Why does my Honda Elite stop running shortly after I start it?

by L. Skellenger
(Independence, Kansas)

I have a Honda elite 250 (ch250) I believe the by starter is shot. It will start when I cover the air intake, but dies shortly after. I can cover the air intake with my hand and she will start right up, and I can ride it if I lightly keep it covered.


The bike will run fine as long as it's lightly covered. Is this a problem with the bystarter, or am I looking at something bigger?

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Oct 17, 2010
 Found the problem
by: L. Nicholas Skellenger

The problem was the carb was clogged. Thanks for all you help. Took it all apart cleaned the valves and jets all the parts and runs great.
Oct 11, 2010
 Where are the needles?
by: L. Nicholas Skellenger

I am not sure of what needles you're speaking of. I think you may be right on the massive air leak, I'm not really sure where to start. I soaked the filter in oil, and drained it. However this only ended with oil dripping out of the air filter cover. So I am thinking that the air fuel mixture maybe wrong. Where is the adjustment screw for that?
Oct 11, 2010
 Starts but backfiring
by: L. Nicholas Skellenger

Ok so I replaced the bistarter (aka electric choke)... it now starts, however it backfires when coming down from full throttle or when I am running at around 20 mph...
Oct 05, 2010
 Massive Air leak
by: Jeff C

I was a scooter noob but learned a great deal very quickly. I finally figured out that without the air filter properly installed and closed, too much air was running through the cylinder for it to start.

I had adjusted the carb to allow more gas but then it soon wouldn't start (flooded engine). I put in the new air filter (make sure it is fully soaked in oil and then ring out completely), readjusted the carburetor and voila! It starts every time.

It seems that covering the intake with your hand may be similar to properly sealing the air intake with the proper filter.

Carb adjustments... I found my Honda has a starting needle and a regular needle to adjust the fuel flow. I started messing around with the settings (I wouldn't recommend unless you know what you are doing). I turned both screws all the way in and then backed them off 1 1/2 turns and started adjusting from there.

The other way to tell if you have your needles set right is the color of the spark plugs. It should be like a brown. Hope this helps.
Oct 05, 2010
 Choke
by: Jim Zeiser

Your electric choke is malfunctioning. Either it's shot or jammed. Replacing it and seeing how it works is the ultimate test. Getting one from a honda dealer or finding one online will answer your question.

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