A few days ago I was having problems with my blaster; it would not idle. Cleaning out the pilot jet solved this problem but now I have another. No problems starting or idling but when I put the quad in gear and give it gas, nothing happens--no power whatsoever. It runs but the engine does not even rev high enough to make it to second gear, even when I pin the throttle. The float height is within spec, there are no fuel line clogs (or fuel vent clogs) the air filter was recently recharged and the spark plug is fairly new. Any ideas on what to look for next? Note: there was gas on the ground as soon as I parked, coming out of the bowl--seems like its getting enough gas.

 

With the gas coming out either your floats aren't set right or the drain screw is missing. If that is missing you might not keep enough gas in your bowl to get past idle.

 

I believe the float height is correct but I don't know where the drain screw is. And I misspoke on my original thread. Gas was coming out of the overflow hose in the carb--not the bowl. Sorry!

I went out and bought a compression gage and checked the compression in the cylinder. Turns out that I am only getting about 115 psi and spec is 140-160 psi. The piston and rings are brand new and the cylinder has been rebored. I noticed that the base gasket was creased when I removed the top end last time. Could this account for lower pressure? Also, when installing a piston, the little arrow scribed on top of is supposed to point to the front (of the quad), right?

 

The drain screw is right where hose hooks on on the very bottom of bowl. If it is coming from side overflow you gas isn't shutting off whether it be too high float level or worn out parts inside. I am not sure where you got your specs on psi but on our mod race motor with milled head we are only running 130 psi. I think 115 is not unreasonable, make sure and check your reeds. I have had them come out of place on the v force and basically choke the motor. After that I will only run the stock reed cage with aftermarket reeds. Check your needle and seat hooked on to the float and then check your reeds and make sure and take the main nozzle out and clean it. Not good enough clean with it still in carb.
let me know what you find.

 

I should mention, and I mean no disrespect but make sure the piston is installed correctly. I have seen people put them in bacwards before. Do this when you have reed box out.

 

You hit the nail right on the head. Piston installed, clocked 180 degrees. Flipped that around and the now I am back in business. Good call!