won't be the reed then.
I suppose it could be a plugged pipe but I'm leaning toward the rings not seated yet and not drawing the air/fuel in proper.

 

I think I found it. Took the air tube off the left side of the motor and could hear air puffing. Let my son ride it with the tube off and a little oil was on his leg. I let him continue to ride for a few minutes and the air puffing got worse. Think I have a blown gasket. That would definitely make it hard to start!!!

 

The head prolly loosened up.

 

Is that a common issue on these things?

 

A small percentage.
What did you torque the head nuts down to?

 

I've not been into the top end. Do u know the torque specs on it?

 

"Ok, if things weren't bad enough with my quad (having the cyl bored and honed)"
That's why I thought you did the top end.

100-115 inch pounds on the head nuts.

 

He was referring to top end rebuild on his polaris over in a post in OPT's area.

 

Thx LT Grandad.
I see now that a gasket may be blown. Guess we'll see.

 

Ok guys, im finally getting around to putting the 80 back together. The metal head gasket in the kit had a small domed ring on one side and a concaved ring on the other side. What direction does the domed ring sit or does it even matter??? And yes, that gasket was torn out on the side allowing the air and fuel to puff out