QuestionSon was riding the other day and it quit on him, he said it was like it ran out of fuel. It started after a few tries and he made it home from the trails. The next afternoon it wouldn't start. It seems to be getting fuel and spark, it sounds like it tries but don't start.
AnswerHi Ron,
An engine needs three elements to start and run:
1) Cylinder compression
2) Correct air-fuel mixture
3) Spark at exact time
The problem could be a loose electrical connector, loose battery terminal, water shorting, other poor conductivity issues, or other.
Check out the troubleshooting chart below. Perfrom and check the items listed until you discover the source of the problem.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
Engine won't turn over:
Valve seizure
Cylinder, piston seizure
Connecting rod small end seizure
Connecting rod big end seizure
Transmission gear or bearing seizure
Camshaft seizure
Balancer bearing seizure
No fuel flow:
Fuel tap vacuum hose clogged
Fuel tank air vent obstructed
Fuel tap clogged
Fuel line clogged
Float valve clogged
Engine flooded:
Fuel level in carburetor float bowl too high
Float valve worn or stuck open
Starting technique faulty
(When flooded, crank the engine with the throttle fully open to allow more air to reach the engine)
No spark; spark weak:
Battery voltage low
Spark plug dirty, broken, or maladjusted
Spark plug cap or high tension wiring trouble
Spark plug cap not in good contact
Spark plug incorrect
IC ignitor trouble
Neutral, starter lockout, or side stand switch trouble
Pickup coil trouble
Ignition coil trouble
Ignition or engine stop switch shorted
Wiring shorted or open
Fuse blown
Compression low:
Spark plug loose
Cylinder head not sufficiently tightened down
Cylinder, piston worn
Piston ring bad (worn, weak, broken, or sticking)
Piston ring/land clearance excessive
Cylinder head gasket damaged
Cylinder head warped
Valve spring broken or weak
Valve not seating properly (valve bent, worn, or carbon accumulation on the seating surface)
Hydraulic lash adjuster damaged (worn, seizure, or spring broken)
Hydraulic lash adjuster oil passage clogged
