My '04 Kodiak won't start, get a good spark, the carb has been stripped twice, all four jets are clear and I can't find any problem, but gas isn't getting to the engine. Well it fires once in a while. Can't figure out what else to check.. It has a Mikuni carb. Any help appreciated. Thanks..

 

How do you know the gas isnt getting to the engine? How long since the valve clearance was checked?

 

definetly check the valve clearance to make sure the intake valve is not too tight. and check the compression if you have a compression gauge(might do before checking the valve clearances)

 

The plug isn't getting wet, so as there's a good spark it seems a good bet.. The inlet valve clearance has never been checked and it has done only about 600 miles from new, but this is something which happened fairly quickly, initially it wouldn't slow run, then after being left over Christmas when we were away, it didn't start again. I've go out and check the valve clearance right now, though!
Thanks guys..

 

I checked the inlet valve, and although a little tight (0.04) I've opened it up to 0.08. I expect this would only prevent it starting if the valve was held open all the time? It looks like my next option is an ATV specialist. The CD manual says to check a list of things, all of the carb stuff I've done.. Is it possible for the spark timing to 'slip'...?? I have heard that spark plugs can work fine out of the engine but can be faulty under compression in the engine, but I think that's a long shot..

 

Have you removed the spark plug, and checked for spark? Kill switch on?

 

Doh! Yes, first thing I checked.. I've owned and mostly maintained myself about 100 vehicles, two and four wheeled, so I'm fairly familiar with the routine, but this one has me beat. The kill switch is off, and it does fire occasionally. I lost patience tonight and took it to a local garage who specialises in ATV's, as I also have my Passat in the barn on ramps needing work. Luckily, I have a Land Rover D90 too, which is useful as it rarely goes T.U. I suspect the ATV has a blocked airway in the carb, but I'll soon see.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: EdF

My '04 Kodiak won't start, get a good spark, the carb has been stripped twice, all four jets are clear and I can't find any problem, but gas isn't getting to the engine. Well it fires once in a while. Can't figure out what else to check.. It has a Mikuni carb. Any help appreciated. Thanks..</end quote></div>

how r ur valves?

 

OK I suspect, it's only done about 600 miles and my wife uses it, so it's not had a hard life..

 

Well, it's back home and running. The problem - low resistance in an electrical connector from the generator causing the spark to be 'late'. I don't fully understand but I would never have found it on my own. Sometimes you just have to leave it to the experts. Cost me 2 hours labour -£75/$150... Praying obviously works. Thanks to all who replied..