New Bike and a Fuel Problem

sandog · 09-11-2019, 11:29 PM

Hi, new member, and new owner of a Bashan Storm 250.
The guy I bought it from had it a bit over a year. He dropped it on his first ride and bent the front brake lever. Seat height was too high for him as he is 5'6" tall. The bike has 150 miles on it. I paid $700 for it.
When I went to look at it, the tires were low, and tank was almost empty. He aired the tires up, and it fired right up and I took it on a test ride. It ran great, accelerated, shifted nice, etc.
When I came back and came to a stop, the engine died.
When I got home, I noticed the choke had been on halfway.

This evening I got off work a bit early, and filled the tank with fresh gas, and did an oil change. I went over all the bolts and found a few loose ones, air filter looked clean as new, saw the rubber battery strap was broken so I rigged up another. Chain tension was good.

I put the choke on halfway and it fired right up, after a minute I raised the choke lever so it was off. When I did that the idle speed jumped way up.
When I went to go for a ride, the engine wouldn't rev with the choke off, and wanted to die. So I rode with the choke half on.
It ran great, I went down a dirt road a couple miles from my house. I got almost all the way back and as I slowed down to turn, the bike died.
It didn't want to start back, but I waited 5-10 minutes it and it started.
Ran good until I turned into my driveway, and when I slowed down to do that it died again. Still doesn't want to run with the choke off.

It has fresh gas in it, I'll check the fuel filter and see if it needs replacing.
Seems it's not getting enough gas, but runs great for a while.
What else ? Carburetor adjustment ? Valves too tight ?
When I pulled the spark plug cap off, I didn't see the little screw on insulator on the top of the plug like I'm used to seeing. I looked up inside the cap and didn't see it in there.
But the spark seems O.K.
Any suggestions ?

Azhule · 09-12-2019, 12:13 AM

I would start by pulling the fuel bowl off the carb, take a note of the numbers stamped on the jets and give them a cleaning with carburetor/air intake system cleaner and maybe a soft wire to poke at any stuck grit... like you stated, I would also check the valves

Welcome to the forum

NzBrakelathes · 09-12-2019, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandog

I noticed the choke had been on halfway.

This evening I got off work a bit early, and filled the tank with fresh gas, and did an oil change. I went over all the bolts and found a few loose ones, air filter looked clean as new, saw the rubber battery strap was broken so I rigged up another. Chain tension was good.

I put the choke on halfway and it fired right up, after a minute I raised the choke lever so it was off

Choke off is lower the lever.

You are putting the choke ON by the looks

wedooit · 09-12-2019, 01:14 AM

NZ is correct about choke. AND another master, azhule has also spoken well. Ethanol gas leaves a horrible residue in the carb, and maybe a good cleaning, brushes, etc. would help.

kingofqueenz · 09-12-2019, 07:09 AM

Don't overlook the obvious too, like the fuel line, or petcock.. that stuff can gunk up too.

Pull those hoses and make sure you can blow air through them, or get new ones for dirt cheap.

Obviously when\if you do, dont let the gas come spilling out

**JerryHawk250** · 09-12-2019, 07:41 AM

First thing I would do is adjust the valves then tune the carb. If the valves are too tight you will be like a dog chasing his tail trying to tune the carb.

sandog · 09-12-2019, 07:43 AM

Bike didn't come with a manual, so I was going by a generic China 250 motor manual I downloaded. I had thought choke off was up but got that wrong apparently !

I'll try the choke lever in the down position, but it doesn't seem to want to run there, only in the middle position. And I'll check the lines and pull the bowl and get some carb cleaner in there.

I've never checked or adjusted valve clearance, I'll watch some more YouTube videos.
I watched one last evening by a Danish guy, not a very good video.
Any ones that I should watch, or tips to do it. I have feeler gauges, but do I need a valve tool ?

**JerryHawk250** · 09-12-2019, 08:01 AM

One of the first things you will need to gain access to the idle mixture screw on the bottom of the carb. The stock carb will have a tamper proof brass or plastic plug covering it. Just drill it out and adjust the idle mixture. Like most of these carbs it will be set way too lean.

There is a tool you can use to make it easier but not needed to adjust valves. 10mm open end wrench and a custom Weldandgrind #8 Robertson screw and a yellow Marrette special tool will work.

kingofqueenz · 09-12-2019, 08:23 AM

"a custom Weldandgrind #8 Robertson"

LOL... I smell an episode of Shark Tank coming

sandog · 09-12-2019, 08:38 AM

I'll look at the carb this morning before I go to work.
Jerry, so that screw is maybe, what, 1 1/2" inch in length ?
How is that used to check valve lash ?

**JerryHawk250** · 09-12-2019, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandog

I'll look at the carb this morning before I go to work.
Jerry, so that screw is maybe, what, 1 1/2" inch in length ?
How is that used to check valve lash ?

The adjustment screw on the valve is square drive. You use it to turn and hold the screw in place while tightening the lock nut.

NzBrakelathes · 09-12-2019, 09:46 AM

Here's a couple kits/sets that are useful for first tune and valve adj etc.
Worth a look

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303210695234

https://www.ebay.com/itm/303210680840 Option B for Bashan Storm with short jets or just offer $19.95 for pic 1 & 2

wedooit · 09-12-2019, 11:27 AM

I was also going to mention to you....I think 700.00 was a good price for that bike!!!!

Cdntraveler · 09-13-2019, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wedooit

I was also going to mention to you....I think 700.00 was a good price for that bike!!!!

I had the same issue with my Bashan Hawk regarding the choke - no manual so this was a massive face palm. Only paid $500 for mine though. 179kms on it and all it needs now is the battery and a new brake lever

sandog · 09-15-2019, 09:04 AM

Yesterday I adjusted the valves, there was no clearance at all when at TDC.
I took off the intake and sprayed some carb cleaner in, and at the suggestion of a friend that used to be a bike mechanic, put a few ounces of Seafoam in the tank. He said the Seafoam would help loosen varnish in the fuel system but it would take a while.

The valve adjustment was easy, but I'm not so sure I'm up to taking the carb apart for a good cleaning.
I cleaned and waxed the chain and tightened it, and flushed the factory brake fluid out and put in some Castrol synthetic Dot 4.
And got the Storm cargo rack installed I had ordered from 4 Seasons Motorsports in Phoenix.

After the work, I fired up the bike and increased the idle and the bike kept running with the choke off, but wasn't running very smooth and wouldn't rev up above idle.
With the choke in the mid position it ran much better. I went for a short drive and it ran fine at the half choke position.

Later in the evening I went on a longer ride down the highway, and things were fine until I turned around to come back home.
Bike died when I slowed to turn, and would not start again.
I let it sit for a few minutes, and then it started and I got back home.
Pretty frustrating, as I don't trust the bike to go very far from home.
Makes me wish I hadn't sold the KLR and Yamaha XT 250.

I guess the next thing I'll try is to remove the carb and take it apart for a good cleaning.

09-11-2019, 11:29 PM	#1
sandog Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: North Eastern Arizona Posts: 41	New Bike and a Fuel Problem Hi, new member, and new owner of a Bashan Storm 250. The guy I bought it from had it a bit over a year. He dropped it on his first ride and bent the front brake lever. Seat height was too high for him as he is 5'6" tall. The bike has 150 miles on it. I paid $700 for it. When I went to look at it, the tires were low, and tank was almost empty. He aired the tires up, and it fired right up and I took it on a test ride. It ran great, accelerated, shifted nice, etc. When I came back and came to a stop, the engine died. When I got home, I noticed the choke had been on halfway. This evening I got off work a bit early, and filled the tank with fresh gas, and did an oil change. I went over all the bolts and found a few loose ones, air filter looked clean as new, saw the rubber battery strap was broken so I rigged up another. Chain tension was good. I put the choke on halfway and it fired right up, after a minute I raised the choke lever so it was off. When I did that the idle speed jumped way up. When I went to go for a ride, the engine wouldn't rev with the choke off, and wanted to die. So I rode with the choke half on. It ran great, I went down a dirt road a couple miles from my house. I got almost all the way back and as I slowed down to turn, the bike died. It didn't want to start back, but I waited 5-10 minutes it and it started. Ran good until I turned into my driveway, and when I slowed down to do that it died again. Still doesn't want to run with the choke off. It has fresh gas in it, I'll check the fuel filter and see if it needs replacing. Seems it's not getting enough gas, but runs great for a while. What else ? Carburetor adjustment ? Valves too tight ? When I pulled the spark plug cap off, I didn't see the little screw on insulator on the top of the plug like I'm used to seeing. I looked up inside the cap and didn't see it in there. But the spark seems O.K. Any suggestions ?
	0

09-12-2019, 12:13 AM	#2
Azhule Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: CO Posts: 1,525	I would start by pulling the fuel bowl off the carb, take a note of the numbers stamped on the jets and give them a cleaning with carburetor/air intake system cleaner and maybe a soft wire to poke at any stuck grit... like you stated, I would also check the valves Welcome to the forum __________________ "Think as you like... but this self proclaimed Professor is always right" - Buckshot "You never know what someone is hiding beneath their smile..." - NinjaTom - R.I.P.
	1

09-12-2019, 01:14 AM	#4
wedooit Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 794	NZ is correct about choke. AND another master, azhule has also spoken well. Ethanol gas leaves a horrible residue in the carb, and maybe a good cleaning, brushes, etc. would help. __________________ A family that works together, plays together, shoots and trains together, and sleds together, stays together. Second amendment! SkiDoo sleds, NOW 2 TTR225, and a BMS250. A couple of quotes (we are not farmers) "I don't get off the farm much" "Am too old school" I call the china bikes "the china syndrome".
	0

09-12-2019, 07:41 AM	#6
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,555	First thing I would do is adjust the valves then tune the carb. If the valves are too tight you will be like a dog chasing his tail trying to tune the carb. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	2

09-12-2019, 11:27 AM	#13
wedooit Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Pocatello, Idaho Posts: 794	I was also going to mention to you....I think 700.00 was a good price for that bike!!!! __________________ A family that works together, plays together, shoots and trains together, and sleds together, stays together. Second amendment! SkiDoo sleds, NOW 2 TTR225, and a BMS250. A couple of quotes (we are not farmers) "I don't get off the farm much" "Am too old school" I call the china bikes "the china syndrome".
	1

09-12-2019, 07:09 AM	#5
kingofqueenz Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Strong Island New Yawk Posts: 464	Don't overlook the obvious too, like the fuel line, or petcock.. that stuff can gunk up too. Pull those hoses and make sure you can blow air through them, or get new ones for dirt cheap. Obviously when\if you do, dont let the gas come spilling out
	1

09-12-2019, 07:43 AM	#7
sandog Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: North Eastern Arizona Posts: 41	Bike didn't come with a manual, so I was going by a generic China 250 motor manual I downloaded. I had thought choke off was up but got that wrong apparently ! I'll try the choke lever in the down position, but it doesn't seem to want to run there, only in the middle position. And I'll check the lines and pull the bowl and get some carb cleaner in there. I've never checked or adjusted valve clearance, I'll watch some more YouTube videos. I watched one last evening by a Danish guy, not a very good video. Any ones that I should watch, or tips to do it. I have feeler gauges, but do I need a valve tool ?
	1

09-12-2019, 08:01 AM	#8
JerryHawk250 Moderator Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Houma, La. Posts: 11,555	One of the first things you will need to gain access to the idle mixture screw on the bottom of the carb. The stock carb will have a tamper proof brass or plastic plug covering it. Just drill it out and adjust the idle mixture. Like most of these carbs it will be set way too lean. There is a tool you can use to make it easier but not needed to adjust valves. 10mm open end wrench and a custom Weldandgrind #8 Robertson screw and a yellow Marrette special tool will work. __________________ 2023 Lifan Lycan 250 Chopper 2023 Venom Evader 2022 Lifan KPX250 2020 Kawasaki Vulcan S 2004 Honda ST 1300 2016 Black Hawk 250 (sold) Keihin PE30 carb,125 main,38 slow.Pod filter,ported & decked head 10:1 CR,Direct Ignition Coil,15/40Sprockets,NGK DPR8EIX-9,De-Cat,Dual Oil Cooler,Digital Cluster 2016 Cazador180 XL 2014 Coolster150 JerryHawk250.com My YouTube Channel
	5

09-12-2019, 08:23 AM	#9
kingofqueenz Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Strong Island New Yawk Posts: 464	"a custom Weldandgrind #8 Robertson" LOL... I smell an episode of Shark Tank coming
	2

09-12-2019, 08:38 AM	#10
sandog Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: North Eastern Arizona Posts: 41	I'll look at the carb this morning before I go to work. Jerry, so that screw is maybe, what, 1 1/2" inch in length ? How is that used to check valve lash ?
	0

09-12-2019, 09:46 AM	#12
NzBrakelathes Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Hell Posts: 2,408	Here's a couple kits/sets that are useful for first tune and valve adj etc. Worth a look https://www.ebay.com/itm/303210695234 https://www.ebay.com/itm/303210680840 Option B for Bashan Storm with short jets or just offer $19.95 for pic 1 & 2
	1

09-15-2019, 09:04 AM	#15
sandog Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: North Eastern Arizona Posts: 41	Yesterday I adjusted the valves, there was no clearance at all when at TDC. I took off the intake and sprayed some carb cleaner in, and at the suggestion of a friend that used to be a bike mechanic, put a few ounces of Seafoam in the tank. He said the Seafoam would help loosen varnish in the fuel system but it would take a while. The valve adjustment was easy, but I'm not so sure I'm up to taking the carb apart for a good cleaning. I cleaned and waxed the chain and tightened it, and flushed the factory brake fluid out and put in some Castrol synthetic Dot 4. And got the Storm cargo rack installed I had ordered from 4 Seasons Motorsports in Phoenix. After the work, I fired up the bike and increased the idle and the bike kept running with the choke off, but wasn't running very smooth and wouldn't rev up above idle. With the choke in the mid position it ran much better. I went for a short drive and it ran fine at the half choke position. Later in the evening I went on a longer ride down the highway, and things were fine until I turned around to come back home. Bike died when I slowed to turn, and would not start again. I let it sit for a few minutes, and then it started and I got back home. Pretty frustrating, as I don't trust the bike to go very far from home. Makes me wish I hadn't sold the KLR and Yamaha XT 250. I guess the next thing I'll try is to remove the carb and take it apart for a good cleaning.
	0