I just picked up a Honda atc that had been sitting for near 10 years and after cleaning out the tank, and carburetor , replaced all the hoses and added a new plug it won't start by using the pull, or even by trying to push start. It has compression, spark and is getting gas to the cylinder.

 

Check the valve clearance. The old Hondas used to tighten up pretty quick(at least for me) Think about .003 intake and exhaust? Don't know if this helps? OPT

 

adjusted the valves and still nothing, I'm about ready to tear out the piston just to make sure everything is okay

 

Do a compression check first. If 100 psi or less then could be compression problem (valves leaking,seepage past rings) OPT

 

Spray some carb cleaner in it and if it will run for a second or if it sounds like it wants to run that's a good indicator that the valves are either out of alignment or not seating properly (that is where I would check first). You already adjusted the valves but it could be that they are not seating properly so you can re-lap them with some lapping compound and it will make a real nice seal. Usally if it burns off of the carb cleaner/starting fluid but not the gasoline you dont have enought compression so you have a leak some where. Usally valves are the place when this test but you could have a small leak in the gasket or piston area..

Hope this helps.

 

checked the valves, and one of them was pretty well bent, could this be the reason why it wasn't starting

 

It's a 82 ....just junk it and buy new....

 

Just order new valves,have them lapped in along with new valve guide seals. Hopefully then will run.Order through Cycle Parts Warehouse.Around $75 for both valves and valve guide seals,plus you will need a new head gasket. For around $100 bucks total should be running again. OPT