Help, can't get it started

[cochran]

Sorry guys this is a double post, I put it in Gen. Discussion and then realized it should be here. Anyway here is the problem:

1985 Honda Spree, bought as an "easy fix." No kick starter so we are stuck with the elec. starter.

What I've done so far: Cleaned both oil and gas tanks and replaced with new fluids. Cleaned carb and replaced all hoses. New drive belt (other was shot). New clutch weights (old ones essentially had no lining!). New plug. New battery. Purchased used starter (get to that in a minute). New air filter. Got all the oil out of the cylinder/crankcase that was hydrolocking the piston.

Symptom: Slow turnover of the motor by either starter. (It is not the battery because it tests good and turns my other Spree right over and starts it no problem. ) This is with the plug OUT! With it in it will roll over maybe one complete turn until it stops. Both starter motor and wiring get hot. By the way I do have good spark. Have tried just a bit of starting fluid but the motor just isn't turning over enough to get a good compression stroke going. Have taken the bendix out and cleaned that and lubed----works great. Don't think that is binding things.

I am about out of my whits here. Anyone got any suggestions?

[michaelg]

I too have a "new" spree and the new battery just was not providing enough umph and was showing enough voltage.

I ended up putting jumper cables to it, hooked up to my truck and cranked until it started. Now it starts off the battery no problem.

Mike

[hondaman]

Maybe a bent crankshaft causing binding? Maybe a broken ring in the cylinder head?