Question-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
Hi Mark, I ride a '94 KTM 400 LC4 and would like to get some advise from you. My bike gets difficult to start if I don't start it for 3 or more days. Normally for daily riding it starts pretty easily...even in the mornings for cold starts, I just have to pull the choke and it starts after 2-3 kicks. The thing is if I leave it for 3 days or so, starting it becomes a pain. The bike doesn't have electric start, and I have to kick it a good 50 or so times (even with the choke) before it comes to life...it can get pretty exhausting! Is there anything I can do to improve the starting, coz I have to be away sometimes and can't be around to start it daily...much appreciated.
Answer -
Hi Tre,
A can of starting fluid will help. What's the history of this problem? Describe the appearance of the spark plugs. Any modifications? Recent work done or maintence done as suggested?
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
Hi Mark, thanks for the reply. The bike is fully stock and there was no recent work done except for regular oil changes at 5000 km. The spark plug's kinda sooty & carbonised (too lean?) but it works ok in my daily riding and starting so I didn't alter the jetting...the starting problem only comes when I don't start it for 3 or more days. By the way, I'm kinda new at this..what is starting fluid? Thanks.
Regards,
tre
AnswerTre,
Try replacing the spark plug with a new plug correctly gapped. Clean the air filter.
If the current plug appears sooty, it's running rich. May be loading up from lugging the engine or choking during starting attempts.
Starting fluid is ether in a spray can.
Try the spark plug fix and advise. Use my email: mshively1@woh.rr.com
Mark
