I just finished installing the new engine. It runs and idles fine. My problem is getting it started without dropping from exhaustion. I watch YouTube videos where someone starts his bike by just peddling a few feet and popping the clutch. That’s discouraging enough, but then watching the video where the guy picks up the bike’s back end and kicks the engine once to start it makes me want to pitch mine off a cliff. Despite my incredibly good looks and youthful appearance, I no longer have the legs or cardiovascular system of an Olympic track star. I’m therefore hoping somebody out there can help me before my wife becomes a widow.
So here’s the problem; to get the engine started takes an awful lot of peddling. Sometimes even peddling combined with a long hill. It doesn’t seem to make too much of a difference if the engine is cold or hot. To start it initially I’ll turn the gas on, close the choke, give the primer button a push or two (although I can’t say this ever makes much of a difference), and start peddling. The plug is a brand new NGK (can’t remember the model, but it’s one that’s recommended). Eventually it’ll catch and you’re off. Keep it running and you’re fine but, turn it off and you’d better hope you’re not at the bottom of a valley.
As far as I can tell everything is fine, no vacuum leaks, good CDI, proper new fuel mixture, etc. What could be making it so hard to start? Could it have to do with fuel mixture? I’ve been thinking maybe it’s the carb mixture needle setting. Its clip is on the center slot of three, just as supplied. If I move the needle’s clip to the lower slot would that richen the mixture, and is there a reason I shouldn’t do this? The engine smokes, but considering the fuel mixture I’m surprised it doesn’t smoke more. Should I try moving the clip to the top slot and try a leaner (right?) mixture, or will I just burn the thing up?
I’m not sure whether it makes any difference with these engines but, I’m not at sea level. The engine would see an elevation between about 1,000 ft. and maybe 1,500 ft. The air at this time of year is dry and cold. It’s been about 40 deg. F during the day.
My plan is to ride the bike to work this summer but, I’m not sure how long I could hold out. If someone out there in moto-bike land has a brilliant mind, now’s the time to prove it. If you can help me I’d be eternally grateful!
Many thanks,
Geo in vt.
So here’s the problem; to get the engine started takes an awful lot of peddling. Sometimes even peddling combined with a long hill. It doesn’t seem to make too much of a difference if the engine is cold or hot. To start it initially I’ll turn the gas on, close the choke, give the primer button a push or two (although I can’t say this ever makes much of a difference), and start peddling. The plug is a brand new NGK (can’t remember the model, but it’s one that’s recommended). Eventually it’ll catch and you’re off. Keep it running and you’re fine but, turn it off and you’d better hope you’re not at the bottom of a valley.
As far as I can tell everything is fine, no vacuum leaks, good CDI, proper new fuel mixture, etc. What could be making it so hard to start? Could it have to do with fuel mixture? I’ve been thinking maybe it’s the carb mixture needle setting. Its clip is on the center slot of three, just as supplied. If I move the needle’s clip to the lower slot would that richen the mixture, and is there a reason I shouldn’t do this? The engine smokes, but considering the fuel mixture I’m surprised it doesn’t smoke more. Should I try moving the clip to the top slot and try a leaner (right?) mixture, or will I just burn the thing up?
I’m not sure whether it makes any difference with these engines but, I’m not at sea level. The engine would see an elevation between about 1,000 ft. and maybe 1,500 ft. The air at this time of year is dry and cold. It’s been about 40 deg. F during the day.
My plan is to ride the bike to work this summer but, I’m not sure how long I could hold out. If someone out there in moto-bike land has a brilliant mind, now’s the time to prove it. If you can help me I’d be eternally grateful!
Many thanks,
Geo in vt.