not my 400

[GAZ-V-21]

Hey guys I know this ain't the 250ex forums but its dead in there so figured is ask you guys. I just bought a 2002 Honda 250ex real cheap. First question is my starter switch will not start the quad kid I bought it from said battery is shot but when I hook up jumper to starter wire positive side and negative to the battery it fires right up and headlights work. Do you think battery is shot? Also it ticks pretty good sounds like at very top of engine do you guys think it could be valves? This quad has been sitting for 3 years without being started at all. I've rode it and seems to run strong just the tick is louder than what I've heard before. Thanks for reading

[Stickman400]

I'd say the battery is indeed junk, those stockers don't last forever, especially if they've had the key or lights left on and completely drained once or more. I'm not sure on the ticking. I had a 250ex a LONG time ago and I rode the ever loving piss out of it. Went through 2 trannys and 3 clutches and I never even knew what a valve was back then and it still ran like a champ until I sold it, so I'd say it's just normal. And the brake lever needs taken out of the hole that it slides into in the frame and cleaned with emory cloth then WD-40'd and re-installed. Mine froze up like that twice and I did that and it fixed it.

[GAZ-V-21]

Thanks stickman I bought this 250ex for $300 bucks so I can't complain lol.

[#484]

I also beat the tar out of one of those machines for about 7 years, great machines! The rear brakes could also be the cable from the foot pedal to the rear brake arm. Mine seized on me a couple times. Lube the piss out of it and ride it. The valves do need adjustment from time to time.

[GAZ-V-21]

Cool are valves pretty simple on the 250ex? Also I guess since its shaft driven there is diff oil to change does anyone know what oil I need? I wanna take it down to trails tomorrow just for a little riding before I let my wife start riding it. I wonder if the knocking could be bad gas it had some gas in it when I got it which would be 3 yr old gas I just added about a half gallon of new gas I was not thinking I should of drained the old gas. I guess what I should be asking is if you just bought a wheeler that had been sitting for 3yrs what all would you guys go through it and do?

[#484]

Valves are simple to adjust, I'd give details but my manual for that quad is about 20 miles away! Yes there is differential fluid, drain plug on the bottom, fill plug on top, level plug on the left side of the case. Use 80w90 gear oil, doesn't have to be anything fancy. Also change the engine oil, no filter to change. Nothing fancy for oil either, any good 10w40 oil will be fine. Just make sure its not rated as energy conserving oil. Make sure the bolt that holds the shifter on is tight. Check rear axle bearings. Those are the only repairs I've made on mine since it was new in 2003.

[GAZ-V-21]

Sweet thanks for the help guys, I think for 300 bucks I gotta good deal the 250 needs a little work but I think it will be a good starter for my wife then maybe get her a 400 and give the 250 to my daughter. I'm gettin ready to take the 250 down to the trails and get her muddy and see how she rides.

[GAZ-V-21]

Rode the 250 today ran the piss out of it. It ran great made it through some deep water and mud I was impressed

[#484]

Keep tabs on the rear differential fluid when running thru deep water. Mine would always take on a little water and make the fluid milky. If that happens get it changed out as soon as you can to save the bearings. They are fun little machines and take a good beating !

[GAZ-V-21]

Cool I will check tomorrow after I clean her up.

[powerbomb400]

you can also put a pull cord in case the starter or the battery goes bad. The Recon has one but the ex don't. They bolt right up and we have done a 08 and a 02. They are fun machine and run great. The motor is a push rod engine. the cam rides in oil and they do tick quite a bit. My wife rides one and we put over 15,000 miles on it before rebuilding it. Then we put a Powroll piston in. If the rear shock is too stiff you can use a stock Banshee front shock. It will bolt right up and has three adjustments and the spring isn't as stiff.

[GAZ-V-21]

Originally posted by powerbomb400
you can also put a pull cord in case the starter or the battery goes bad. The Recon has one but the ex don't. They bolt right up and we have done a 08 and a 02. They are fun machine and run great. The motor is a push rod engine. the cam rides in oil and they do tick quite a bit. My wife rides one and we put over 15,000 miles on it before rebuilding it. Then we put a Powroll piston in. If the rear shock is too stiff you can use a stock Banshee front shock. It will bolt right up and has three adjustments and the spring isn't as stiff. Good info thanks. How much gear oil does the rear end take?

[#484]

It doesn't take a lot, just remove the level plug on the left side of the case and fill it until it runs out of the hole

[GAZ-V-21]

Originally posted by #484
It doesn't take a lot, just remove the level plug on the left side of the case and fill it until it runs out of the hole
So the drain plug is on bottom, level plug left side and fill plug on top?

[#484]

Yes, you got it

[GAZ-V-21]

Originally posted by #484
Yes, you got it
Thanks #484 I'm gonna pick up the oil tomorrow and change it.

[GAZ-V-21]

Just changed the gear oil wow that was simple.

[#484]

Thats the best part of the 250ex. Everything is simple to maintain and damn near bulletproof

[GAZ-V-21]

Cant wait for my wife to ride it this weekend ill be back on my 400 its gonna be a good time