I have a 96 trailblazer and it wont start with out either. I took the carb off and had it profesionally cleaned and set, it still wont start but runs better once i get it started with either. It has to be something stupid that I am missing can anyone help me out.

Is the spark plug dead, place it on the cylinder wi'll still connected to the wire and crank the engine to see if theres spark, if nothing happens you need a plug, if it's a weak spark get a new plug anyway.

This may sound stupid but is the gas on and are you using the choke when firing it.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

I installed a new spark plug, battery, syloniod, started brushes, oil, crank case oil nothing seems to be working.

Have you checked the compression? If an engine has low compression it can be difficult to start.

would it start so easily on either if the compression was bad.

The fact that it starts with ether would tell me your problem is carb or fuel related. If it starts with ether that tells you it's getting spark and has enough compression to start. The ether just takes the place of your fuel supply. I would make sure you have fresh gas in the tank. Then turn your gas to the on position and pull the gas line off the carb and make sure it's getting that far when the gas is on. Make sure you are then getting gas in the bottom float bowl and make sure you don't have a clogged vent line.

Ever check your air filter, it could be really dirty and that can keep your machine from starting.
If it is clean how much oil is on the filter, to much can smother it.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400

I checked the fuel lines and the floates there is plenty of gas. And I have been doing this all with no air filter or air box just a carb. I also have bran new gas and I cleaned the tank also. There are 2 cables that go into the carb on a polaris this is new to me what is the extra cable for and could this be my problem.

What happens if you use gasoline instead of ether. Did you know ether is not recommended to start two stroke engines. It doesn't lubricate like a gas oil mix, and could cause engine damage.