honda xl 250 degree

[hughguzzi]

Hi to all - hope someone can help !
Bought a '91 Honda XL 250 Degree (jap import in 97) for my son to ride now he's passed his full test. Trouble is - rare as f....k and can hardly find any info on them !! - not on insurers registers, (but thanks Carol Nash for insurance finally !!) Its a water cooled DOHC version of the xl 250. Questions.....
1) Does anyone know where I can source a manual ?
2) Seems to be intermittently overheating, but oil ok, water ok, fan seems to work, need to check if water pump works well - (but that wouldn't be intermittent) Its got me scratching my head ???

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Pictures

 

[hughguzzi]

Yeah sorry here are pics, close up shows DOHC engine and water cooling with side panel removed.
Ive flushed the rad and engine, curiously water flows well when going backwards to normal flow but v slowly when regular flow - would this be due to a thermostat in the engine - if so I dont know where to find it !! I have also tested the rad switch for the fan and it does not operate even up to 98degc -it simply has one connector which earths the fan wire to switch it on. I can see a few identical looking switches on Ebay for other Hondas but do they all operate at the same temps ?

 

[Timolgra]

! I have also tested the rad switch for the fan and it does not operate even up to 98degc -it simply has one connector which earths the fan wire to switch it on. I can see a few identical looking switches on Ebay for other Hondas but do they all operate at the same temps ?

The temperature for the switch will vary, you could also or instead of, simply fit an on/off switch for the fan.

 

[hughguzzi]

Yes...just done that as a temp measure until I speak to a mech colleague at work tomorrow or till I can get a new / sh one. out of curiosity what temp should a fan cut in at ? there must be a standard max operating temp for a 4 stroke engine or do they vary that much ?

 

[Neil W]

Might help getting bits as the engine /electrics etc are based on the Honda NX250 Dominator

 

[hughguzzi]

cheers for that info - oil ave a looksee at stuff for the nx dominator

 

[hughguzzi]

XL 250 worked fine for me after flushing the engine and rad through, - the rad fan also switched on fine. But today it overheated again for my son. Been thinking - and I reckon its a sticky thermostat. That would explain warming up to v hot quickly and erraticly and the fan not switching on - because the water hasnt circulated to the bottom of the rad where the fan switch is ! Now - is it possible to service or fix a sticky thermostat ? I expect its the wax pellet type - going to take it out tonight and have a look and stick it in a pan of v hot water to check function. I think a thermostat form an NX250 should fit - very few suppliers but costs about £33 + del. Any other ideas ?

 

[rridding]

xl250 degree

Hi, my mate has just got one of these honda,s and needs a lot of parts. if you cant fix would you consider selling it??????
thanks rob.

 

[hughguzzi]

rather late to answer your post - sorry ! weve tried a few things and it seems to be a dodgy connection to the temp switch because it works fine after switching off then back on again !!! Dont think my son will want to sell it - he loves it, but I'm not looking forward to sourcing spares for it !! I understand the nx250 has an identical engine ? If you find out more or can locate a workshop manual I'd be happy to pay for a copy.... good luck.

 

[slydog]

silver

have you tried david silver for spares i had an old 1978 xl250 and that place got me everything for it . just a thought

 

[hughguzzi]

Fanks for that - tried them but the 250 degree doesnt come up on their search.
Happy Christmas

 

[Kritou]

You have a pm