I feel like a fool for posting this since I should be able to fix it in
my sleep, but I can't. 1983 Kaweasaki Prairie 3-wheel ATV wouldn't
start. After digging into it I found the 3 screws sheared that transmit
starter torque to the flywheel. Fixed that; engine turns, has
compression (50#, admittedly low, likely dirt on valve seats that would
blow out on start since I measures 100# 2 weeks ago). Starter is
turning motor in the correct direction, the intake & exhaust valve
operate in the correct sequence when I turn the crankshaft by hand, The
spark is hot & blue and will jump a .250" gap in air. Timing is not
adjustable but a timing light seems to show a flash at the correct 10
deg BTDC.

I put gas or starting fluid in the spark plug hole and NO firing.

If I try it with the plug just out of the hole I get fire about 3 times
before it runs out of fuel.

If I crank the engine with the hot wire just off the plug I get fire
between the plug & hot wire, so that proves current is flowing thru the
plug gap BUT the engine fires on every stroke so I could just be seeing
the spark at the top of the exhaust cycle.

I have the feeling I am missing something simple & stupid. Tell me what
stupid thing I forgot. Please.

--
Free men own guns, slaves don't
www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/5357/
50# ain't gonna get it..... try some oil in the cylinder to maybe
increase the compression, then if it starts, you're going to need
rings and stuff... I've had a couple that wouldn't fire up even with
spinning the engine with a drill motor... low compression. New
oversized piston and rings fixed the problem.
Ken.