klx hard to start

[clancy]

Is it normal after an engine rebuild to be a pain to start for a while ?

Bought a klx that just had a full rebuild, only had around 1-2 hours use. Once it's started it's great, no issues at all. But starting it is an absolute nightmare! Is this normal till its more worn in?

It's very solid when you try and kick start it, as if the compression is very high, that's with the compression release valve thing open

Any info much appreciated
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KLX 300r

[SQL]

pop the plug out and do compression test

[stirlinggaz]

Hi,
tried a NEW spark plug? presuming you have the correct plug fitted just now.
cheers,
GAZ

[clancy]

Haven't tried a new plug no, was changed when the engine was rebuilt so presumed it was fine. I have not touched anything on it myself

Will pick up a compression tester ASAP to do that, will check the state of the plug at the same time

Is it normal for a bike to be harder to start straight after a rebuild?
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KLX 300r

[P.]

IMO, no. Yes things are tighter but still.

Kep ign off, do 1 big kick, turn it on, get it to TDC, lean on the starter to just knock it past TDC.. just past, then all the way to the top, massive kick all the way down.

How I started the TTR600, in soft canvas shoes

[clancy]

Yeah been trying to start with it sat just past TDC, that's is when it will start. But a lot of the time it won't, sometimes it's like kicking a brick wall it's that hard

Was sat for 20+ minutes yesterday before it finally started, starts easier if I clear it out by kicking it with the throttle wide open a few times first

Presume that because it is fine once it is started that engine timing and valve clearances etc are all ok ?

Sorry if this sounds stupid but never had a bike like this before, how easily should the kick start move round ? Mine is extremely hard to move on the compression stroke
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KLX 300r

[P.]

I could stand on mine. Can't find the video but yeah.. it was solid.

Have you tried increasing the idle speed via the screw by a small amount and then just giving it a fucking hard kick.

You do get the knack for it.. it will become a piece of cake

[clancy]

Ah that's ok then, just wanted to make sure that sounded normal

No but I will try upping the idle a touch tomorrow

I hope it gets easier else green laning will be near on impossible!
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KLX 300r

[Raffles]

It sounds as though the automatic compression release isn't functioning correctly.
What year is the bike?
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A good loser will always be a loser.

[clancy]

Auto compression release ? I have a manual valve on the handle bars to reduce compression if that's what you mean ? Or is there something else

The thing on the bars definitely works properly as you can hear it, it also will cut the bike out once it start if I don't shut it

It's a 1999
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KLX 300r

[Raffles]

The '99 models should have an automatic release valve fitted to the exhaust cam. They caused loads of problems with starting until they were modified in 2003. Yours has probably been removed by a previous owner and this could be the cause of your woes.
____________________
A good loser will always be a loser.

[clancy]

Ah I see thanks for the heads up

Presumably if I have manual compression release then the auto had been removed? Even though the auto caused problems is it better to have it ?
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KLX 300r

[P.]

Some bikes have them as manual, XR250 for one. Left thumb by any chance?

My TTR has auto attached to kickstart, when it went down it opened it enough so you could continue the full stroke down

Don't touch the throttle either... it had me fly up over the bars.

[Raffles]

The auto compression release is part of the exhaust camshaft and last time I checked a new camshaft was around £140.
If yours has a manual de-compressor fitted then it will probably be simpler (and a damned sight cheaper) to master the technique of using it to slightly lower the compression during the starting process.
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A good loser will always be a loser.

[clancy]

Yeah its an aftermarket thing at my left thumb

Does opening the throttle make it kick back more ? Does seem too but wasn't sure

And I've only ever tried to start it with the decompression on
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KLX 300r

[P.]

[clancy]

Ok will try that tomorrow, anything to look out for ?

Will post injury photos if something funny happens
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KLX 300r

[Raffles]

[clancy]

Yeah I see what you mean. Once I try it tomorrow without decompression I can see if there is a difference

With the bike running, if I open the valve you can hear air coming out of the valve and within a few seconds the engine will cut out. So its at least doing something!

Sorry if some of my questions seem stupid, never owned a bike like this, never kick started anything before
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KLX 300r

[Ariel Badger]

It is all about technique ease ir to tdc an then decompress until about 1/4 way down the power stroke, lift decompresser and give a huge swing on the kickstarter with a tad of throttle.
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Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Raffles]

[clancy]