[James Ingalsbe]

Hey Guys,
question for you guys. I have a 98 Honda Recon 250 TM. The engine locked up , and I went to replace it. The engine I bought was suppose to be off a 2000 TM but when I got it home, and ran the serial number it turns out it is off a 2002 TM. I have it in and I can't get it to turn over. I have put a new ignition switch, new starter switch (both were broken and needed replacement), I have swapped out the solenoid, check the fuse, done a cross jump and the starter will turn over... but I can't get it to switch on... what are the differences in the 98 and 2002 250's? Do I need to change the CDI to a 2002? Are they any different?

Any help is appreciated...

Thanks,

 

[retro]

Are both motors manual shift? Everything plugged in? Check the gear position switch. Then...

Check that the ground cable from the motor to the frame is attached. Verify grounds are good, then make sure that the neutral light is coming on as it should. Finally, check out these two stickys:

https://www.hondaatvforums.net/forums/repair-maintenance/42316-how-wire-your-starter-s-battery.html

https://www.hondaatvforums.net/foru...ush-button-only-hear-clicking-noise-read.html

Let us know how it goes.

Welcome to the forums!

 

[James Ingalsbe]

OK, thanks for the reply. I double checked the grounds and everything is jake with them. I pulled out the multimeter and started checking through the wiring harness and when I got to the headlight/start switch I have power going to that point but it nothing to the key switch. I have a replacement switch for an 08... it had different plugs and addition to a brake light set... using the wire colors for the 98 switch I changed out the plug... it still doesn't work... what in the heck is the issue with the 97-2000 switches... can't find hardly any used that aren't broken and new is through the roof... did honda have a recall? and what can I do to bypass the switch... I don't want to spend 100+ bucks on a switch only to find it isn't the issue.
as to your other questions... yes they are both Manuel, have double checked the gear positioning switch/wires... still dead as a door nail when I turn the key on... battery is wired correctly and brand new holding a full charge of 13.2 volts... took the CDI off and checked to make sure the contacts were all clean and free of dirt or corrosion...

 

[James Ingalsbe]

alright People, for any that are interested. I am glad I didn't replace the starter switch. Going through all the connections in the wiring harness with my trusty multimeter. I found a short in the Neutral switch wire. I repaired the short and was able to get it cranked with the assistance of some starter fluid... only problem now is it won't idle...

 

[GirlsRideToo]

alright People, for any that are interested. I am glad I didn't replace the starter switch. Going through all the connections in the wiring harness with my trusty multimeter. I found a short in the Neutral switch wire. I repaired the short and was able to get it cranked with the assistance of some starter fluid... only problem now is it won't idle...

Hate to state the obvious, but have you cleaned the carburetor? It may need a rebuild.
Sounds like the bike had a tough go for a while so if you have not already done it - clean the carb, clean the gas tank really well and make sure there's good fuel flow out of the tank, new air filter and be sure all your vent lines are not clogged. Fill tank with non-ethanol gas.
Also, check your throttle cable.