96 sportster wont start

[larrybr45]

Hi, I have 96 sportster that has been converted to premix that I premix oil AND also has a separate tank of oil that drips into engine.

I have only been able to run this once since startup after winter about 4 weeks ago. Yesterday I went out and could not get the engine to turn over, the starting just kept running until the battery went out. i tried choke on and off, throttle up and down, still no luck. This is frustrating. Any suggestions?

 

[scski]

Sounds like the engine is turning over but won't fire?

You need three things: spark, fuel and compression. Check each.

Be sure there are no fumes in the engine compartment when checking spark.

Disconnect the battery from the boat while charging to protect the MPEM.

Be sure to allow the starter to cool between tries.

 

[larrybr45]

How do you check spark and fuel?

 

[scski]

Pull plugs after trying to start with choke and throttle up, you should smell/see some fuel on the plugs.

Connect plug to wire and ground it, look for spark. You can also use a test light or spark tester.

 

[sYnOnYx]

Hi, I have 96 sportster that has been converted to premix that I premix oil AND also has a separate tank of oil that drips into engine.

I would say this could have led to your problem. I could be wrong, but from what I know your supposed to pick one and stick with it. Either you premix or you let it come from the tank.

You could have fouled out your plugs.

Pull your spark plugs take a pic, and post it here.

They sell a $5 spark testing tool at autozone that someone would just have to hold against the wire while your cranking. That will test your spark. If spark is fine and still no start, get a can of starting fluid. Spray that down the carb and try to start the boat, if it starts fuel would be your problem then.

 

[scski]

I would say this could have led to your problem. I could be wrong, but from what I know your supposed to pick one and stick with it. Either you premix or you let it come from the tank.

You could have fouled out your plugs.

Pull your spark plugs take a pic, and post it here.

They sell a $5 spark testing tool at autozone that someone would just have to hold against the wire while your cranking. That will test your spark. If spark is fine and still no start, get a can of starting fluid. Spray that down the carb and try to start the boat, if it starts fuel would be your problem then.

Actually with premix the tank needs to stay connected to the rotary valve chamber or it gets no oil and burns up.

Also, bad idea to use starting fluid on a 2 stroke.

 

[larrybr45]

Can anybody help think of a reason why it would not just start after running great about 4 weeks ago, and then not starting now?

 

[scski]

Parts go bad from time to time, and that can happen at any time - while under power or in storage. It just happens, especially on older boats.

Did you try a fresh set of plugs? Any time a 2 stroke won't crank, try new plugs first.