Dong Fang DF 250 RTB Bobber Information

Bought the starter because that is what i thought it was. Anyway, water under the bridge there. So basically you are saying my timing might be off.makes sense.I just do not understand why it would jump timing.Originally I had started the bike like normal one morning a couple weeks ago. She is a hard start in the cold.She was running and then stalled. When I tried to re-fire her, the problems started..no start.Just a running starter. Thats when i thought the starter went bad.Did not consider it to be a timing issue. I will check all sugested at this point tomorrow. To dark now.

It could be that you might have a valve clearance problem. If you have a valve stuck open, it's not going to start. If you have a valve stuck closed it's not going to run. If you remove the valve cover, and that plug on the left side of the engine, you can turn the engine over with a socket and socket wrench and you can check the clearances, and you'll be able to see the valves opening and closing. If it's a little hard to turn over, you can remove the spark plug, and it'll be much easier. You can verify if it has compression, you can just remove the spark plug, put your thumb over the spark plug hole, and spin the engine with the starter. It should blow your thumb off the spark plug hole.

bowtiewagon,
Please answer the questions if you want help.

I don't know enough about your problem to say it is a timing problem.

So the engine rotates and you are getting spark, right?

You checked the spark plug and it looks ok?

You are getting fuel into the cylinder by seeing a wet spark plug?

A timing light would verify that you are getting spark at the right time.

I would do what birdmove suggested using the valve adjust link from Pit I provided as a guide.

Sounds like a stuck valve or possible a broken part in the valve train that's not allowing the valves to open properly.It wouldn't be the first time I have heard of a clone engine doing that.

O.k. guys.
status is this.
Although stuck at work right now I am leaving shortly to check the things you have suggested so far.
But, what I know right now. I get spark.Plug looks good, if I run the starter for long period (30 seconds)it feels like it is trying to catch. rotation is occuring from what I can tell by looking at the crank after taking the cover off.
Gonna pull the Vavle cover when I get home first, check for issues. All I can say at this point.

O.K. I changed the plug, i changed out the fuel line, and she is getting spark and fuel.She actually started. And I rode her around the block. But when i shut her off..I find that it does it again.It whines the starter up I hold the ignotion, she sputters a little then she starts. Then i shut her down, and start her again. She starts.I did this six times or so, then it did it again, whines the starter and nothing. Feel like she want to start. I did notice a sputter like it hits a dead spot or somthing like that. Then the whining begins.
For the record, I pulled the rocker cover, did top dead center, and checked eveything, and nothing seems out of place.
So why is she so intermittent with the start?

The studs for my bags came in today so I installed them right after work.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bowtiewagon

O.K. I changed the plug, i changed out the fuel line, and she is getting spark and fuel.She actually started. And I rode her around the block. But when i shut her off..I find that it does it again.It whines the starter up I hold the ignotion, she sputters a little then she starts. Then i shut her down, and start her again. She starts.I did this six times or so, then it did it again, whines the starter and nothing. Feel like she want to start. I did notice a sputter like it hits a dead spot or somthing like that. Then the whining begins.
For the record, I pulled the rocker cover, did top dead center, and checked eveything, and nothing seems out of place.
So why is she so intermittent with the start?

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Maybe crap in the tank blocking the petcock(fuel valve) from flowing properly.Maybe the carb float height is to low.That's all I can think of right off.

occam's razor

first clean out the entire path.
fuel lines as you did, fuel filter, likely not the case if there is fuel in the bowl,
make sure the float moves freely.
make sure the pilot is not clogged, and then the main...
clean the plug well, then see if its getting dirty gassed
head cover comes off easy, take it off and watch the valves go up and down as you manually crack it.

By the way, the head gasket is a typical multi layer metal one, with no sealant used i seen, i think it can likely be reused if you ever want to take a look inside the chamber...
not that im recommending this

Havent postd or rode in a while. Did today. I miss riding.

For the record, this thread is not dead. There is so much info here that most of us are using the search engine to find what we need. Most often it is already here so no need to post the same questions.

For example. I need a seat cover. And I don't want to spend an arm and a leg for one. So I will search it out. My main problem right now is rust rust rust. I kick myself for not making room in my garage for the DF. Now Im paying for it. Cant afford a bigger bike for a year or more so Im gonna have to invest some money into the DF. And honestly, after riding some bigger bikes of friends and family I am starting to appreciate the lightweight and simple construction of the DF.

But the main rust is on the spokes, the rear gear wheel and a bit on the engine gear box. Rubber seat is falling apart as well. Always something. Seems Ebay wants a tone of money for a seat cover for a BMW or Ural which IIRC is what size I need for this bike.

Anyway, Good to see some old timers still in here helping people.