'03 WR 450 dead 10 min after I bought it.

[Doug R]

I just bought this bike,it is as new with very little use and bone stock.10 min into my first ride I stalled it in a turn,I don't know how hard they are to start hot,but after 3-4 min it started but ran like crap and stalled out 30 seconds later.I let it cool(cause it wouldn't start) and it started and ran perfect for about 2 min,then started breaking up real bad and quit for good.

This is my first 4 stroke dirt bike and I'm not off to a very good start.

Any ideas guy's before I dig into this thing???

I just read about the woodruff key problem,but don't know if it has been updated or not.What are the odds this wood happen to me in 10 min. when he had no problems in 2 years. Thanks for any advice.

[walent215]

you may have just fouled the plug.ck. that 1st.

[GlocksRock]

I agree on the spark plug. My '04 did the same thing, started running like total crap all of a sudden, stalled, and then would not start. Had 800 miles on it and it was the original spark plug.

[SJMC_DON]

I agree on the spark plug. My '04 did the same thing, started running like total crap all of a sudden, stalled, and then would not start. Had 800 miles on it and it was the original spark plug.

Especially if you ran with your choke on for 10 minutes........ I know, I've done it and once that plug is fouled you might as well forget it.

Keep your fingers crossed!

[NOMADAK]

Let us know what you find out.

[SJMC_DON]

I just bought this bike,it is as new with very little use and bone stock.

Old Gas?

[Motocrash]

I had my bike "fixed" at the dealersip. Rode it for about 20 hrs, it failed again. I'd check it to see if the fly wheel slipped. Check the old forums on the "Key" problems. The problem wasn't the key, it was a poor fit between the crank and the flywheel.

[Doug R]

I doubt it was a fouled plug.It was screaming beautifully when it started poping and cracking.It sounded like a electrical miss,not a fuel miss,if you know what I mean.I'm paranoid about the woodruff key and the timing problem.Is Yamaha still repairing this problem on the 03's???

On the bright side,it seemed to run fine for a minute after I got it restarted.If the timing was off,I don't see how it would do that.

[StreetbikePimp]

I doubt it was a fouled plug.It was screaming beautifully when it started poping and cracking.It sounded like a electrical miss,not a fuel miss,if you know what I mean.I'm paranoid about the woodruff key and the timing problem.Is Yamaha still repairing this problem on the 03's???

On the bright side,it seemed to run fine for a minute after I got it restarted.If the timing was off,I don't see how it would do that.

If the bike starts at all, then you don't have a timing or a woodruff key problem.

Sounds to me like you have a fuel problem. I would start with a new plug (there cheap, put a new one in so you know it's not the problem) and a really good carb cleaning. If you haven't done a carb cleaning before, find someone who has to help you out. New gas is always good too.

[Dan_Lorenze]

The problem wasn't the key, it was a poor fit between the crank and the flywheel.

Caused by the KEY!

[Dan_Lorenze]

It sure sounds like a gas problem to me.. Almost like the gas cap is clogged... Because it starts fine then runs out of gas... Or it could be a sticky float valve or bad gas.... I would completely clean out the carb and replace all the gas in the bike, then go from there, don't just drain out the old gas, the whole fuel system needs to be cleaned out.... But, the Woodruff key is all too common with these 03's... I would check it out before I ride it.. It's a cheap fix to have peace of mind....

[jturmel]

I agree, why not check to make sure the tank is venting properly... heck just take the cap off, and start the bike see if it will idle for a few minutes just fine...

[Doug R]

Update.I tried it again this morning and it started instantly and ran perfect.Whew,that rules out the timing/key problem.My son said it did the same thing with him earlier.Sounds like after it gets hot it just quits.It runs perfect leading up to that,so it must be something related to temp.I will do the plug/gas/carb thing anyway since I don't know the history of the bike. In the short time I have ridden it,I must say that I'm other wise impressed with the bike.

[Doug R]

Oh,I meant to ask what the starting proceedure is on a hot motor.This is my first 4 stroke dirt bike.I'm getting a shop manual and reading all I can on the forum,but I'm a little impatient.Thanks.

[byggd]

Is Yamaha still repairing this problem on the 03's???

It was a recall so yes they will still cover it....they have to by law.

[Doug R]

Thanks byggd.I called our 33 year old Yamaha dealer and the service dept dude said he never heard of the woodruff key problem or the recall,or the 03 starter problems. I don't get these idiots.I have a new Dodge/Cummins that has two reflash bulletins and the dealer said he was not aware of the problem.Went as far as to say it was not true.I had to print it off the computer and show him.My Yamaha dealer said I would have to do the same thing.

[byggd]

Here are some good links for the mods on the 03 except the starter upgrade plus it shows a a punch mark the dealer makes when the woodruff recall is preformed, the bulletin # etc

http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/projects/wr450f/2003_04/runright.html

http://www.off-road.com/dirtbike/projects/wr450f/tech/tips/

[old man dan]

Do a search on here for the manual. There is one floating around in PDF format for that model. Just save it to a cd and you can print off the pages you need when you need them.

[old man dan]

Join Date: Jan 2003

Location: California

Posts: 709

I did the search for you, found it.

You can download the entire '03 WR450 manual here:->

http://www.thumperfaq.com/oemmanuals.htm

[Doug R]