Really that cold blooded?

[Honda4LifeWes36]

So I just got my 400 back up and running and I have been riding on it quite a bit the last couple days. Those days it was about 25-30 degrees out. Now, today, I knew it was going to be a cold day so I went out and tried to start it. (10 degrees) It started on the first crank full choke but then it died not even 5 seconds later and then on all it did was crank and crank and crank. Didn;t even try to start so I don't know how the heck I'm going to get it started so I can get it out and warmed up!?!?!

From trying to start so much in the cold, it also fouls plugs.

Yes, 400ex's are extremely cold blooded. Mine had trouble in anything under 40*.

A 42 pilot jet will solve ALL your issues. They're jetted too lean down low.

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Hmm... I just don't understand how it can go through that much change in less than a day.

I mean, I rode the crap out of it, and it didn't even want to start!

Originally posted by Honda4LifeWes36
Hmm... I just don't understand how it can go through that much change in less than a day.

I mean, I rode the crap out of it, and it didn't even want to start!

Try pop starting it down a hill. That way the motor will keep firing as you're rolling down the hill and hopefully start.

42 pilot, trust me. lol.

[Honda4LifeWes36]

What would it cost me?

Originally posted by Honda4LifeWes36
What would it cost me?

Like $3 or $4 bucks from the dealer. Mine actually gave it to me for free.

It's a pain getting to the carb to install it but it makes starting much easier.

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Hmm...alright thanks....dang weather anyway.

[55stone]

push or pull start baby lol.. its like the backup starter lol..

[CJM]

I can relate, friend of mine has 2 brand new leftover 08 models.

We tried to start them in 30F weather a few weekends ago and had to keep the throttle on for at least 5 mins with the choke on or it would die.

After about 10 mins of riding they had no issues starting.

[Ryan'07400ex]

I have a 42 pilot in and on snow days when the weathers about 25 degree it dies after one second the first start up and it increase about 10 seconds every time until the 4th try and then I put it to half choke(from full) and take off riding in first gear for a couple minutes until its warmed up. Just be patient. I'm still on my stock spark plug so I guess i'm ight, I got a new one to put in though if need be.

[Honda4LifeWes36]

If I don't put a 42 pilot in it, and I try to pull start it, would that change anything or would it still not start? I really havent tried because if the battery won't start it because its so cold I just quit trying. Would pull starting it get er going?

Originally posted by Honda4LifeWes36
If I don't put a 42 pilot in it, and I try to pull start it, would that change anything or would it still not start? I really havent tried because if the battery won't start it because its so cold I just quit trying. Would pull starting it get er going?

By jump starting it, you're basically forcing the motor to turn over because you're rolling along in gear. This also makes it turn over much faster then the electric starter can. So yes, it makes starting a little easier.

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Well I'll try er. We'll see what we get !

[AirMalone]

Odd..My 400 starts first time in 40 degrees Celsius and fires up first time -40C

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Most likely jetted differently, and in less I've been somewhere else for a long time, isn't 40 degrees celsius = 104 degrees F.?

[MidnightBlade]

i put a 42 pilot and 153 main it was running way too rich and it sucked starting so up the pilot and maybe 1 or 2 bigger on the main and it should start mine started fine on a -2* F day

[Honda4LifeWes36]

The new news....Tried to pull start it and it didn't do a thing. It rolled over and tried but wouldn't fire up and I tried 1st and 2nd gear. So does this mean I fouled the plug now?!?!

[mitchconley]

mine 400 has been running fine all winter. even below 30* it starts fine. pump the throttle twice, half choke and one push and it will idle for awhile. it might die a few times but it warms up after a few mins and i really havent had any problems. the only problem i had in the cold weather is that my oil gets gummed up sometimes so it smokes until it warms up

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Thats just about exactly what happened to mine. I rode it the day before for about half the day, then put er away for the night. When out the next day, started it, idled for 2 minutes and died. I tried to get her fired up again and here I am. Still pumpin the hell out of it and getting nothing. I really have no clue what to do now. The spark plug is about 3 days old!?!?!

[IcutMetl]

My advise is to just put the larger pilot jet in.

I had the same issue on my 2001 from the day it was new, and it was extremely frustrating. Even jetted correctly for the pipe I had on it, it still was a stubborn sob when cold weather hit. My "trick" was to whack the gas wide open 3 times in a row, light choke, and it would fire right up. I'm sure it would have been a ton easier had I just quit being stubborn and lazy and put the damn jet in...it's very easy to do. If you can't get it to start, give 'er a little choke, no gas, and pull start in 2nd gear. Once it pops...feather the gas just enough to keep it running until it gets plenty warmed up. It's hard enough on a motor starting in the cold.

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Might have to do that man. I can just get the 42 pilot for cheap up at a local dealer or where?! Sorry, as you said, IM VERY VERY Frustrated. I'm missing playing in the snow!!

[coryatver]

42 pilot! they are cold blooded becuase of the lean pilot. put a 42 in and it will start without the choke! Some people pull the choke off the carb for more power as it is no longer needed

[IcutMetl]

Agreed; that was a popular, easy mod back in the day when I had mine- remove the choke and add the 42 pilot. Grab the jet at your local dealer, or check out www.carbpartswarehouse.com; luckily he's right in Cleveland less than an hour away, and knows what he's talking about.

[Thumpin440ex]

Absofreakinlutly, they are.. Mine used to be such a pain in the ***.. I used to run the ready heater on it for about 15 mins when it was cold out, it would crank rite up, other wise it sounded like a chick that wouldn't shut up..lol

[81-Honda-04]

Hahahah i do the same ready heater thing! it really works.. and i had the same problem as you Honda4LifeWes36 i think you just have a caked up plug i took mine out and wire brushed it clean and it started right up in 26F

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Well the plug is brand new. I rode my quad once on that plug. I'm just going to add the 42 to it and save a lot of **** headaches!!

[Honda4LifeWes36]

Going in Monday to get that pilot. I don't know if I can wait two days though LOL! Anything I can check now before I go in?

[sc400ex_rider]

just get the 450r carb it has a 48 pilot in it and a real choke.