i have a 86 250 honda fourtrax shaft drive has spark to the motor and fuel as well but wont start

 

Have you tried putting your hand over the carb and cranking it? Also, does it have enough compression to start? Some history would make it easier to troubleshoot.

 

i did put my hand over the carb no prob thier somebody before me had cut the ignition off and by passed the wires cranks over pretty quick good compresion aswell not sure if its a wire they might of hooked up wrong or not but still would think if im getting spark and gas it would try and fire up but not sure

 

if it's got gas, compression and spark it should run unless the timing is off, is it getting the plug wet with gas when cranking? if not, clean the carb. Otherwise, I'd check the valve timing. You might try taking the exhaust pipe off too in case the muffler is plugged part way and creating too much back pressure.

 

yeah im leaning toward the timing myself i had the exhaust off and plug is getting wet gonna check the timing tomorrow after work thanks

 

Could also be it needs the valve clearance adjusted. If they are too far out, it won't start.

 

Do a compression test and get back to us.

 

im gonna do it today someone told me it could be the valves. are out of wack not sure on that ill post results later on thanks

 

well i went to do a compression test but didnt have the right fitting but i dont think its good when i can hold my finger over the plug hole while it cranks although it seemed like good compression dont think its enuff what should it be at so i know for sure thanks

 

if you can hold the compression back with your finger, you've either got a valve open or the rings are totally fried.