2004 ltz250, starts and runs but very underpowered (compaired to stock 250ex)

changed oil, cleaned air filter, replaced spark plug and still no power

checked compression (170 psi) not sure if this is good/bad/average

trying to check valves (removed seat/fenders/tank) and see the two cover caps
for the valve adjustment but I cant even get my angled feeler guage in the little
hole.

If I take the cover off it looks as though the rocker arm will come off with it
(there has got to be something im doing wrong)

I would gladly buy a service manual if I could find one
(searched for 30 min on net but no luck)

thanks for any help you can give
Jimmy

 

Don't take the cover off! It takes some patience to work the feeler down in there. Make sure the piston is at TDC. Use a screwdriver in the spark plug hole if there is no inspection hole to line up marks on the crank. It helps to pull up on the rocker as you "saw" back n forth with the feeler until you get it in the right spot.

I think I read a review of the 250ex and the ltz 250 and it said the ex was faster. I remember because I was surprised to learn the ex has a smaller carb.

 

EX faster? No way... A Z250 is about 5mph faster than an EX stock for stock. The Z250 is a better bike overall.

 

"On the top end, the Honda will pull slightly ahead at just over 50 mph. We did several drag races both on hard dirt and in the power-robbing Pismo sand. In both environments the Honda was consistently ahead the whole way."

http://www.dirtwheelsmag.com/M...FA42A6AEF17C4F03165358

Haven't gotten alzheimers yet. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Well that may be the case, but I read another article (on this forum actually) saying that the Z250 was better. (closely follwed by the EX if I might add).

 

This forum is just a bunch of guys that may or may not know what they are talking about. They could be 13yrs old for all anyone knows. That article is from DirtWheels. A well established magazine that has been reviewing atv's since the early 80's and maybe even sooner. And although they have been accused of being biased more than a time or two (toward Honda mostly), it would be a strong accusation to come right out and call them liars. But it doesn't matter... I think both those quads suck personally. Neither one is the quad it used to be in the 80's. An 80's 230S or 250X will leave them both in the dust. I have a 1986 230 and a 2005 250ex. The EX is a dog.