My Dirtbike wont start....

[frogdink]

I got a 1984 Honda xr350 from a friend that couldent get it to kick over. After 3 months and taking everything apart and fixing the timing etc. it is all back together and looks great, kicks over great....just wont start. Has spark, I cleaned the carbs, they are sucking in all kinds of air, and no matter how many times i kick that damn thing over....nothing....any ideas?

[randy]

Got compression?

[bikerphil]

Yep, I'd take out the spark plug, spin the motor over and check for compression. With a single lunger, for sure use a new spark plug. Shot of ether too.

[Yard Dogg]

Are you sure the floats are adjusted proper? My KX was real hard starting until I did a float level check on it. No it starts in 5 or less.

[Ken Talbot]

...taking everything apart and fixing the timing... kicks over great....just wont start. Has spark...

Here's where I would start looking. Ah, but is the spark at the right eime? Any chance of putting the timing back together "out of time"?

[fredintoon]

- - - Any chance of putting the timing back together "out of time"?

Hi Ken,
that'd be my first guess, too. Exactly the correct number of degrees before TDC on the wrong effin' stroke.

[psycoreefer]

I'd think if that were the case you'd get a "bang" out of it as the gas would catch but the ex valve would be open.