Why won't my Honda Dirt bike start?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Rob B
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Rob B

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I've got an older Honda Dirt bike I bought used a few years ago. It worked at the time but it was neglected for a couple years.

Now it won't start. I've been trying to fix it for the last week and have tried cleaning the carb very well, checking for loose wires, different plugs and as of today just repaired the plug wire (which was in bad shape).

It looks to have a good bright spark, and as far as I know the gas is making it to the plug because it looks wet after attempting to start it.

No matter what I try, the engine shows no sign of life. It doesn't do antyhing. The rear red light lights up for a second whenever I attempt kick starting. I don't know how good the compression is, but it seems to be ok. The kick starter is harder to kick when the plugs in and when the plug isn't in there's a big poof of air from the cylinder.

I'm stuck -- Anyone have some suggestions? I really want to get this thing working.. thanks.
 
For future reference, always give year, make, engine size and model # when asking questions. We need all of that info to give an informed answer.

If it has points, they may need to be adjusted and the timing set.
You may not have cleaned the carb adequately.
Remove the pilot jet (long and thin) and hold it up to the light.
You should be able to see through it.
Using carb cleaner in a spray can - spray through every hole in the carb.
If the spray comes out a different hole, that circuit is clear.
 
Try a compression check. Anything below say 120 PSI and you prbably have a worn out piston.

Try replacing your magnito. Usually aound $35-$45, but if you're getting good spark, you might want to hold off on this. The light coming on is just telling you that the bike is creating electricity, so that's good.

Try replacing your fuel. Old gas doesn't burn worth a damn and it'll gum up your motor bad! Replace it completely (clean the snot out of your tank too)

Your reed valve might be toast. Cheap fix, so replace those anyways.

Fuel filter/air filter might be bad (not sure if you have a fuel filter, but if you do, replace it)

Hopefully that'll give you a start. Dunno if it'll help, but good luck!!!
 
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