QuestionI bought a 1997 honda recon and it is smoking like crazy. The atv had set up for anout a year and a half before he started it. When he started it, it started smoking like crazy. I think a ring is bad and i was wondering if i could get some help on a diagram of the motor or some helpful tips on rebuilding the motor. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.
AnswerMike, here is your link to online parts illustrations:
http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/honda-atv-trx250-fourtrax-recon-1997/o/...
Sometimes small engines like this will accumulate oil in the exhaust systems during long slumbers and it takes a half hour or so for the exhaust temperatures to burn off the residues.
If that is not the case, then probably the rings are worn and/or the valve stem seals could be cooked and failing. You may be able to do a top end on the engine, with it in the frame, but I really don't have experience about that to tell you for sure.
Get the compression checked first. If it is close to normal, then it may just need some running in. If the plug comes out all oily and dark, then probably the motor needs freshening up.
Remember oil smoke is blue, excess fuel smoke is black and just condensation in the exhaust pipe will show up white until the engine gets up to temperature.
There are a lot of ATV websites for parts and information. www.helminc.com is the factory source for repair manuals. Check Ebay for parts/info, too.
Good luck with it...
Bill Silver
