Motor likes to crank now that I installed 416 kit???

[Honda4ooEX]

It seems like now that I installed my 11:1 piston, hot cam stage2 and the 416 bore on my 2000 400EX it doesn't want to start very easy. I also removed my choke and took out the choke plate and installed a 42 piolt and 165 main jet. When I hit the start button it cranks like 2 time before it starts. I am thinking it might be

1-CDI but I think its fine (its stock)
2-starter going bad? ( I don't think so)
3-now that I took out the decompression on the cam?

Has anyone had to replace their starters? Do you guys have any ideas or is this normal after the 416? Thanks

[phatswinn]

are you using race gas? i think you need to use race gas at 11:1 and higher compresstion

[Razorback]

i've heard you could use pump gas with 11:1? anyway, could the timing be off at all?

[MIKE400EX]

Ignition timing no, because it's not easily adjustable other than by using a "degree/advance" key. Cam timing yes - could be a tooth off. You will need to run at least 50/50 race gas unless you just putt around slowly - if the compression is indeed a true 11:1.

[Razorback]

yeah, cam chain timing is what i was thinking about...

thanks for the info on the fuel...

[Honda4ooEX]

I don't think it is the cam timing because it runs great it just starts hard (likes to crank). As soon as its starts and warms up its fine runs great. But even after I start it and run it for an hour then start it again it still starts hard, even after its warm but it runs fine everything is smooth. I am running an 11:1 with 50 50 mix

[Ex'r Marlin]

Just a thought... Going with a higher compression piston may need more "cranking amps" out of your battery to turn it.

I understand going to a 11:1 compression may also require some race gas or race gas mix with pump gas.

Good luck!:)

[MIKE400EX]

With that extra info, it sounds like 1 of 2 things; 1. Idle mixture screw is lean (does it pop at all when you let off the gas?) or 2. The spark is weak at very low RPM's. Leave a spark plug in the head, remove the wire and attach another plug. Ground the second plug and crank it over, checking for a nice fat purple-white spark. BTW, the reason for leaving a plug screwed in the head is to load the starter so the engine will turn over at normal starting RPM, not at an elevated RPM from no load (open plug hole). Hope this helps!

[skemp]

I think it is probably just the battery. It will eventually probably go dead. With the high compression piston and the decompression removed, it is a lot harder to turn over. Might want to look into a battery with higher cranking amps.

[Honda4ooEX]

thanks guys I will try them, What do I do if I don't have a good spark? New plug wire?