Reed Valve Question

[JMiller]

My 87 KXT 250 is running rich and fouling plugs after about 5 minutes of riding. My engine is fresly rebuilt and my carb is new. I noticed that a couple of my reed valves were not completly closed, will this cause my bike to run rich? It just started doing this all of a sudden before I rebuilt the engine. Please help.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

That could be the problem, although I am not 100% sure, did you install new reeds? Did you try flipping them over?

[JMiller]

No the reeds are about the only thing I havent replaced. I tried flipping them, but they were still a litlle open.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

I'd say replace the reeds with some good aftermarket ones, and go from there.

[JMiller]

What else would cause my trike to run rich?

[J.D.]

Jet's too big in the carb, lol. What gas:oil ratio are you running?

[JMiller]

42:1. The jetting is stock. I havent changed anything. IIt just started fouling plugs one day. I've rebuilt everything. If my floats were out of wack, would it cause this problem? How do I adjust them?

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Yeah, floats set at the wrong height, could make your bike run rich, or it could be your 42to1 mix, with the jetting that you are using. Regardless of what many people think, you arent running your engine rich by having a higher oil count, (ex.20to1), you are actually running it richer at (ex. 50to1). It is your gas that makes your engine run lean or rich, not your oil, so maybe you should try like a 40to1, or a 32to1 mix.

[JMiller]

If I put a UNI clamp on filter and remove the stock airbox, would should I do as far as jetting goes?

[BP]

Where did you get the 42-1 mixture? according to the manual, its 20 something to one. I just cant remember, I dont have it here.

[Tri-Z Pilot]

You dont necessarilly (sp?) have to follow the manufacturers mix ratio, it is more rider preference.