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About Mark Shively
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Friends, I will be ending my services with AllExperts effective the first week of June, 2007. It's been a pleasure the past few years corresponding with the many of you. Respectfully, Mark Shively (Dayton, Ohio) "yamtz750@gmail.com"

Experience

Graduate of the American Motorcycle Institute (AMI class 172), multi-factory trained technician, 7 years experience dealership technician & service manager, professional roadracing team technician. Court certified expert in area of motorcycle technology. State certified crash investigator. State certified commercial vehicle crash investigator. State certified forensics/evidence technician. State certified instructor; community college instructor. Privately servicing street motorcycles & ATV's, accident reconstructionists, and dealership turn-aways. I am not available as an expert witness.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Shopping > Motorcycles > Motorcycle Repair > atv honda engine problem,

Motorcycle Repair - atv honda engine problem,


Expert: Mark Shively - 10/17/2006

Question
I HAVE A 1985 3 WHEEL ATV WITH A 200CC ENGINE I WAS RIDING AROUND WITH IT I STOP FOR A WHILE AND WHEN I TRIED TO START IT UP I NEVER GOT IT TO START . WHEN I PULL ON THE CRANK CORD THERE SEEMS TO BE LESS RESISTANCE THAN BEFORE. I CHECKED THE SPARK PLUG IT FIRES I TRIED PUTTING GAS DIRECTLY IN THE SPARK PLUG HOLE STILL NOTHING!

Answer
Hi Peter,

I recommend that you get a copy of the service (repair) manual and learn about troubleshooting procedures. The repair manual has pages of text explaining what to check and how to test parts.

I cannot explain all to check here. Once you have the manual, I can walk you through any procedures you are having trouble understanding.

An engine needs three elements to run properly:
Spark at exact time-
Correct air-fuel mixture-
Adequate cylinder compression-

Remove any one or more elements and the engine will not run. Alter any elements and the engine may not run properly.

Things you can do now are are:

Check the spark plug for fouling.
Describe the appearance of the spark plug.
Check cylinder compression.
Check pull starter for proper operation.
Check decompression mechanism (if applicable).
Check fuel level and fuel delivery (pinched/damaged hoses).
Check air intake and airbox for air restrictions.
Check valve clearances.

There's many more things to check. I can only mention a few without you having the manual as a reference. Try some of the things mentions above and provide some additional details and reply. I'll try and provide a more thorough diagnopsis.

Respectfully,
Mark Shively  

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