Motorcycle Repair: 185s Honda ATV, gas tank liner, accurate diagnosis

Question
I have an old 185s 3 wheeler.  It was my dads and hasn't been running in quite some time.  I started to try and get it running.  The inside of the tank was very rusty.  So I washed out the tank as much as I could with gas.  I also put a fuel filter between the tank and the carb.  The pull start doesn't work so I connected it to a tractor and tried to start it.  When I jammed it into gear it took a couple tries but then it fired up and really had some power send me into a wheely.  However, it stopped and acted like it was running out of gas.  I did this multiple times.  I would get one big gust of power and then it would just die like it was out of gas.  So I took off the carb and checked it out.  As far as I can tell it seemed like it was working fine.  I am wondering if the fuel filter could be a problem.  Would this engine not want a fuel filter on it?  Its definately a lack of gas.  What would you suggest.

Answer
Hi Brian,

The rusty fuel tank must be sealed with a gas tank liner to prevent rust from entering the carburetor. Fine rust particles will pass through fuel filters and collect in the float bowl. This fine powder like sediment obstructs carb jets and passageways. Check out a product called "Kreem, a gas tank liner. There are other brands that work well or better.

The carb will need removed, disassembled, and thoroughly cleaned.

The spark plug and engine oil should be changed and the oil filter or filter screen cleaned/changed.

The pull starter assy may need serviced or replaced. I would need to inspect the problem to offer an accurate diagnosis.

Visit: www.atvfrontier.com for additional assitance with your ATV. I recommend the purchase of the repair manual. It has all the procedures and information with illustrations and specifications. Important stuff to know when trying to fix it.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively