Trying to get your 2 stroke dirt bike to idle? Can a 2 stroke actually idle without fouling plugs or hurting it? These questions and more will be answered in this article I’ve cooked up for you!
Is it bad to let a 2 stroke idle?
Some people will tell you that it’s bad to let your 2 stroke dirt bike idle. Well I believe, based on my experience with owning and tuning 2 stroke bikes over the years, that it’s technically not bad and it won’t hurt your 2 stroke engine.
With that said, I understand why they say that, and it’s because the spark plug could foul and cause the engine to not start again.
Can a 2 stroke dirt bike idle without fouling a spark plug?
Simple answer: yes, your 2 stroke dirt bike can idle without fouling the plug. The problem is when you let it idle too long the more likely it will foul the spark plug.
So, can that be fixed? The main factor to how well your 2 stroke can idle is how well it is jetted. More on this in a minute…
How do you get a proper idle on a 2 stroke dirt bike?
Don’t try adjusting the idle until the engine is fully warmed up. Once it is warm, you simply turn/adjust the idle screw until it reaches a good RPM to idle at.
What RPM should a 2 stroke dirt bike idle at?
Since most dirt bikes don’t have a tachometer, it’s hard to give you a specific RPM to set the idle at. After being around bikes and cars with tachometers so long, I have a pretty good idea what RPM an engine is revving at. If I had to give you a number, about 1500 RPM would be a good idle for most 2 stroke dirt bikes.
However, I just go with how it sounds and feels. Once the engine is warmed up, I adjust the idle down in RPM until the engine is about to die, then I bring it back up a little bit.
How to properly warm up your 2 stroke
One of the most common problems I see with 2 stroke riders is their lack of patience (or just being ignorant) when warming up the engine. Warming it up too quickly wears out the piston, rings and cylinder faster and can cause it to cold seize.
To properly warm up your 2 stroke when the engine is cold, simply let the engine idle for at least 1-2 minutes. Give the engine a blip of the throttle every once in a while. This will help prevent the spark plug from fouling because it clears out the excess oil in the mixture.
My 2 stroke dirt bike won’t start
A dirt bike engine needs the right amount of air, fuel and spark to start. You need to figure out which it’s not getting. Click here for a complete guide on how to diagnose and fix a dirt bike that won’t start.
What happens if I mix too much oil in a 2 stroke dirt bike?
Using a proper gas and oil mixture is very important for a number of reasons. The reliability and function of the engine are the most important factors. Having too much oil will actually lean the fuel mixture because there’s less gas. It can also foul a spark plug because the engine can’t burn the extra oil in the mixture.
It may result in more smoke out the exhaust, as well as spooge (oil) dripping out the end cap of the muffler/silencer.
What will happen if I run my 2 stroke without oil?
Whether you forgot or decided to try running your 2 stroke without oil, nothing good will happen. 2 stroke engines need oil in the fuel mixture to lubricate the piston and cylinder wall. Having too little or not enough oil will increase the friction, which adds heat. More heat equals more wear. Once it gets too hot, the engine will simply weld itself together and seize.
Why does my 2 stroke dirt bike bog?
There’s a number of reasons why your dirt bike is bogging. Low compression, poor jetting, or another mechanical issue are common causes.
Best steps to take are:
- Make sure engine is in good mechanical condition
- Use fresh gas
- Clean carb if it’s dirty
- Tune the jets in the carb for optimum performance and throttle response
What is actually causing my spark plug to foul?
Unfortunately, I can’t sit here and tell you exactly what your problem is. With that said, I have found that a worn engine and poor jetting are the most common factors that cause a wet fouled spark plug.
How can I get more power out of my 2 stroke dirt bike?
A pipe, reeds, and air box mods are among the most popular mods for 2 strokes. Why? Because you can simply bolt them on or cut something out and it’s ready to ride again.
What most riders don’t learn how to do is proper jetting adjustments. This is where not only power is made, but a complete performance package. This is especially true for a 2 stroke.
Want to know what the most common mistakes 2 stroke owners make are? Click here to learn more.