I bought a good condtion 88 R 2 weeks ago.. Fired up first kick that day, and for the rest of that week. Last sunday wouldnt start. Tried everything, found out their was no spark but got it started when we pulled it behind another quad. Ran liek a charm last week never had to kick it more then once. Now today it took for ever to get ti started, and to get home i had to roll it down ahill. When i shut it off, it started back up on 1 kick. What is amatter with it?
Please shed some light on my proablem!
thanks
matt

 

Normally, I would say compression right off the bat. It's inconsistent starting seems a bit odd though. Usually, when you are in need of a top-end rebuild, it will aways be hard to start. I would first check the compression first, however; it could be borderline low compression.

The no spark thing is probably where its at, and thus, the problem is electrical in nature.

ogre

 

its something to do with ya method........kick from the top of the cycle....blip the gas.....

man its hard to say.......i can't really remeber.......

sometimes......it will just not start......if ya know HOW to start it correct........she go first pop......

 

hOW DO I CHECK THE COMPRESSION? With a compresson gauge? Where do i buy one?

thanks you
matt

 

Sears, the Craftsman one will do, but always use that gauge. There are differences between manu's on gauges. $40???

--Have you tried a new spark plug??
--Check all the wiring connections and make sure you have good clean grounds.
--Using a flywheel puller available from most bike shops($30) or a good friends, pull the flywheel and check for gunk build-up on the inner magnet surface of the flywheel. Check the stator for obvious defects like frayed, broken, loose or missing wiring. Check for water intrusion as well. Common problem.
--Your float bowl isn't full of water is it, how about the gas tank???
--Compression should be a minimum of 120 pounds, if it's lower than that, I reccomend a top-end re-build.

 

Check the reeds for wear.....could be sucking too much air for startup sometimes.

 

Sounds like worn piston/rings. My kx used to do the same. A pain to start, but would run correctly...until it seized, ring parts everywhere...etc. Check your compression...that's gonna be a good starting point.

 

although it is probably the compression you might want to try shuting the gas off every time you ride it. and then try using the choke whenever you start it. I hope this helps

 

Alrithy guys,, my manaul from honda should be here tommor so this weekend i'll do some wrenching.. What should the compression be\\>

matt

 

mxer,

Sorry to hear about your problems...

As far as checking the compression goes, you will need to remove the gas tank and screw the compression gauge into the spark plug hole, find TDC with your kickstarter and completely kick it all the way down. Wait a few seconds and repeat for about 4-5 times. I hope this is right since this is the way I saw the mechanic do it. Mine held at 195 psi which is borderline for having to run racing fuel.

Good luck...