On Sat, 08 Apr 2006 09:21:38 -0700, JR North
wrote:

Sounds like there are several things going on. As John said, it is not
unknown for a cracked plug to fire fine in open air, but short out and
not fire under compression. As Carl said, you prolly have carburation
issues also. As Ken said, #50 ain't gonna cut it; but as you said.....if
you get it lit and blow it out, this may improve. Replace the plug and
start it on starting fluid. If it lights and runs briefly, fix the carb.
If it won't light, tear it down.
JR
Dweller in the cellar

Replace the plug..and stick your unlit propane torch in the open
carby. Starting fluid could both wash the rings and blow a hole in
the top of the piston

Gunner


Nick Hull wrote:
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.


"I think this is because of your belief in biological Marxism.
As a genetic communist you feel that noticing behavioural
patterns relating to race would cause a conflict with your belief
in biological Marxism." Big Pete, famous Usenet Racist