why why why will my Free Spirit not run anymore??? it starts very nicely, and it goes for about 30 seconds and then it just looses power. it kind of idles and sputters and then it dies. i think maybe it is a too-big main jet or bad timing. help!!
why why why will my Free Spirit not run anymore??? it starts very nicely, and it goes for about 30 seconds and then it just looses power. it kind of idles and sputters and then it dies. i think maybe it is a too-big main jet or bad timing. help!!
Did you adjust the float level? Remove the float buy Pulling the pin out that the float pivots on and bend the little brass clip on the float so that when the float is all reassembled and held upside down, it sits parallel to the bottom of the carb (with the float off). If the float is misadjusted, it'll only let enough fuel in to get about a block or so, maybe less.
spark plug
yea replace the spark plug, my moped had that type of problem also, and i new spark plug did wonders
i really appreciate the advice, guys, but i'm afraid i already replaced the spark plug and it still did the same thing. i think what i'll try next is adjusting the carb needle since it seems to be running way too rich. thanks for the posts, though!
==chris
Chris,
From your post, it appears that your ped used to run ok. Unless you may have changed something, do not try to correct something that does not normally wear out.
First check the spark plug, if too rich, look for:
Stuck choke
Stuck float or needle valve or dirt on seat
Dirty air cleaner
If lean:
Dirty carburetor
Dirty fuel screen in petcock or carb.
Ron
thanks so much for all the help so far, but i just can't get the damn thing to run for more than a minute or two. i tried messing with the carb, specifically trying the jet needle in different positions and adjusting the float. basically, just trying to get it to run leaner. i also tried taking off the air filter and cleaning off the spark plug.it does run a little bit better now, but it's still doing the same thing-- it will run great for a little while with great acceleration and everything, but eventually it will lose power. when it does this, though, the engine doesn't just die, it kind of goes into this really high idle, with little interspersed jolts of acceleration. it's almost like someone else is working the throttle when it happens. maybe it's haunted-- someone already suggested an exorcism. i'm really getting scared that my moped is in mortal condition here. i would really appreciate any tips on what you think could be wrong with it. Thanks!!
==chris
if the idle fluctuates, you could have a vaccuum leak (excess air getting in) between the cylinder and manifold or between the carb and manifold. put a new gasket or some sealant between the manifold and the cylinder and put some sealant or teflon tape around the carb where it goes into the maniflold. also, make sure the top of the carb is tight.
well i've tried just about all the tricks i can think of on this thing, and i still can't get it running. i don't even think the problem is in the carb anymore- i've done everything i can to it, adjusted the fuel mixture, tried it without the air filter, tightened it down- nothing works. i took off the spark plug and it had oil on it. i think this may be a sign of bad piston rings (please tell me it's not!) i am also pretty sure that the guy i bought it from put regular motor oil (not two-cycle) in it. could this be contributing to the problem?? i am in need of some serious help, otherwise i'm considering just tying my moped to a tree and shooting it. thanks!
==chris
All the Forum experts say that there are three things you need:
Spark
Fuel
Compression
I haven't read all the way back through your posts, but I think you've got the first two covered. I forget how to test compression, but someone knows.
Good Luck
Did you totally replace all the fuel and oil that was put in incorrectly?
I mean the motor oil you say the owner put in it... Not sure, but I bet that could cause a bunch of trouble....
-Wayne
i didn't completely drain the oil & gas yet.... what kind of problems could this cause and how should i get all the oil out?? thanks!
==chris
Chris... Do this test.
Get it started and start to ride it... when it gets to the point of dieing... be ready and prepared with your hand on the choke lever... and when it starts to die flip the choke on... and see what happens.
If it takes off and runs for a little longer when you flip the choke on... then you have a dirty carb or petcock.
i'm pretty sure i've got it this time. i think it's the petcock being clogged and not letting enough fuel through. does anyone have any tips on rebuilding petcocks or should i get a new one? thanks so much to everybody who helped me!!
==chris
Chris,
Just take it apart and clean it, you may find you do not need parts. It sounds like you may need to clean the gas tank too.
Ron
Want to post in this forum? We'd love to have you join the discussion, but first: