Won't Start Even With Ether

[Guest]

Although it's not a GS, you guys have been an invaluable resource for me and I'm sure will have some useful information to help me. Now that I've got you all buttered up nice.......LOL OK. I'm working on a friend's son's dirt bike. Usual stuff, neglected, abused, etc. I've done the carb, it does have spark, haven't done an actual compression check but it does have some. After doing the carb, gave it a few kicks to get things flowing then a quick shot of ether with the expectation of at least a noise, pop, spit...something....but absolutely nothing. In my 40 years of fiddling with engines ether always makes a noise if you have spark. It does have an automatic compression release thingie that I'm looking into.

So there it is, like the title says, won't start even with ether. Suggestions welcomed.........Thanks for you help in advance.

[don]

Even though my name thing at the top says "newbie" I'm actually a senior member from the old system. JSYN

[60ratrod]

How about the valves? Adjusted correctly? Are you absolutely certain you're getting spark?

[posplayr]

How about the valves? Adjusted correctly? Are you absolutely certain you're getting spark?

And at the right time?

Ether and compression you must have teh timing wrong.

[don]

60,

Thanks for the suggestion. Have not checked the valves but is on the docket. It does have spark with the plug grounded to the motor so I'm guessing it has spark while installed. Can't see inside with it in there obviously. LOL Haven't gotten to a compression check or valve clearance check because even if both are poor, ether,(starting fluid), always makes a fire with a spark, no matter what, even if things are all out of whack or whatever. That's what's bothering me, ether always does something. This thing does nothing.

[don]

Hi posplayr. I haven't signed on here since the old system was turned off. Been a while. This is don from the old system.

So, like I said, I haven't gotten into this thing too deep yet. It just threw me off when it didn't do anything with a shot of ether so I figured I'd set some feelers up over here. Basically the bike was running just fine, start on the first 2-3 kicks as usual, and one day it was hard to start then the next it wouldn't start at all. So I started with the carbs, it being a neglected dirt bike, and here I am.

Thanks for the input BTW.
Don

[don]

posplayr, a bit off topic but, can I change a setting to get the pages in here to go in ascending order in stead of descending? In other words, it's displaying the latest post first, I prefer to have post-1 at the top of the first page like the old forum.

Thanks

[posplayr]

posplayr, a bit off topic but, can I change a setting to get the pages in here to go in ascending order in stead of descending? In other words, it's displaying the latest post first, I prefer to have post-1 at the top of the first page like the old forum.

Thanks

Sorry Don, I looked for the settings. My first port is the earliest so the latest is at the bottom. I know it can be changed but not sure where. At top right hand corner is a tab for "Display". It has options for the thread. I did not want to screw mine up testing.

[don]

Thanks. Yeah, I poked around a little and fiddled with some stuff but nothing. Just thought you may have come across it. You know us old guys, change is evil. LOL I didn't even realize the old forum didn't work until it wouldn't let me reply or post. LOL

[cowboyup3371]

Click on Forum actions on the top menu and then choose general settings; half way down the page is the thread view settings so that you can change it to linear oldest first

[don]

Thanks Cowboy! Good to see you again. That's the setting I was looking for. Appreciate the help.

[gustovh]

Does the bike have points? If so, clean and set them using a volt ohm meter for the breaking point.

V

[bonanzadave]

Does the bike have points?

Does it have a name ? Honkawsuziyami ? 2 stroke ? Got gas/spark/air/batt ?

[tom203]

Does the bike have points? If so, clean and set them using a volt ohm meter for the breaking point.

V

Yeah since it was running and suddenly wasn't , be suspicious of points and especially tbe condenser. Spark might appear ok, but lack enough umph to fire when installed.

[RaiderGT]

What kind of bike is it?? I am shocked this isnt the first thing someone asked as its pretty crucial in its diagnosis.