Topic: Can't get her started.

[drainyoo]

So the bike is a 75 200T and it's been sitting for 2 years. The last time it was started it ran perfectly but now after being off for so long it doesnt start up. I checked the carbs and there is fuel in them. I checked the plugs, which are fouled, and they create a very small inconsistent spark. I know that the fuel is reaching the engine cause the spark plugs were wet. My next step is to replace the spark plugs and use some starter fluid and hopefully I can get her going but does anyone know what might be the issue?

Any help or tips would be great!

Thanks.

[ElCheapo]

Usually I will try to start them out right like you have been, maybe use some carb spray. If it still fails to start and I have verified that I have fuel and spark I screw in a new set of NGK's not that Champion garbage, If the spark is small I make sure the points are right as well as the condensor. I never use starting fluid, I have a few motors that have been blown up by using this stuff (starting ether). Then if I can get a fair start up then I go through the carbs.

[drainyoo]

Usually I will try to start them out right like you have been, maybe use some carb spray. If it still fails to start and I have verified that I have fuel and spark I screw in a new set of NGK's not that Champion garbage, If the spark is small I make sure the points are right as well as the condensor. I never use starting fluid, I have a few motors that have been blown up by using this stuff (starting ether). Then if I can get a fair start up then I go through the carbs.

Thanks for the advice. What's the difference between carb spray and starting fluid?

[ElCheapo]

Thanks for the advice. What's the difference between carb spray and starting fluid?

Carb spray is not half as explosive or nasty, think of it this way = carbs spray starts bike, starting ether blows up bike, stick with this idea and all will go well.

[Bob Wessner]

I guess I will stick my $0.02 in here. Seems to me you should not have to induce starting with anything. If you do, you have issues and using such methods rarely help diagnose, let alone solve the problem. You need to figure out what issue is gumming up the works (no pun intended).

[drainyoo]

I guess I will stick my $0.02 in here. Seems to me you should not have to induce starting with anything. If you do, you have issues and using such methods rarely help diagnose, let alone solve the problem. You need to figure out what issue is gumming up the works (no pun intended).

I dont think anything is gummed up, the carbs are full of fuel and the engine is receive adequate fuel as well. Its probably the plugs which Im going to replace but I just wanted to ask to see if anyone had any other ideas.

[snorklefork]

my bet is on clogged airflow passages. if it was left for two years with fuel in the bowls your sure to have varnishing. try boiling your carbs in chemtool. then blow out the passages with a compressor. also if your bike uses NGK B8ES plugs switch to B8EGVs they have a much smaller electrode which helps create a more concentrated spark and are less likely to foul. they cost about $7.50 a piece but made a huge difference. (thanks Greg, for that advice)

[ElCheapo]

I guess I will stick my $0.02 in here. Seems to me you should not have to induce starting with anything. If you do, you have issues and using such methods rarely help diagnose, let alone solve the problem. You need to figure out what issue is gumming up the works (no pun intended).

I have to vote with Bob here. I use carb spray just to let me konw that the spark I am getting is sufficient. Once she starts, time to address the nasty fuel problems. Start at the pet cock and work into the carbs and you should be done.