Alpha Sport 250 issue

[Aimy77]

Hey guys! I'm new to the forum so go easy on me

I've been having an ongoing issue with my bike since a few months ago. I went to winterize her as she'll be sitting for her first winter outside. I added some fuel stabilizer and all that jazz, but when I went to start the bike she wouldn't turn over.

I started with the battery. I brought it over to Duncan Moto (who are AWESOME by the way) and they checked it for me. Apparently it was on its last legs so I got a new one. As it was getting colder and colder it was becoming more and more important for me to get that stabilized fuel through the lines.

While waiting for the battery I tried jumping it. Really, as long as I can get the fuel through I'd feel a lot better letting it sit for the winter. Didn't work.

Now, with the new battery, it's still doing the same thing. I've tried the choke, I've tried the throttle, nothing. It seems to be trying to turn over but the fuel isn't getting through. I can't smell any fuel when trying to start it so I think something beyond my scope of knowledge (which is limited to begin with) is going on.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or is anyone available in the Watertown area to come take a look? I've about given up and may just let it sit for the winter

Thanks in advance!

[NobodySpecific]

Could be as simple as ice in the lines. Is it carbed or FI? If carbed (which I'm guessing it is), then it might require a carb tear-down as gunk could have built up. Did you add stabilizer as soon as you stopped riding or just this time? If you waited until now then that is most likely the problem.

[Aimy77]

I put the stabilizer in it relatively soon after I took it off the road. It is also carbed. If it is build-up in the lines, about how much do you think that would be to repair come spring? *sigh*, so sad.

[The Snowman]

Is there anywhere you could get it inside for a while? Friend's garage, etc...

If there is ice in the lines, you'll need to defrost it.

[NobodySpecific]

No clue, I've only had an FI bike, which I let sit for a year and the only problem was a toasted battery. Once I replaced the battery it started first try. Wish I could be more help, though I'm sure that there are plenty of people on here willing to help you out.

[Kurlon]

Assuming it's turning over ok, try draining the carbs via their drain screws on the bottom of the bowls.

Personally, I stabil the tank and then drain the carbs after shutting the petcock off rather than trying to get treated gas to them on my bikes.

[butcher bergs]

you got gum in your carb

to expand on that, this crap-ass fuel doesn't take much more than a couple weeks until it can block the passages. did some work on a ninja 250 that sat for 3 weeks over the fall and the issue was blocked carbs. some bikes are more sensitive than others to this new fuel.

[Aimy77]

Ok, so most of you have said it is something related to the carbs. Now, if I drain the carbs as suggested, would that help remove the gunk?

Would most of you just stop worrying about it until spring? And again, does anyone have any clue how much it would be to rebuild the carb?

I don't have anywhere heated to keep it unfortunately.

[butcher bergs]

Ok, so most of you have said it is something related to the carbs. Now, if I drain the carbs as suggested, would that help remove the gunk?

Not typically....if that's even the issue to begin with.

Would most of you just stop worrying about it until spring?

I wouldn't but I don't speak for everyone. You can cause irrepairable damage by not correcting it.

And again, does anyone have any clue how much it would be to rebuild the carb?

I don't have anywhere heated to keep it unfortunately.

A shop will cost you alot more than, say, a guy like me.

[The Snowman]

A shop will cost you alot more than, say, a guy like me.

gigolo

[butcher bergs]

[The Snowman]

I don't have anywhere heated to keep it unfortunately.

I only meant temporarily, not store it for the winter. At least a place to defrost it. It's easier to work on a bike when it's not outside.

[Aimy77]

So the only thing I MAY know how to do is empty the bowl... if there's only one screw.... and if I can find it. Getting it inside wouldn't do me personally much good.

I guess I'd be better off bringing it to a shop but I wouldn't know how to get it there as the bike's not running. Unless by chance it was all down hill streets

[OreoGaborio]

Well if you're not gonna ride it any time soon, there's not much sense in trying to get it sorted just so you can go & winterize it again.

As stated above, the carburetors are probably gummed up. Draining the fuel won't help in of itself. Chances are, you're gonna have to pull the carbs off, open them up, remove the jets & clean em proper.

Not as difficult as it sounds, but it is kind of a daunting task if you haven't done it before.