I need help with my BikeBug please

GoldenMotor.com

Rapidrob

New Member
Aug 3, 2012
5
0
0
Albuquerque
I contacted the resident expert here with no response. I'm hoping one of you can help.
I have an original 1960's Bikebug that is complete. It sat on the shelf for the last 35 years.
The engine would not run. I found the rings on the piston were rusted and broken in half. The fuel lines were bad as well. I ordered new parts and they showed up after three weeks.
I put the new rings in and the piston has good compression. I replaced the fuel lines and filled the tank. I primed the system by hand ( no primer bulb) and tried to purge the air out.
The engine will start instantly on starting fluid or gas squirted into the mouth of the carb. It will run for several seconds then die due to lack of fuel. The engines pump will not draw the fuel from the tank, no sign of the fuel trying to be pushed towards the carb. The pump is not working. It is not blocked, fuel will push through if I prime by hand.
Any ideas? I really want to get this little engine working.
Thank you.