Motorcycle Repair: peugoet 1980, piston skirt, piston rings

Question
I have a puegeot from 1980, pedal start, 3 speed (i THINK) that's not running.
I changed the fuel intake line, put in new plugs, set the timing so the plugs fire on-time, and have the right fuel/oil mix...

What's wrong?

I know that's a lot to ask...

i am going to clean out the air intake and take off the head to clean the engine, but I thought there might be some easy things to try...

The pedals cranking makes the engine turn, and the plugs fire... so I can't figure the problem.

thanks for your help.
maybe you could recommend good help, or folks in my area... SF bay area, CA.
Thanks  

Answer
James.... not much of a vintage Honda question... but here we go.

Two strokes need compression, fuel mixture (correct), spark timing correct and air going through the motor.

I would always completely clean the carburetor first, assuming the engine has some compression. You can inspect the piston/rings to some extent by removing the exhaust system from the exhaust port. Two strokes tend to carbon up the exhaust system, so often the exhaust port is blocked or the mufflers have been plugged up with half burnt gunk.

Check the piston skirt for signs of seizure and see if the rings look okay (free to move on the piston). Move the piston all the way down in the bore to check the condition of the cylinder walls. If the engine has been seized or the rings are stuck in the bore from old fuel deposits, the motor will not make much compression and thusly will be hard to start.

Another thing to check for is bad crank bearings or seals.

Bill MrHONDA Silver