2fastlx
01-03-2014, 05:01 AM
Hey everyone,
I have a 1999 400ex I have had about 10 years. Used to ride it frequently, but due life changes and loss or riding areas I dont get to use it but a couple times a year. Last winter I had a motocross mechanic friend help me rebuild the top end and do a fresh valve job. The bike has run flawless in 4 weekends of riding since. Unfortunately my friend has moved for another job offer, so I lost my go-to guy for atv stuff.
A couple weeks ago I was riding up in central florida and the bike was running great. I hit a puddle, nothing major, and the bike stalled. Not nearly deep enough to get into the airbox, but I double checked anyway, and it was dry. It wouldnt re-start, only sputtered a few times and stalled. I let the bike sit for a while while eating lunch and trying to figure out the problem. After about 20 minutes, I was able to re-start the bike and it seemed fine. Took it for a ride, ran through the gears and all seemed normal for a few minutes. About mid way through 4th it seemed to hit a point where it stopped climbing, then stalled out. I rolled to a stop, re-started the bike and all was fine again. A few minutes later, mid way through 4th again, it did the exact same thing, and has not started back up since.
Once I got back home I checked for fuel and spark and had both. Changed the plug for good measure but no change. Wont even sputter on starting fluid. Unfortunately I dont have a compression tester, but since it ran strong after having the issue the first time it doesnt seem to be a compression issue. Could I have a weakness in the ignition somewhere, maybe the coil? Seems like something got out of whack when I hit that first puddle, but I cant find any wiring issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, John
I have a 1999 400ex I have had about 10 years. Used to ride it frequently, but due life changes and loss or riding areas I dont get to use it but a couple times a year. Last winter I had a motocross mechanic friend help me rebuild the top end and do a fresh valve job. The bike has run flawless in 4 weekends of riding since. Unfortunately my friend has moved for another job offer, so I lost my go-to guy for atv stuff.
A couple weeks ago I was riding up in central florida and the bike was running great. I hit a puddle, nothing major, and the bike stalled. Not nearly deep enough to get into the airbox, but I double checked anyway, and it was dry. It wouldnt re-start, only sputtered a few times and stalled. I let the bike sit for a while while eating lunch and trying to figure out the problem. After about 20 minutes, I was able to re-start the bike and it seemed fine. Took it for a ride, ran through the gears and all seemed normal for a few minutes. About mid way through 4th it seemed to hit a point where it stopped climbing, then stalled out. I rolled to a stop, re-started the bike and all was fine again. A few minutes later, mid way through 4th again, it did the exact same thing, and has not started back up since.
Once I got back home I checked for fuel and spark and had both. Changed the plug for good measure but no change. Wont even sputter on starting fluid. Unfortunately I dont have a compression tester, but since it ran strong after having the issue the first time it doesnt seem to be a compression issue. Could I have a weakness in the ignition somewhere, maybe the coil? Seems like something got out of whack when I hit that first puddle, but I cant find any wiring issues. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, John