My kids have a 90 Mini Falcon that has a problem. My Daughter was riding it this weekend and turned it off. When she tried to ride it again later, it would not start. I figured that she must have flooded it, so I replaced the plug and still no start. We were away from home when all of this happened, so I loaded it up and decided I would look into it at home. We got home today and I checked a few things out. First it is getting spark at the plug. Second it is full of fresh gas. I even drained the bowl to make sure the needle was allowing the bowl to fill. I noticed that when I cranked it over there is a little pop through the carb. It does not try to start at all. I pulled the plug and cranked it with my finger over the hole and it won't push my finger off the hole. I decided to check the valves and see if one is hanging open a little bit and not allowing it to build up compression. I pulled the site cover off the left case and brought it up to TDC. I then pulled the two valve adjuster covers and found both valves to be very very loose. I went ahead and adjusted them both down, but left them both a little on the loose side just to make sure one wasn't hanging open. At this point, I just wanted to see if I could get it to start. I installed the plug and all the covers and once again tried to start it. No luck at all. I then grabbed my timing light and checked it while I cranked. The ignition timing looks to be fine. I am thinking that the timing chain has jumped or something has gone south in the motor. This thing has maybe 10 hours on it. My kids are very timid on it, it has not been abused. I spent hours preping this when I bought it and it was never started with the shipping oil in it.
Sorry for the long post, but wanted to be clear enough that someone may have an idea for me. Has anyone else had a similar problem like this? I really would hate to have to pull this motor and ship it to Raceway.

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

 

It takes three basic things for an engine to run Fuel, Fire, and Timing. If you have spark then try taking the air cleaner off, make sure the choke is off, open the throttle all the way and spray some starter fluid in the carb. Then close the throttle, put the choke on and crank it. If it won’t fire on starter fluid then it may be the timing or something much worse like a busted piston or bent valve. If it does fire on the starter fluid but won’t run then you have a fuel problem, clogged carb or something.

 

It has air, fuel and spark. I am pretty certain that it is a mechanical problem.
Has anyone had a warranty claim with one of these engines?

Thanks,
Shawn

 

Well, I have spoken with John at Raceway and he has been a big help. I hope we can get this thing going again soon.

 

Shawn,

Did you get the quad running again?
Please let me know. My son's Falcon is doing the exact same thing with about the same amount of hours. My troubleshooting is the same as your with the exception of checking timing. I don't currently have a way to check it.
It's sitting in the garage right now, and I have no idea what's causing it.

Jason

 

the 90cc have head issues, I took mine back to the dealer when it died on me, it had no compression.. ie wouldn't push my fingrer off the plug whole..

it's an issue that they are aware of and they should replace at no problem...

 

Jason,

I have not yet got it going. I spoke with John at Raceway, and he is indeed sending me a new head. I hope it takes care of the problem. I will keep you informed.

Shawn

 

Well, I got it running again today. Raceway sent me a new head awhile back, but I just got the time to swap it out. The Exhaust Valve Seat had come out of the head, holding the valve open and jammed the Intake Valve as well. I sure hope the new head is better than the last one. All in all it wasn't to bad to change as long as you have some mechanical ability it won't be tough. I must admit though, I was a little pissed off to have to be doing it on my vacation while it is near 100° in the garage. Raceway has been more than helpful, but there is a little part of me that says "if this were a Honda......" But the kids are happy and I did save a bunch of money.

Shawn

 

glad to hear you got er going... just remember when your in the garage sweatin your a off, "it's all for the kiddio's..... And they better ride it..." LOL

 

"If this were a Honda" Don't you think that Honda,and all the other large manufactures have issues also? I worked at a Cadillac dealer,and they were warrantying engines in $60,000.00 car's,And that is a $700.00 entry level atv,at least you bought it from a company that is standing behind it.