cold weather starting

I live in the Chicago area and i have a 02 400ex. This thing has gotten extremely hard to start now that its getting cold out. I keep it in an unheated shed, and there is no way around that. Ive got a White Brothers E-Series S-bend pipe on it, I don't know if that matter. It runs great when its warmed up, and doesn't cut out or putter. But its a pain to start. I've heard to change the sparkplug to a D8EA or even a D7EA. Is it ok to add Gasline Antifreeze such as "Heet" in it. Any ideas write back soon.

[knighttime]

Put a bigger pilot jet in the mofo. I put a 42 in mine and it starts great (38 is stock). In fact I started the beast yesterday when the temp was in the low 20's and didnt even use the chock.

yup up the pilot jet to a 40 or 42 or raise the needle on notch,,any of these will fix the problem,,,I never use my choke either..

[sly400ex]

02_400ex, I am having the same problem too. I'm going to to buy the 42 pilot today. Hey, I live near Joliet and I heard there are some nice trails where you live in Elwood, how do I get to them exactly? I live in Woodridge.

[JabberJaw]

I'll tell you the secret to starting your Honda when it's cold.

Before you press the starter button, push the throttle to full two times, leave the choke off, then kick it over. We have two 400ex's, one with mods and one without. Works great every time.

Make sure your spark plug is not fouled also.

I was also told to run a D7EA or D8EA but after comparing to the stock plug their both a shorter plug and would put the electrode back in the plug hole.

I went to a local shop and they said that a DPR7EA-9 is what they run, it is the same overall length but the electrode is open more and of a different design. I have one but have not had a chance to try it. they said that for my area 1 step hotter than stock is the way to go because the air here is "heavier" ??????? I dont really understand what he was saying but they have been puttin that DPR7EA-9 in LOTS of ex's that are fuel fouling plugs out and having much better results.

I have tried with no choke and it will not start and if I use it to start and take it off it wont stay running. I have to stay on the choke and feather the gas to keep it running till it gets warmed up.

[hippy440]

42 pilot !:D

[Poncho]

I fouled my plug it's so cold.;)

well in summer will the 42 pilot be fine with just a k&n filter or will it be too rich?

You will be fine in the summer too with a 42 pilot.

[330exracer]

guys your exs are screwed up. i keep my same jets in all yr and i don't even know where my choke is. maybe my ex is a mutant or all your exs are defective. j/k

[Dave400ex]

Since my 400EX has been Re-Jetted for my Pipe and Colder Weather it starts great.

[stevengates45]

I've found all EX's to be cold natured.

[doctor_915]

Here in PA it hasn't been all that cold but I have fouled 3 plugs and deaded my dam battery trying to get that beast started. Plus it has 2 pounds of frozen mud on the plastic:), goes in on Wednesday to the shop so they can fix it.