Just picked up my 400EX and I have to say so far I'm very happy with it. But it seems to start extremely hard when it's cold. I actually fouled a plug this morning. Any one else have these problems? Is there some simple trick to help it start easier? Thanks.

 

they start really hard the best advice is once you get it started take the choke off right away and pump the gas to keep it going so you dont foul the plug. heating is the best way to get started. the choke is actually a fuel enricher not an actual choke so that is while it fouls plugs so fast.

 

I fouled NGK plugs like crazy. I went to a honda dealer to buy some more and he sold me 4 honda 400ex spark plugs (actually a honda brand i believe) And am on the same one since (about 3 months.) Might just be the plug brand

 

Thanks guys.

 

do you have a aftermarket icm box on it?(rev limiter)if so,that will make it hard to start in cold weather

 

I pump mine 3 times and put the choke on 3/4 or 1/2 and keep it going with the throttle.

 

i agree with 400ex'r except i put choke on full and zap the throttle twice instead of three times then keep revs up turning choke off soon as possible.this should cure your problem for the most part..

 

Thanks guys my 400EX also has bad cold starts.

 

Is this your first Honda, because every Honda that I know of is realy hard to start in the cold, what i do in the cold winter months of Wisconsin is put a small portable heater underneth my cover for a 15 minutes, aim it directly at the cases. I go out and it starts right away.

 

Change your pilot jet to a #40
Honda Part # 99103-420-0400

The Honda Fiche for the 400 doesn't list any additional jets for the carb so thats why I listed the part # not only will it start easier but it will smooth out the idle and set your fuel screw at 2 1/2 turns out from lightly seated.