Hey guys. I have a 2002 XR250 that is been sitting in the garage for a 6 months months. I checked the oil today and it was low, I ended up adding about 1/2 qt. That was strange because it has never been low before. I tried starting it, after adding oil, but I can't get any compression.Any ideas where I should start? Last time I had it running it was fine.

Thanks I appreciate any advice.
Michael

mvoss, on 25 May 2012 - 06:06 PM, said:

I'd drain that 1/2 quart of oil right back out.  With a dry sump XR the oil will migrate down to the crankcase after sitting for long periods of time.  The oil can only be accurately checked after running the engine and riding it around a bit (the tranny uses the same oil as the engine).  Pull the dipstick and check the level right after shutting off the engine.

Sitting for 6 months has probably gummed up the pilot jet, it will need to be cleaned at the least. Fresh gasoline is a must also.

Make sure your decomp lever isn't activated. You can push down on the cable lever where it enters the head. If all was well the last time she ran she should fire after checking the above.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Edited by Brewster Two, 25 May 2012 - 07:17 PM.

You may have to much oil in it now, but that wont keep it from starting. Search the forum and you will find instructions on checking the oil. I would just do a complete oil change once you get it started.

If you really have no compression and the decompression lever is off you have a stuck valve. What happens when they sit is the oil drains out of the top of the head and you valve guides get dry and stick. Open the valve adjust caps and get some oil in there and see if you get compression back.

Good Luck.

Remove the spark plug and squirt some oil into the cylinder. Replace the plug and see if the compression comes up.

Thanks for the help guys. I squirted some oil in the cylinders, removed the 1/2 qt of oil, cleaned the carb and jets and she started back up. Looks like fuel is leaking from my pilot screw now. Does anyone know if the washer for the pilot screw comes in the carb gasket kit?

Thanks again!! My next job is tackling the front forks. Looks like they are leaking.

Check this out for the fork rebuild. Was helpful when I did mine.

http://www.flightoft...suspension.html

mvoss, on 27 May 2012 - 08:58 AM, said:

Doesn't look like it. The washer is a part of kit assembly #7.

http://www.serviceho...=2002&fveh=4282

Before you tear down the forks, try pulling the dust seals down, cleaning those and then running a corner of a business card up past the lip of the oil seal and run it all around the seal. Might just have a piece of grit stuck in the seal.