I knew it was too good to be true. 250 Hibird carb ect.....

[Universal_Diver]

:lol:

Well I was wondering when it would start to give me issues, guess today was the lucky day. It has been running so nice. Not a burp or stutter.

Tried to start it today, and had to use the choke for the first time :? , and work the throttle a little. Wont idle at all. Once it starts, it pops and sputters if you try to maintain a steady speed, but WOT is still great.

Any ideas where to start? I have about 30 miles on it maybe.

Also I have no clue as to the correct position of the fuel valve. I was going to pull the lines and see what happens from there, but I figured since I am mad and already frustrated I would probably rip them with no replacements on hand then I would really be mad. So I came in to post on here and cool down... :wink:

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-03-28/1206753550_dsc00267.jpg

for fuel on you want the long end of the petcock handle aiming directly at the ground, for reserve aim it directly at the sky. if you look closely you see an arrow on the long end of the handle thingy. aim that directly at ground for on or directly at sky for reserve .. horizontal would be off.

[Universal_Diver]

:oops: Doh. Thanks...

[Gimpdiggity]

If you had no idea where to have the petcock, did putting it in the correct direction do anything?

If not, it's possible that your idle screws are turned in a bit too far. It will be a bit of a PITA to get them back out, but not TOO difficult.

Also, I wouldn't worry about having to use some choke to get it started...the choke is there because most engines are going to require it when the bike is cold. My Ninja 250 is perfectly tuned, and it needs choke to start EVERY time I start it if it hasn't been started yet that day.

If you were having issues starting it, from what it sounds like, you just flooded it.

When you use the choke, don't worry about working the throttle at all. Just turn the choke all the way on and turn it over a few times. Using the throttle while the choke is on is a great way to flood an engine really quickly.

[Universal_Diver]

I had the fuel valve down, so that was right.

I know a little choke is normal, but until now I have not needed it, which is odd. Why now? This is the original tank of fuel, and I have not toched any settings or anything on this bike since I got it, except to raise the idle which should not affect anything other than idle speed, which had been fine after I raised it a little.

[Gimpdiggity]

Well, I've been doing a TON of research on these bikes...and I JUST found this out.

I read a post over on Thumper Talk where a guy was talking about the Hi-Birds. He said that in his experience selling and using them, almost all of them should have their carbs ripped apart and cleaned before you start to ride the bike.

He mentioned something along the line of the issues that you are having being somewhat common...that after about 20-50 miles the bike will start running bad at lower RPMs. He said it's because there's a bunch of junk in the carb that starts blocking the pilot jet...which causes the bike to run like garbage in the lower RPM range. He said that after he started to clean the carbs on them before having them ridden, he hasn't had nearly as many issues with the bike in general.

I'd link you to it, but I'll be damned if I can find the post again after I JUST had it up. I can't remember for the life of me what I searched for on ThumperTalk.

[mrhyak]

It could actually be a case of a bunch of crud in the gas tank that makes its way into the carb. Make sure you have a fuel filter between the tank and carb!

[Gimpdiggity]

It could actually be a case of a bunch of crud in the gas tank that makes its way into the carb. Make sure you have a fuel filter between the tank and carb!

Yah, I was just thinking that too.

These things are effectively being "prepped" by the person who buys them. I saw a picture of one that some guy got and it was COVERED in dust. It was so dusty that it actually looked bad. I'm sure that a bike like that was FULL of dust in places that it really shouldn't have been.

[Universal_Diver]

Started taking the covers off to get to the carb. There is a little filter inline that looks clean. I might replace it with a new one anyway. Any ideas on a good type of replacement. Will remove the tank and drain it too. when thats all off I guess I will pull apart and clean the brand new carb. :roll:

Kinda blows. I wanted to ride this weekend. :evil:

I will take pics if anyone is interested. Might go by Northerntool or Harbor freight and pick up the bike lift too since I wont be riding.

[warrior91]

fram makes a small inline...checkout powersports shop or lawnmower/powersaw dealer... or big azz auto parts store.

I took the tank off my 2 bikes and shook a few teaspoons of granular, black, poly shavings out before ever putting fuel in.

[kczukiman]

That sucks universal,Yes please take pics just incase this happens to others .I have around 42 miles on mine and so far so good.Maybe while you have it apart it would be a good thing to put new and better fule lines in as well.

[Universal_Diver]

Maybe while you have it apart it would be a good thing to put new and better fule lines in as well.

I was thinking the same thing. I am not really mad, I just was bummed cause it happened this weekend when I planned to go to the swamp to ride. Oh well. Its forcing me to not be my normal lazy self. I will try to take pics of what ever seems to be interesting. I want there to be more available info and pics on here about the Hi Birds.... :wink:

[red2003]

It's definately starving for fuel. Pull the line off the carb and make sure it runs freely from the tank. If it does, you're probably gonna have to pull and disassemble and clean the carb. Easy job. First, locate the screw on the bottom of the float bowl. This screw opens a hole in the bottom of the carb and lets the bowl drain out. Drain the gas out for a bit and if your lucky, whatever is in there will come out. Worth a shot.

[Gimpdiggity]

Not necessarily starving for fuel.

It could also be running pretty rich. The sputters could be caused by the engine being bogged down. The pops can also be caused by a super-rich mixture.

[mrhyak]

If you buy another filter make sure you get a CLEAR one so you can
see fuel going through. It is also an easy way to see if you ran yourself
out of gas, or forgot to turn on the petcock, etc.

[justinkr58]

I have one with 120 miles on it with no problems, speeking of mileage it looks like my speedo is about 15 mph high so my miles are prolly high.

[Cal25]

If you change the fuel line, post the size it ends up being please. I would like to change mine as it is as soft as latex and kinks easily.

[katoranger]

I think I used 3/16" fuel line. It may have been 1/4".

Some adjustments may have to be made after the engine has broken in alittle. Turning up the idle espiecailly.

Sounds like you got some junk in the carb though. Probably bits of the fuel line breaking down.

Allen

[Gimpdiggity]

Hey Diver, any luck taking care of this issue with the bike this weekend??

[kczukiman]

Hey your leaving us out on a limb here. :lol:
we need info!

[Universal_Diver]

Hey your leaving us out on a limb here. :lol:
we need info!

:lol: I am really sorry. I have it torn apart and was in the process of removing the carb, and Momma decided to have a slight breakdown with the new baby, and something about a lack of sleep and me working on the bike when so much was needed to be done around here... blah blah blah..... :cry:

She was right, so I swallowed a plate of crow and am almost done painting the house. I will be back on it probably tomorrow late. I should be done painting by then. Once the bike is back to running I may just have to treat myself to the 300 Hi bird 4 wheeler. I have been looking at it a lot.... She can ride that, maybe she will get the bug too...

Sorry again for delay. My fault.... :oops:

[Gimpdiggity]

Kind of off subject here, but Diver, do you know if those 4 wheelers can be equipped with some kind of snow plow??

I've got a relatively large driveway, and I would LOVE to be able to have something like a 4 wheeler to mess around with, but then put that 4 wheeler to work in the winter time.

[kczukiman]

Universal take your time,I was messing with you. :wink:

[Universal_Diver]

Kind of off subject here, but Diver, do you know if those 4 wheelers can be equipped with some kind of snow plow??

I would doubt it, but I have absolutly no first hand experience with any of the China stuff except for what I have learned from here.

The one relative I have that has a plow for his yard tractor (kinda similar in weight to the ATV) says it is too light to do much plowing.

Now the 750 Maxfine might have enough weight. It is like 3300. Which is cheap for that size, but I am really scared for some reason to take that dive with the whole money transfer to China and all..... 8O

http://www.fuzing.com/vli/0019104d6298/ATV-750-4X4-INVENTORY-IN-USA

[Universal_Diver]

Universal take your time,I was messing with you. :wink:

No worries. :lol:

[katoranger]

Gimp, if you want to plow you need one of these.

For the snow.
http://aycu37.webshots.com/image/48116/2002522175302106361_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002522175302106361)



For the dirt. This is what I was doing on Saturday. Plowin the field. That is southern red clay too.
http://aycu29.webshots.com/image/48908/2002556627164287316_th.jpg (http://allyoucanupload.webshots.com/v/2002556627164287316)

Best of all you can buy one of these tractors for less than a china atv.

Allen

[kczukiman]

Can't beat a cub cudet...

[Gimpdiggity]

Diver,

Any updates??

[culcune]

I think the bike stranded him in the swamplands!!

[kczukiman]

Dang ,He's had time to paint the whole neiborhood.Must be a big honey do list.

[Universal_Diver]

I am very sorry. I guess I was a little premature when I started this post. It seems like the week from hell is over. No matter how I worked it I could not get any spare time to work on the bike.... :evil:

I got back on it tonight. Here are some pics of the tear down process. Most of this as I have said in the past is just so that any future Hi-Bird owners will have more pics to look at and study then I did when I was in the buying stages.... :wink:

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713493_dsc00414.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713714_dsc00417.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713752_dsc00418.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713787_dsc00419.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713834_dsc00420.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713872_dsc00421.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713906_dsc00423.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713942_dsc00429.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207713978_dsc00430.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714011_dsc00431.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714085_dsc00433.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714149_dsc00434.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714213_dsc00436.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714254_dsc00437.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714305_dsc00438.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714354_dsc00439.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714423_dsc00440.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714477_dsc00441.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714528_dsc00442.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714590_dsc00443.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714673_dsc00444.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714734_dsc00445.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714800_dsc00446.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714830_dsc00447.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714860_dsc00448.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714896_dsc00450.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714928_dsc00451.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207714962_dsc00452.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207715005_dsc00453.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207715035_dsc00455.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207715072_dsc00457.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-08/1207715113_dsc00458.jpg

Back at it tomorrow.......................................... ................ :D

[Skip_200gy]

Now that is what I call dedication. Stripping your own bike and taking pictures just so that other people can see how their own bikes fit together.
It is true, a picture does speak a thousand words.

I'm new to this forum, and I have picked up the following problem. A lot of the time I will search for a subject and I will find the info., unfortunately, by the time I read the message, which can be a year or older, usually the pictures are not available anymore.

I've now started compiling a document for myself which contains the pictures.

I think we should look at something more permanent. Any suggestions?

[red2003]

Not necessarily starving for fuel.

It could also be running pretty rich. The sputters could be caused by the engine being bogged down. The pops can also be caused by a super-rich mixture.

YES, necessarily starving for fuel. He said he needed to use the choke to get it to fire. Running too rich would not need choke (EVEN MORE GAS) to fire. I'm sure it's just crud in the float bowl and /or jets starving it for fuel.

[kczukiman]

Thanks for the pics.

[Universal_Diver]

Washed the tank VERY VERY well. It was spotless as far as I could tell, but I washed it anyways and blew it out with the compressor until the wife came out to complain about the noise upsetting the baby... :oops: It is a 220 compressor that backs up to his bedroom wall..


Pulled the carb as far apart as I could without having to use a press. I think if you look at the pics of the main jet :?: you will see what to me looked like trash. Metal shaving or something from machine work.

Blew it out with carb cleaner and some high preasure air and it seems to be clear now. I might have screwed myself with the throttle though, as I have no clue in hell how it goes back in.
Sometimes it seems this is the best way to learn stuff since I usually have to redo most of the work I pay other people to do. :roll:

Of course there are more pics........ :lol:

First pic is of the throttle thing I unscrewed. :cry:

Second pic is of I think another emissions setup. It was hooked to the exhaust on one end and nothing on the other. :?: I removed it, maybe try to figure a plug for the exhaust hole....

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207780183_dsc00461.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207780980_dsc00462.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781036_dsc00464.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781072_dsc00465.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781108_dsc00466.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781142_dsc00467.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781188_dsc00468.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781234_dsc00470.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781273_dsc00471.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781304_dsc00472.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781407_dsc00473.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781352_dsc00474.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781451_dsc00476.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781490_dsc00475.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781526_dsc00478.jpg

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207781578_dsc00479.jpg

[TeamCheap]

hey in that pic of the float bowl(pic 10) with the float still in and the jets still in, it looks like there is a lump of something in the main jet.Top side of the screw drive slot.


Did you find anything in there?

[Universal_Diver]

hey in that pic of the float bowl(pic 10) with the float still in and the jets still in, it looks like there is a lump of something in the main jet.Top side of the screw drive slot.


Did you find anything in there?

Yeah, the main Jet is where the shaving or blockage was, but I could not see it until I pulled the jet. See the before and after pic of the jet. That is the same jet, first one plugged and second pic after it was cleared. Not sure what was in there, it looked like a shaving like I said.

[PorterzCustomz]

Your bike has a cat too! Do all of them birds have cats?

[Universal_Diver]

Your bike has a cat too! Do all of them birds have cats?

Yeah sucks.. I am going to try to get a pipe made for it. I know several people with the skills, its just a matter of getting them to do it.. :roll:

I wish I knew how to weld, nothing kills me more than having to count on someone else for making me a part........

[kczukiman]

:oops: Ok I have to ask.Whats a cat?Since I have one I better know what it is.

[PorterzCustomz]

catalytic converter, it is an emissions device put in the exhaust to reduce emissions. It restricts flow and takes away power in an attempt to be better for the environment. The lifan does not have all that emissions garbage.

[kczukiman]

Thanks.I thought thats what you were talking about but didn't know for sure.

[Universal_Diver]

Anyone know what this is? I am sure it is part of the emissions, but I really cant figure out what it could possibly do. It runs from the exhaust through the shown rubber line and into the black plastic cylinder that goes to nothing.

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-09/1207780980_dsc00462.jpg

[katoranger]

That is something you deposit in the round file.

It is another emisions device that you can do without.

Allen

[fatboy250]

Has anyone with this "cat" drilled it or removed it and noticed any increase in performance?

I have one on the new 2007 bike but not the 2006. I had simply accepted that the pushrod is down a bit on power compared to the OHC with all the same mods.

Jason

[katoranger]

How about just swapping the headpipe from an older bike? I think that just rodding out the cat would do the trick of freeing up alittle more power.

Allen

[justinkr58]

i have a hibird 250 also , i took all the cat stuff off and plugged the pipe, also moved the battery under the seat and cone air filter and 520 chain conversion, honda stickers soon...

[kczukiman]

Got any pics of the changes justinkr58 ?

[Universal_Diver]

Got any pics of the changes justinkr58 ?

Yeah I would love to see that too.... :) especially since I wanna do the same..

[mojojerry]

I am sorry. I ment this for justinkr58 .Hi Guys. I just Got a Blue 250GY. They sure are great looking bikes. Would you have or could you take a close up picture of the underside of the front fender completed assembly and post it or send it to me. I am having problems putting mine on. I don't have any assembly instructions or pictures of it. The fender has a 3 hole pattern and the mounting bracket has a 4 hole pattern. Did they send me the wrong fender or what? I take a lot of pain meds , so I need some help. thanks mojo

[DirtRoadKing]

. Would you have or could you take a close up picture of the underside of the front fender completed assembly and post it or send it to me. I am having problems putting mine on. I don't have any assembly instructions or pictures of it. The fender has a 3 hole pattern and the mounting bracket has a 4 hole pattern. Did they send me the wrong fender or what? I take a lot of pain meds , so I need some help. thanks mojo

I don't have pix right now, but maybe this will help.
There are two spacer type brackets. The one that bolts to the back of the triple tree goes on first with 2 bolts and has 1 hole in it for the fender to bolt to. The front one goes on at the same time as the fender and 2 bolt run through the plate under fender then through the fender then spacer bracket into triple tree. Then the 1 bolt goes through bottom plate through fender into back spacer bracket.
I hope this helps. I know a photo could replace a 1000 word if I had one available. I could get photo's later if still needed.

[mojojerry]

Thanks alot. That was what I needed. mojo

[culcune]

Did the carb problem ever get fixed 'universal'?

[Universal_Diver]

Did the carb problem ever get fixed ?

I am pretty sure it will be..
I really need to stop the madness and put it back together. I was seriously thinking of pulling the whole exhaust system and having it remade without the cat. I might still pull it apart quickly to look in there and see whats there.

I just finished my Motorcycle class so after Thursday I will be legal.

[Universal_Diver]

For anyone who cares, here is what was in the pipe.

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-25/1209178857_dsc00507.jpg

Here is how I got to it.

http://pics.montypics.com/universal_diver/2008-04-25/1209178829_dsc00505.jpg

Please no goofs on the welds, it is obvious to anyone who sees them that I am not a welder by trade. :roll: They will be fine.

[IronFist]

I've never welded anything, so it's better than I can do, for sure. 8)
The nicer you are to the lady now, the more riding you'll do in the future. 8)
If using choke helped, then you're probably gas starved. Red's like a surgeon. I think it'll snap to attention the next time you start it. Let us know.

Skip_200gy, I did the same thing but put the whole history of my bike in my album, it's permenant.

[Dragon]

The obstruction to air flow in the cat is compensated by the increased diameter of the cat housing. I can imagine there'll be much difference in performance.

[fatboy250]

The obstruction to air flow in the cat is compensated by the increased diameter of the cat housing. I can imagine there'll be much difference in performance.

Was there an increase in performance?

[Universal_Diver]

The obstruction to air flow in the cat is compensated by the increased diameter of the cat housing. I can imagine there'll be much difference in performance.

Was there an increase in performance?

I think I remember a thread by justinkr58 where he had a big difference in his. Mine is not yet back together.. I got it almost done. Replacing fuel lines and filter and so on....

Waiting on some info for the airfilter so I can do away with the airbox too..

I feel pretty confident it will be a difference. My bike is almost brand new, and the cat was already showing signs of being clogged 8O

I guess we will see.. I do kinda expect a little popping now but thats fine.

[IronFist]

:oops: Can't wait. Must Breath now! :oops: / Just kidding ya brother.

I noticed you attacked the cat(thought it was a sticker :lol: ) and tried to fix the starting issues at the same time. Just a question, but why wouldn't you fix your carby, test, them do the next mod? Isn't fixing 1 thing at a time easier. I'm not good enough yet to attack several things at a time. If it starts running good or bad I can't be sure how I got there. I'm just going by what others have told me. Can't wait to hear the good news :) N2r.

[fatboy250]

I'm trying to decide if it's worth the effort to cut, reweld, and paint this part on both of the new push rod bikes. I don't seem to have any complaints with performance, other than knowing how the OHC engine performs on the older bike and the push rods seem to have a little less.

Jason

[Universal_Diver]

Well, after a few minutes cussing at the stripped hardware on the exhaust, and the neighbor that will not leave me the hell alone :lol:
I am back in business, and in love once again... :lol:

It fired right up, and after a few minutes of warm up it idled like a new Cadillac.

So basically I stripped it all the way down and fixed possible rubbing issues and zip tied tons of wire up and out of the way. I bought a very nice see thru filter and replaced all the fuel lines with Goodyear line and regular hose clamps. I lowered the needle clip in the carb, and cleaned it to military spec. :lol: I removed the lump in the exhaust and replaced the exhaust hardware :evil:
I had to put the stock air intake back on since I have not bought a replacement yet. ( Any ideas ? )

I think I can feel a difference, it seems to wind out each gear quicker than it did, and I can feel the front end getting light, I dont remember that feeling before. I know I can hear a difference. It has a very slight pop or cackle when you rev it. Response to me seems better than before. I assume once I get the air box choke point taken care of it will make a change for the better as well.

[IronFist]

Congrats:
Try putting in a new plug and go for a ride, then post a pick of your plug color, the electrode end. At least the idle quirk is gone. :D

[HiBird17]

This might be a dumb question but why cant i see any of the pictures..?

[JerryHawk250]

This might be a dumb question but why cant i see any of the pictures..?

Because this thread was from 2008 and the links to pictures probably don't exist anymore.

[dpl096]

Because this thread was from 2008 and the links to pictures probably don't exist anymore.

2008????? That was just like 3 months ago, right?:wtf:

[Megadan]

I can almost promise you most of the pictures were linked to photobucket, and they went dead after photobucket decided to screw everybody a few years ago. I use imgbb for my photo hosting now.