400ex start/idle issues

[exrider23]

So i've been trying to get my 400 back in shape for spring. I have to use the battery charger with some powerful amps to get it to start. It will start and idle for like 3 minutes and shut off. Then after that it wont start again. I dont understand what the problem is. I put a new spark plug in it. Any suggestions?

[Newrider08]

did you run your gas out of your carb before parking it?

Sounds like it is a carb issue, does it run good until you turn the choke off?

If your pilot jet is plugged it will do that, all you do is pull your carb off and clean or replace your pilot jet. I would just replace it with a 42 pilot jet if your not already running that

[exrider23]

Im going to go take the carb off right now and clean it.. i'll post after

[Tommy Warren]

my bike did that and i checked it over for half an hour b4 finding out the fuel was turned off. stupid mistake but it happens.

just a thought

[Gagt518]

Originally posted by Tommy Warren
my bike did that and i checked it over for half an hour b4 finding out the fuel was turned off. stupid mistake but it happens.

just a thought

Haha

[dariusld]

One time, mine wouldn't start, so I looked in the tank and there was gas. Tried again and still wouldn't start. Added some gas and it started. I guess there was gas, just not enough:rolleyes:

[honda400ex2003]

happens to the best of us. i have ran out and had it off a few times. LOL steve

[exrider23]

well i guess sometimes i look for the real technical issues lol, all it needed was some gas. But now i have another problem. I cant get the oil to read on the dipstick, i know there's enough in it and i dont want to overfill it. any ideas?

[Newrider08]

if you know there is oil in it park it on an even spot and let it idle for 5 or 10 minutes, then turn it off and let it set for a couple minutes and check it

[exrider23]

It is parked on level spot, i did let it sit for 5 mins. and the oil still reads to the very BOTTOM of the dipstick. I think im going to take it on a little ride down the street then check it.

[exrider23]

So i took it for a little ride up the street then parked it back in my garage and it still reads low. should i just keep adding little amounts until it shows up right?

[Newrider08]

you could just change your oil, if you are adding it anyway just pick up 2 quarts of oil and a filter and change it. That way you know how much oil is in it and it gets some fresh oil

[exrider23]

I did just change it and it does have fresh oil, thats why i dont understand how it wont show up on the stick?

[Young_Gun1]

how much oil did you put in so far?
i think it takes almost 2 quarts

[exrider23]

I know it has 2 quarts. Im probly at 2-1/2 by now... It just wont show up!

[Young_Gun1]

are you using the right dipstick?

[yellowhonda400]

watch out when your adding oil. i did it once and i didnt even add a quarter of a quart and it was over filled so watch out the oil all of a sudden is there.