2 Stroke Engine Troubles

[pacodiablo]

I am having some trouble getting an old 2 stroke engine to run. It has been sitting for 10 years, and today I decided to try and get it running again. I put in a new spark plug and air filter. I also cleaned the carburator and various other parts. I assembled everything back correctly, and put gas in, but it still won't start. The magneto seems to be fine, it doesn't stick when you pull it, but the d**n thing just won't crank. It says to use 40:1 mixed fuel, but all I had around was 20:1, but honestly I don't think it would make any difference. Any ideas as to what to check next?

[R Dogg 56]

Is it the kind that you have to prime first before tring to start?

 

Maybe check the choke too, if it has one.

 

Hope that helps

[canadianchevy33]

I would suggest pulling the airfilter until you get it started just to get more airflow and then put it back on when it gets running. Also how did it run last time you used it? It may need a new top end if it hasnt ever been rebuilt depending on what this engine was from. Is there good spark? Try putting fuel directly in to where the spark plug goes as well that might help.

[pacodiablo]

I pulled the filter already...I am going to test the plug tomorrow. I will probably try putting some starter fluid in too.

[WEFs99]

I pulled the filter already...I am going to test the plug tomorrow. I will probably try putting some starter fluid in too.

Try some ether. That is probably what you mean by starter fluid. 2 cycles, except for quality engines like Stihl, are a PIA. Since you are having problems it would be better to have the mixture that it asks for. My guess is a fuel problem that could even be dry rot pickup line. I had a $79 McColluch (sp?) with a dry rotted carb diaphragm. They wanted $90 for a carb rebuild kit!!

[pacodiablo]

Yeah, this one is a McCullock. I am going work on it more when it stops raining.

[WEFs99]

I wouldn't put any money into it.

[Black02Silverado]

The diaphram in the carb more than likely is the problem, the smallest pin hole can cause major problems. If it will run with gas being put in the carb but not on its own then it points to a diaphram, old gas that turns to a varnish can really mess up a fuel system. As for 2 cycles wd 40 is a better starting fluid because it will not dry flash the piston area and cause more problems. It works great on my Yamaha super jet 650CC 2 stroke for getting started after a long winters rest.

[pacodiablo]

I have decided to rebuild the whole thing. I could just take the carb off and rebuild it, but the whole engine could use a going over. I tore everything apart this morning. The piston seems to be in good shape and it should not be too much trouble to rebuild this thing. The gaskets all crumbled in my hands, so I know that I need to make some new ones, but that should not be too much trouble.

[WEFs99]

I'll pray for you

[Black02Silverado]

Since your just up the road in the Bull city if you need help just let me know.

 

I can let you try some 100:1 Amsoil 2 cycle oil. Easier starting, vertually smokeless and it already has the fuel stabilizer in it for those long storage periods.

 

[pacodiablo]

Hmm, sounds interesting. I may give it a try when I finish the engine.

 

I took most of it apart and did a huge cleaning. I rebuilt the carb and am going to buy new gaskets tomorrow. Most of it is back together now and the end is in sight (hopefully). The carb was a bitch to work on, but I got it back together without losing anything.

 

Can't wait to finish so I can move on to my next project, a 4.0L Cherokee I6...

[k1500chevy97]

d**n those things suck

 

I just buy new ones when they screw up too much tedious work

[pacodiablo]

d**n those things suck

 

I just buy new ones when they screw up too much tedious work

I am thinking that I should have gotten a new carb. I am worried that I made it worse, I am just keeping my fingers crossed. That thing was a major PITA to rebuild.

 

That and the fact that a bunch of the screws had frozen over the years...this one screw would not come out no matter how much pounding, WD 40 or Liquid Wrench I used.

[timk49]

Those 2 cycle leaf blower motors are throw aways. When they stop running take them to the garbage can.