No start on 2000 426

[seagravedriver]

OK, I have a 2000 426 and this thing is about to make me go orange. It is my first bike of any kind, while it was a steep learning curve, it has been worth it for the power it has.

Now for the starting lately....SUCKS

While I know the the rube goldburg methode of starting it, in the last months it don't'! To the shop, new needle and seat, clean carb, adj. valves. Comes back, and it is a one kick wonder! 3 rides later, it is a dog to start, pops when I let off the throttle again, and has a bit of a miss. As of right now, it will not start. Pulling plug Sunday. I will decide if I will pull the plug on this bike soon. I had a fair amount of good rides on this before all problems, but it is worse instead of better. I have been waiting 2 months for a fuel shut off, as it is on back order... but I have been running it often, but of course not now. As of right now, I have no brand loyalties, but man, when this thing runs right, its awsome ?

I appreciate any advice, Craig

[642MX]

Sounds like you may need to adjust your fuel screw. Temps change so should your fuel screw adjustment. Or you simply keep flooding it when trying to start it.

Orange? You think life will be better.........been there, done that.....never again.

[Satch0922]

Jetting , and the fuel screw. I set my fuel screw every time I rode my 426.....keeps it close all the time that way.

[seagravedriver]

I know enough not to even TOUCH the throttle on this bike when starting. Several friends have 426s as well. I just hold on to the bark buster while I try to start it. I work 24 hour shifts, and will work on it in the afternoon Sun. Thank you all for the info. Sucks being a new guy ?

Orange was that bad?

Craig

[Fastest1]

Also always turn off the fuel at the petcock and let it run out of gas. It will keep it from flooding and the fuel from turning to varnish in the carb. I agree with Satch regarding the fuel screw. Get an adjustable one and maybe a JD jetting kit if you have the change. Forget the shop, get a manual and a digital camera. You can always see how you took it apart. Good Luck and keep us posted.

[seagravedriver]

Thanks again, the fuel petcock will go in as soon as it arrives, but it ain't here YET. I just got a manual off e-bay, so I will tear into it in an few hours. Thanks again. Craig

[YZ400FPower]

it sounds like its getting flooded somehow

[seagravedriver]

With the help of my future in-laws, it is now running great......for now. The fuel petcock will be in Wed., we put in a new plug, the old one was fouled. Gas is suspect as well. Bought it a week or so ago, and it does not smell right. Cleaned the air filter, and will ride on Monday. Thanks again. Craig ?

[viking_in_wa]

where do you live in wa? I am in spokane and looking for new places to ride.

[henrysdad]

Try opening the hot start before you shut the bike down hot. Do that for a second or 2 every time,that will help clean the plug for the next start.

Have 3 or 4 plugs handy at all times. I get mine at a "Farm&Fleet" for $2.99. if you bike will not start,pull the plug and throw it out.It might look ok,but it will never work right again. Install new and ride.

[reed3981]

i have 2001 426 and agree awsome bike but am having similar problems with

starting and found that the packing in the fuel shut off has a tear in it keeping the fuel on all the time causeing it to flood so maybe your new shut off will fix your problem

good luck ?

[Fastest1]

Try opening the hot start before you shut the bike down hot. Do that for a second or 2 every time,that will help clean the plug for the next start.

Have 3 or 4 plugs handy at all times. I get mine at a "Farm&Fleet" for $2.99. if you bike will not start,pull the plug and throw it out.It might look ok,but it will never work right again. Install new and ride.

I havent changed or looked at the plug in over a year. (Maybe longer)

[seagravedriver]

Besides a little track accross the street, I ride in Belfare, Packwood, a friend's place in Mason County near a place called "Hank's Lake", and Capital forest in Olmypia. My riding style DEFINES NOVICE! This is my first bike, I am 39 yo. It has been a steep learning curve, but when this bike is on, it is on.

I did not change the plug for the first 6 months I owned it, as it was running fine. Then fuel was pouring out of overflow tube on the bowl, stuck float I think, and it has been downhill from there. I have about 3-4 plugs all the time, and keep one or two with me when I ride. (Yea, the tools as well ?). I am still thinking this 426 may not be the thing for me due to all the trails I ride. It has a heavyweight flywheel, and I am not sure offhand about the tooth count. I am going to go out and give it another try to start right now

Craig

On edit, 3 kicks, and I was off and running ?

[palmdaleRider]

My YZ is a one kick wonder, and it's that way because I have found the throttle touch. I give it gas as the kick starts to light the engine. Roars to life every time!

I know enough not to even TOUCH the throttle on this bike when starting. Several friends have 426s as well. I just hold on to the bark buster while I try to start it. I work 24 hour shifts, and will work on it in the afternoon Sun. Thank you all for the info. Sucks being a new guy ?

Orange was that bad?

Craig

[jjjyz450f]

If you are fouling plugs all the time there is a problem with the carb or the engine. I owned a 2001 yz426f and never had any trouble at all starting, unless I made mistakes doing so. When it is cold like 60 degrees or colder I always twist the throttle 2 times quick, pull in the compression lever and kick engine over like 3 to 4 times slowly ( not hard like you would be trying to start bike if it was at TDC ). Then pull out the choke and find TDC, kick slightly past, let kick starter come all the way back to the top, and kick it like you have a pair. ? What that does is prime the engine with fuel when it is cold out and engine is cold ( 1st time starting for the day ). When warmer 65 degrees I never give it gas to prime engine, or you will risk flooding engine. Yz426f is the easiest bike to get unflooded, just hold in the compression lever slightly ( not all the way in, just a little ) with fuel off, kick engine over and the exhaust valve does let in some fresh air. Because the engine is not running it will push out some air out the exhaust and let some fresh air slightly in. With these new 450's you can't have the exhaust valve open the whole time, they only open when the cam rotates back to the point decompression mechanism hits the bucket. sorry for the long post hope this helps in the future Good luck

[quartzite]

I owned a 2001 yz426f and never had any trouble at all starting, unless I made mistakes doing so. When it is cold like 60 degrees or colder I always twist the throttle 2 times quick, pull in the compression lever and kick engine over like 3 to 4 times slowly ( not hard like you would be trying to start bike if it was at TDC ). Then pull out the choke and find TDC, kick slightly past,

This is a great post. I pull both the choke and hot start to start up my '01. I read that "gas was suspect". I'm super attentive about "fresh gas" highest octane as I've noticed it's much harder to get rolling with "old gas".

If I haven't ridden in a while it's a chore to start.