84 Spree starting issues - quick help please!

[back2basics]

I just rebuild the top end on this Spree and had trouble getting it started. After replacing many fouled out plugs, cleaning out the carb several times, and a lot more battery recharges (electric start only) the thing finally fired up and ran great. It had no problems during any type of driving, but it would always give me a little trouble starting as it would not start up right away like it should. At this point, the compression was good, it had spark, and the engine was getting fuel, but it would still take too long even after sitting for just a day or two.

Well its been about 2 weeks now since it was last ran and I had to crank it over so many times the battery died and I don't have my charger with me right now to keep trying. What are the possiblities that could cause this? The airbox is brand new, cleaned up air filter, new (but possibly fouled out already) spark plug, and the petcock is good. I am going to replace the vacuum and fuel lines tomorrow and probably clean the carb out again just for the heck of it. Oh, I also tested the by-starter before installation and that worked fine.

Any other ideas? I put it up for sale, someone is interested, and now the stupid thing won't start up. Anything appreciated! Thanks!

[Bear45-70]

First, no kick start means the scooter is a 1985.

Did you get the bystarter when you reconnected the wire connectors?

Are you trying to start with the throttle open or closed?

[back2basics]

Not sure what you mean by the second comment....when I tested it by putting it on the battery the needle moved the length it should and in the time its suppose to.

I tried starting it both of those ways. Before, when I had trouble getting it started, I would just spray a bit of carb cleaner in the carb and then just reconnected the airbox>carb hose.

know what size the vac and fuel hoses are? I'd rather just go to the store and know what size instead of having to remove them and then go.

[mousewheels]

know what size the vac and fuel hoses are?

I believe its 4.5mm id for the fuel line and 3.5mm id for the vacuum line.

Comparison with closest common inch sizes: Puts you around 5/32 to 3/16 for the fuel, 1/8 to 5/32 for the vacuum line.

[back2basics]

Alright, I got it started! Replaced vac & fuel lines, spark plug, cleaned carb, tested by-starter (good), and charged the battery. So we'll see how it does tomorrow on another cold start.

[Clivester]

Make sure the carb drain screw is sealing properly. It could be slowly leaking causing the bowl to empty on storage. That would lead to needing to crank and crank until the bowl fills up again.