I got this bike cheap because it needed a topend rebuild. I had that done. Put it back together and have good compression. But it wont start. It won't even try with starter fluid. I am new to 2 strokes so I hope I am missing something easy. Do I need to ground the engine to the frame to get spark?

 

The engine & frame must be grounded via the battery. If your starter works you have a ground. Have you pulled the plug and checked your spark?

 

here is where it gets strange. Starter works great. I have spark arcing from the plug to the frame when it is out to check and is close to the frame but when it is not close to the frame there is no spark on the plug itself. New plug correctly gapped. any ideas.
?

 

Yes, That is normal. Check for spark while grnd to engine when starting. If all is good you may have another problem

 

if you have the plug out and get fire when it's grounded agaist the engine as mentioned then it is correct. pulling the plug away from the engine and loosing contact is making it lose fire is the way it is suppose to work. while plug is out and if you spreayed a little s. fluid in the spark plug hole then it should at least fire the engine if it has plently of compression.

 

Thanks for the help. The spark is strong. I sprayed starter fluid in the plug hole and tried in the intake side of the carb and still nothing. I got a new compression tester and it read 70. I know this is low, but isn't that enough for it to at least try to start? As I said, I am new to 2 strokes, so any help is appreciated.

 

no u need around 100 pounds of compression to get it to start.did you replace piston rings, piston and bore the cylinder ?

 

I was told that they had a new piston and rings in the standard bore. It is a 2000 model. I guess I will be boring it over and putting a new piston in. No sweat. Does anyone have a preference on the best piston and the best place to buy one?

 

Call Rick Ritter @ rittercycleracing.com. Phone him rather than email. I have dealt with him recently and was impressed with his service. He can get you the parts as well as do your machine work. He is the man on two strokes.