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-   -   what's your guys secrets for starting a cold 400ex? (https://atvconnection.com/forums/honda/35947-whats-your-guys-secrets-starting-cold-400ex.html)

moorefun Apr 3, 2001 03:50 PM

My 2000 doesn't want to start at all cold. Once started and warmed up, it restarts fine. What do you guys do?

papaw Apr 3, 2001 04:19 PM

try this,
making sure your gas,key,choke,and ignition switch are all on rap the throttle twice hit starter switch without touching throttle at all until it has started.when it fires you have to keep on the throttle sometimes to keep the cold natured beast alive.hope this helps..

Booboo Apr 3, 2001 04:48 PM

Do yourself a favor and get a battery tender and a few spare spark plugs.

coryatver Apr 3, 2001 05:13 PM

Mine always fires right up. But you have to give it a little throotle to keep it running untill it warms up.

Giz400ex Apr 3, 2001 06:11 PM

Since mine is not in a heated garage or anything. Also its been in the 30's except today but I usually put a salmander on the side of it and let it blow on it for 10-15mins and walla!!!! Its starts right up!!!! Helps out so that I don't have to keep on getting plugs for it.

Michaud68 Apr 3, 2001 06:53 PM

Put a #40 pilot jet in. It will help starting and smooth out the idle its to lean from honda

moorefun Apr 3, 2001 09:57 PM

Thanks guys, I'm tired of cranking. If there is one gripe I have about this thing, it's the cold bloodedness. I just haven't seemed to have gotten the right formula yet. Your input is appreciated.

beast450 Apr 4, 2001 09:29 AM

Mine starts great at -30C! I had this problem to until I figured out that by turning on the key, holding the throttle wide open for 3 seconds and hitting the start button. It always starts up first try and seems to warm up quicker. After 30 seconds it will sit tyhere and idle without touching the gas. I'd say just try this. Works for me.

ogre Apr 4, 2001 10:17 AM

You don't even need to put a #40 pilot jet in it.

All you have to do is turn the air/fuel mixture screw out 1/2 to 1 revolutions (this will richen the mixture). Its located in front of the carb bowl on the underside of the carb. Use a small slotted screwdriver. The best thing to do is count how many turns in the screw goes in, then turn it out that many plus 1/2 to 1 turns extra. If you don't see an improvement after four turns out, then you'll have to put a #40 pilot jet in it.

Don't get it mixed up with the idle adjustment. The air/fuel screw regulates how much fuel is allowed to enter the pilot jet. The idle adjustment just changes the position of the throttle at idle.

ogre

Zorro Apr 4, 2001 10:41 AM

before playing with jetting...wouldn't it be that the cold affects the battery (thus cranking slower)?
If so, could be solved with a 50$ power pack, it's like rechargable battery. Plug it on your 400, and the starter will turn normally. You can use the power pack for cars...etc. It's a portable 12V source...cool stuff.


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