First take the plug out and pour a little gas down the head........When I say a little I mean a cap-full (plastic water bottle cap works good) then put the plug on tight and try to start......This will put gas directly down the Cyl. and should run for a few second .....Then come back to get the steps on what to do next!!!...................To check COMP. the tester threads into the plug hole and then you pull it over .... they the gauge will give you a P.S.I. reading Usually 2-strokes need at least 100 pounds just to run.....................Most should have 120-130 or even more I seen.........Caper........

 

you may have dirt stuck in the carb blocking the float from letting gas thru. as well as clogged jets. if you do get it fired up w/ capers methord w/ the gas then the carb is most likey the issue.

 

I tried the cap of gas directly into the cylinder last night (site went down?) and it did not fire up. I have no clue what is up?

 

Did you crack the drain screw or cap on the bottom of the carb for fuel? If the bowl is full the needle and seat should be good. Is the spark plug wet? Because if it is, its getting fuel. If the new plug sparks and isn't wet when you pull it out and their is fuel in the carb bowl I would say its a dirty carb/jets or bad compression like stendori said.

 

I will take it apart agin and unscrew the bottom of the carb and see if it is full. The spark plug was completely dry until I put the gas in the cylinder - when I pulled it out after it smelled of gas and was a little damp. I just don't know why it did not start? If there is an issue with the carb itself - should I take it apart? Is there a kit I need with gaskets etc? What should I look for - instructions anywhere?

 

trailbound.........It should of fired at least for a couple of seconds with the gas directly down the head.............As long as the plug had "SPARK"..Which I am going by what he said........YES........dirty carb/jet would have nothing to do with this test....Caper.........

I would be guessing low Compression!!!

 

I would say compression.

 

if it "ran like a champ with lots of power" how would it lose compression that fast to the point it wont start?

 

I havent read anywhere that you ruled out spark issues. have you confirmed you are getting spark?

 

He did say he was getting spark. To what degree, I don't know.

Did you try to prime the fuel pump?