Air Filter and some other questions re X9 evo 250

[tripletriple]

 

Hi -
Only a learner at forums so please excuse any mistakes!

Have read other posts re air filter problems and would like to ask if I have a problem witn my 55 reg X9-Evo 250. It takes a long time ( about 5 miles or so) for the engine to get up to temperature from cold. From reading previous posts on this have I a thermostat problem?

Also when I look at the air filter on my X9 the bottom see-through plug on the left hand side has nothing in it and the one on the righthand side has oil in it. Is this correct? Can anyone explain what the oil is for and does it need replacing/changing at any service interval?

One last question - I have seen reference to cleaning out the carb every 3000km. Is this necessary or can it wait until say 12km. ?

Regards
Steve near  Nottingham

[julian]

The air filter is soaked in oil to make dust stick to it. Excess oil will drop into the see through tube/plug. Ignore it as long as it is oil.

If the engine is taking excessive time to warm up then as you suggest the thermostat has probably failed.

[jimc]

Replace thermostat.  Clean air filter.  Cheap and easy way to clean air filter:

Use a large zip-lock freezer bag.  Put the air filter into it.  Put some petrol in, squish about for a bit, dispose of gunk on weeds you don't want.  Put a small amount of 50:50 petrol/engine oil mix into the bag, squish the filter in that, take out filter, squish 'dry' and leave in the open for the petrol to evaporate.  Pour remaining goo from the bag over some other weeds.

Replace filter after cleaning out the plastics.

[tripletriple]

Thanks to both of you for your replies - I'll be off on Monday to get a new thermostat

Cheers
Steve