Mudflap64

Not sure if your model has one, but it sounds like a malfunctioning automatic chain tensioner on the timing chain. I can see a little variance when the chain is worn but what you are describing sounds like ALOT of variance in opposite directions. See if yours has an A.C.T. Thats where Id be looking.

Yup, think simple. I went round & round with mine once only to find the plug was bad.

Nobody stole it, so its a happy ending. The pressure washer is still there too. :-)

Ive never heard of that happening (engine oil getting into the diffs. ) or being possible, but..... an over filled diff. could cause gear oil to leak thru the seals. Try running it with the proper fluid levels & see if the leak goes away. The seals may not be damaged, just where over stressed from the fluid level being so high. They really arent designed to operate in a submerged environment.

What a Jackass.

Hmm, It strikes me as odd that it only happens randomly. Id be eyeballing thing that change their mechanical position in a different manner after each start-up. Could the flywheel be loose? Maybe the stator plate screws loosened up? Exhaust pipe cracked or loose causing a random leak? Id be checking external stuff before jumping in & cracking the case upen. In my experience a bad crank bearing or something like that usually doesnt go away then come back. Good luck with it though.

Every time I hop on my wifes bike I stall it when I stop cause I forget to pull in the clutch. I also upshift with no clutch without thinking about it.

Maybe thats the one Ive been looking for OX. AWESOME!! Keep up the great sharing.

Maybe check the starter clutch? Its an idea.

Not sure on your model, but Ive seen ring gears break the spot welds holding them to the flywheel. This was primarily on automotive applications, but its something to check. Make sure the ring gear is attatche solidly, or if its bolted, make sure none of the bolts are loose or broken. Also, check the ring gear closely for ubstructions, dings or cracks that might not be easily seen during a quick visual inspection.

My 2002 ltf500f uses NGK CR6E. Not sure if its the same for a 250 but you could cross reference the #s. Im with OB, use NGK plugs.

You could test the starter motor itself. Just jump it directly from the battery. If it cranks over fine, then go to the solenoid. If it cranks fine, then it's the relay. Probably a bad motor. You could pop it apart to make sure it's clean & inspect everything while it's apart.

Oxidized Black, a member here, has a huge collection of manuals. I beleive that one is in his collection. Hell probably jump in here soon, or try dropping him a note on his profile. Hes always helpful whenever hes got a manual. ( among other things too )

^ What He said....Then after that have the battery tested. Hooking cables to it still might not help if a cell in the battery is shorted out.

Sounds like a game of chance finding the short. Try pulling the fuse & hooking up a 9 volt dummy light to the dead side of the fuseblock & the frame. Then start jiggling wires, when the light keeps flickering on & off youre getting close. Definately sounds like a chaffed wire to me. You unfortunately will probably need to be taking off some of the plastics. Focus on the steering shaft area,dash and any othe places moving parts could rub thru wiring. Especially look behind tie straps where the harness is attatched to a frame member or metal brackets. Good luck. Youll be ecstatic when you find a bare wire. :-) Also, make sure the ignition switch itself isnt bad & shorting out internally. ( unplug it while doing the test.) Do you have a heavy keychain hanging off the key?, just a thought.

Id still be leary that there is a wire rub somewhere. Electrical problems dont normally fix themselves, they tend to hide out until the worst possible time, then rear their ugly heads again.

AArrrrgghh.....ffwwwaaappp......drool. Good morning Q.C. Gotta go make some $$.

Sorry....I meant does the high beam indicator light work on the dash? There should be oil light, neutral, reverse, & temp. If none of them work it could be a bad ground.

Does the high beam light work? If it doesnt you might have a bad ground for the dash. Just a thought.

Im assuming you checked all the fuses?

Does it have a supression cap on the end of the plug wire where it goes onto the plug? A bad supression cap can hold voltage in it for a short period of time. Try checking the plug wire with your tester again but this time shut off the ignition when it dies and see if the tester still stays illuminated. If it doesnt then I would say it is POSSIBLE that the CDI is bad. Dont quote me on it though. Just a thought.

Is the flywheel on correctly ? Ive seen some small engines that allow you to install the flywheel 180 degrees off where it needs to be.

Yep, I got it too......Deleted.

A peice of threaded rod,nuts, and some different sized washers will do the trick.....that is if I'm understanding it correctly. There is a thru hole, right?

Sounds to me like the clutch body is stripped out. Hopefully one of the A.C. guys will chime in.