87 Spree won't start

GaryMpls · Post by **GaryMpls** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:05 pm

I've got an 87 Spree that I can't get started. Here is what I have done thus far:

1. Purchased new battery.
2. Cleaned fuel tank and in-tank filter.
3. Verified that fuel valve is opening when vacuum is applied.
4. Removed and cleaned caburetor. Did this several times.
5. Removed, cleaned and tested bystarter. It moved outward when connected to battery.
6. Removed and checked reed valve. It was not stuck and had no gaps.
7. Added small amount of oil through sparkplug opening and turned engine over several times with plug out to increase compression. Then replaced plug and tried to start. No success.

This machine had not been started for at least 15 years. It has 1800 miles on the odometer. After trying to start several times, I have pulled the plug and it isn't wet. It doesn't appear to be getting any gas in the cylinder.

Any ideas on what to try next?

GaryMpls · Post by **GaryMpls** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 3:14 pm

I neglected to add that I have a new sparkplug and the spark appears to be good when I ground the plug to the engine and turn it over.

edjo · Post by **edjo** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 4:21 pm

Sounds to me like no compression. Have you tested the cylinder??

GaryMpls · Post by **GaryMpls** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 4:28 pm

Yes, I tested compression by adding small amount of oil through sparkplug hole. Cranked engine a few times with plug removed. Replaced plug and tried to start but it won't start.

CharlotteSpreeRider · Post by **CharlotteSpreeRider** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 6:09 pm

I had a similar kind of bike (one that hadn't run in forever). The first time I started it, it took about 10 minutes of cranking for 5 - 10 seconds, then letting it sit for 10 - 20 seconds, then it started. No problems of that sort since then. Tried spraying some starter fluid in the airbox? Is gasoline leaving the petcock to the carb, could be vacuum leak?

edjo · Post by **edjo** » Fri Sep 28, 2007 7:11 pm

Thats not really testing the cylinder for compression. To test the cylinder for compression you need to screw a compression gauge into the spark plug hole and crank it for a few seconds and then read the gauge to see what the compression is. Like I said earlier I had an almost exact situation and when I tested the cylider there was about 5 psi. The rings where toast, and it would not start. As soon as I sorted out the jug/barrel/rings she fired right up and runs like a top. 50cc engines are very sensative, they need compression to run. I hope that helps.