.

It is possible that the key is loose or sheared in the flywheel causing the timting to be off.
You should not need a larger main jet on the stock carb with a stock Engine setup,go back to the #120.Unless there is modifications like pipe or adding much more air to the motor (( Internal Combustion Engine ? ))(twin intake setup).
I would not use either to start the machine ,especially since you have new rings and bore,use mixed fuel.
These machines are notoriuos for fuel bleed back and hard starting because it takes time for the fuel to recharge the carb and lines.
You may want to look into a Goki starter for this motor (( Internal Combustion Engine ? )),for the buck it is one of the best options for it,and will keep the blood pressure from getting to high :) .
I wouldn't worry about an aftermarket carb unless the stock one will absolutey not work for you.
Was a leakdown test done after the rebuild ?
Are the floats adjusted correctly ?
Are the fuel lines installed correctly ?
Check all ground wires and make sure the motor (( Internal Combustion Engine ? )) is grounded to the frame from the case.