these things suck

TurboGoat · Jan 19, 2010

so I got it done.

It's a cromo diamondback. The kit is a Grubee 80cc slanthead. I put new brakes shifters wheels and seat on it with the kit. I fixed the front derailleur and ran the clutch pull into the leftside shifter, really the action isn't any harder than moving the old derailleur. Got it all buttoned up night before last and shoved out into the darkness and nothing. I've got spark fuel(wet plug) and compression, wtf. My mix is 50:1, I plan to drain the fuel and remix(wicka wicka) to a 24:1. Wish me luck.

Venice Motor Bikes · Jan 19, 2010

If the choke lever is all the way up, it will flood the engine.. try it at about 1/2 -2/3 of the way pointing up the next time you try to start it.
After it warms up a little, point it down to run.

Also, 24:1 is a good break in mix...

Creative Engineering · Jan 19, 2010

I have seen so many of these "Failed to start" posts!

I don't understand it...I've had a lot of kits from many different suppliers...they have all started.

Different levels of power...different levels of vibration...but they all started-up!

Jim

OKflyboy · Jan 19, 2010

Creative Engineering said:
I have seen so many of these "Failed to start" posts!

I don't understand it...I've had a lot of kits from many different suppliers...they have all started.

Different levels of power...different levels of vibration...but they all started-up!

Jim

LOL, just wait until I get mine. I've managed to kill 2 weedeaters in the past three years. Its going to be a cluster! (Get ready for the show! Aaaaaah!)

TurboGoat · Jan 19, 2010

Creative Engineering said:
I have seen so many of these "Failed to start" posts!

I don't understand it...I've had a lot of kits from many different suppliers...they have all started.

Different levels of power...different levels of vibration...but they all started-up!

Jim

Yeah man I was disappointed to say the least. How much pedaling do I need to expect on this initial start up?

Creative Engineering · Jan 19, 2010

Turbo,

I pedal up to 3-5 MPH, dump the clutch and keep pedaling and it always lights off!

I'm in Florida so I usually flip the choke lever half way when cold. As soon as I hear a POP...POP, I release the choke, and off we go.

Jim

azbill · Jan 19, 2010

check your kill switch, I have seen many short out right from the box
just a thought

Creative Engineering · Jan 19, 2010

There is a definite finesse to operating a 2-stroke engine. You kinda have to know when it's right! It's a learned thing that you will get through experience.

Jim

troyboy · Jan 19, 2010

Hmmm Quarter 4 grubee skyhawk.. The Red air cleaner with the newest speed carb. That was the last batch to ship out Pre EPA ban 2009.. The site says " A RUSH TO EXPERIENCE" Lets hope this is not what they are talking about.

Try disconnecting your kill switch and see if it makes a difference. You have spark, compression , and fuel.. Something may be wired wrong...

I purchased 50 3'rd quarter kits and they sent me a spare float for every kit I purchased. That tells me that the speed carb has a float issue to start.

I'm sure its something simple..

Keep us posted..

Justin

TurboGoat · Jan 20, 2010

ugh. new mix, no kill switch, gapped plug, bigger hill, nada, I'll open up the carb in the morning to check the float. thanks for the thoughts guys.

troyboy · Jan 20, 2010

Turbo G,

Although very stressful for you now. When that motor fires up it will put a smile on your face no matter what. Keep poking at it and you'll get it. I promise! Some are trouble right out the box unfortunately.

Justin

bluenosegoat · Jan 20, 2010

surfer mike said:
i like that chain you have on the big ring in the front.
good luck getting it going

That is a great idea right there. My front sproket also is not set up for a gaurd and just loves to catch my pant leg when starting off!

It's also funny how things seem to work out the next day too! My bike died on me a couple days ago (bad wire on the magneto) but the next day the trouble was found and fixed, its a challenge but very rewarding.

rkorson4209 · Jan 20, 2010

troyboy said:
Turbo G,

Although very stressful for you now. When that motor fires up it will put a smile on your face no matter what. Keep poking at it and you'll get it. I promise! Some are trouble right out the box unfortunately.

Justin

I love that feeling, it's worth it fo sho. Heck it still brings a smile to my face.

midatlanticcycle · Jan 20, 2010

Goat: looks like you did a nice job there. ditch your chinese sparkplug and go with the recommended B5HS or B6HS NGK. have had over 12 of these kits in last 3 years and all have had junk plugs. betting it will start with new NGK.

TurboGoat · Jan 20, 2010

alright so I've eliminated all potential culprits. new plug and boot, float is a-ok. choke, no choke, some choke, the white wire kills spark as it should and is taped up and not responsible. **** it didn't do **** with carb cleaner in the combustion chamber. I'm at a total loss here. I bought three kits and I'm tempted to abandon this one temporarily and start another. spark fuel compression WHAT AM I MISSING?? :-||

Venice Motor Bikes · Jan 20, 2010

Are you sure the clutch isn't slipping when you pedal??

TurboGoat · Jan 20, 2010

nah man, i'm definately pedaling the motor, plenty of compression, and I'm pumping fuel through the motor as I've got dribbles of unburned fuel through the exhaust.

Could there be a reason the the spark plug would fire on the head but not in the chamber? that's the only thing I can think of right now.

Mac · Jan 20, 2010

Check the mag connections(to the coil) make sure there not too close to the frame (Arc when pedaling) that'll kill the spark. A note to save you some trouble(I ignored this advice for the "test" run) AND I paid the piper... do something to secure the Chain Tensioner/roller to the frame, weld or drill a hole and put a loctite screw into frame(thru tensioner), it is under a huge load during starting or engine "braking", when it rotates in (due to the cantilever force applied) an it WILL rotate in, Right in to the spokes...
Happened to me!

Mac

professor · Jan 20, 2010

Once you drown the plug it can give you a spark while it is out in the air but not fire when under the stress of compression. It just goes to the path of least resistance.
I keep new plugs in a drawer for just such occasions.
Here is what I would do- spin the engine over for a bit with no plug in and fuel off. Put the plug in /choke off / wide open throttle and try to start it. If it fires and stalls - repeat with carb at idle setting.
Since the float is suspect, you might take the carb off and see if it drips fuel before you do the above.

bairdco · Jan 20, 2010

you say you have "dribbles of unburned fuel through the exhaust?"

you might have flooded it, or your float may be filling up with fuel, or the float-tabs are bent wrong.

fuel coming out of the exhaust would mean too much, and it's fouling your plug.

these things suck

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