'87 spree wont start.

[justice4kurt182]

Here is the story.

new plug, has spark
is getting gas and compression seems good.
battery is dead but doesn't matter.
starter motor wont work because the wiring is rigged to not need the key switch because it was stolen at one point but returned to the previous owner.
kick starter is not the greatest in the world as it gets stuck in the down position (probably weak spring plus messed up teeth) will sputter if tons of starting fluid is sprayed into air intake on carb.

all electrics worked last time it ran (minus blinkers which, when turned on blinked once then stop making you have to turn them on and off repeatedly).
when it died the engine shook vigorously then the rear wheel wouldn't turn so i assumed that it needed a new belt. but now that i have it apart the belt drive looks fine. replaced the engine with a 86 and swapped the rusty parts for the better looking ones off the '87 (magnito, coil, carb, gas tank and seat, rear turn signals and break light.) i basicly have a hybred 87-86 spree.

any ideas?

tools available:
deep socket set (8mm-14) and some random others
box wrench set (8mm-17mm) and equivalent in standard.

no multi meter or electric testing equipment.

[justice4kurt182]

nice to know no one has anything to say about this.

[CharlotteSpreeRider]

Best guess is dirty airbox or carb, since it will fire if you use starter fluid. That's about all I've got with the info given.

-aseigler

[Kenny_McCormic]

Clean airbox, clean carb.

[D-fog]

Maybe checking to make sure the tube from the airbox is not detached or loosely attached to the carburetor. That's the only small thing I have to add.

[justice4kurt182]

cleaned carb, cleaned air filter. still no start. for electric start to work does rear break have to be aplied? is the nifty house hold light switch going to prevent the electric start from working?

[justinnielsen01]

clean your carb and air filter if that isnt it you need new ring what is you compression ?