No spark, other possibilities? - Page 3

BrianW · 04-13-2011, 08:21 PM

Well, the new coil has the bike starting now, but it will not stay running. I thought it was flooded, but after letting it sit for at least 24 hours, it still doesn't want to idle. After the initial start up, it will bog down until it eventually stalls. Then will not start at all.

WaG, is the continuity test you mentioned suggested on a brand new coil? Or was that meant for my old coil? As of now I am using an unused coil from a 125cc engine.

What are your suggestions on the possibility of the stator dying?

Weldangrind · 04-13-2011, 09:56 PM

I was actually recommending that you check for continuity of the plug wire. You can check the impedance level of the old coil as well.

The stator is last on my list of suspicions.

It sounds like the carb needs a little tweaking. What position is the air / fuel screw in now? If you're not sure, gently turn the screw all the way in while counting the turns (so you can put it back if necessary). Back it out 1.5 turns and see if there is an improvement.

BrianW · 04-16-2011, 03:33 PM

No luck with the carb. I'm still open for suggestions. Considering the way it died, I'm inclined to believe it is electrical. Maybe the regulator? I just can't figure it out.

SpudRider · 04-16-2011, 11:44 PM

Maybe you got a bad CDI unit. :?: Your engine still exhibits the symptoms of a bad CDI unit. :roll:

Spud

Weldangrind · 04-17-2011, 02:40 AM

That's certainly possible Spud, but what's the likelihood of two in a row?

Brian, you said you're getting spark, so to me that rules out the CDI, regulator, coil and stator. How are you checking for spark?

BrianW · 04-17-2011, 02:45 PM

I am taking the plug out of the cylinder, placing it in the boot, setting it on the frame of the bike and pushing over the kickstarter. I am unfamiliar with any other way to test for it.
There is a spark, however, it is just unusually small.

Can someone provide a link to the CDI unit I need. I searched on eBay, but found too many to choose from.

Got fuel, got compression, got spark, air box is completely off. What am I missing, it's gotta be something simple I'm overlooking!

Weldangrind · 04-17-2011, 03:34 PM

Going back to the beginning, had your Lifan sat for long before you rode it? If so, perhaps you have a clogged jet(s). I'm not considering the CDI to be a prime suspect at this time, although it's possible.

BrianW · 04-17-2011, 06:37 PM

It sat from about October til last week, but I started it periodically. It never missed a beat.

Weldangrind · 04-18-2011, 10:24 AM

Now I can't remember; please save me from reviewing the entire thread. Have you drained out the old fuel and refilled with fresh stuff? Have you cleaned out the carb? Both items are easy and cheap.

BrianW · 04-18-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Now I can't remember; please save me from reviewing the entire thread. Have you drained out the old fuel and refilled with fresh stuff? Have you cleaned out the carb? Both items are easy and cheap.

I have not drained out the old fuel, never thought of that. I have cleaned out the carb, however. It didn't really need it, though.

davidsonsgccc · 04-18-2011, 01:41 PM

once you rule out fuel you may check the compression. i have seen it to where low compression will let one start but dies after warming up. also wouldnt start with electricstart but would only kick start. the compression problem ended up being a bad valve. if not fuel probably cdi or stator.
hope this helps.

SpudRider · 04-18-2011, 02:47 PM

If you haven't done so, I also encourage you to check your valve lash.

Tight valves reduce compression, and make starting difficult. However, any compression problems you might have are not related to the weak spark problem you are reporting. :roll:

Spud

BrianW · 04-19-2011, 10:06 AM

I will perform a valve adjustment tomorrow evening with my dad. He is far more mechanically inclined than I will ever be. Also, I have yet to perform a valve adjustment, Although I have been meaning to. Thanks for the incentive, the adjustment is far overdue.

Weldangrind · 04-19-2011, 10:20 AM

I hope that fixes it for you. Please post some photos of the procedure.

BrianW · 04-21-2011, 11:57 AM

Almost had the adjustment done when I accidentally dropped a rod into the engine. Gotta take the whole top end off now. Oh my, the learning process... :roll:

04-13-2011, 09:56 PM	#32
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I was actually recommending that you check for continuity of the plug wire. You can check the impedance level of the old coil as well. The stator is last on my list of suspicions. It sounds like the carb needs a little tweaking. What position is the air / fuel screw in now? If you're not sure, gently turn the screw all the way in while counting the turns (so you can put it back if necessary). Back it out 1.5 turns and see if there is an improvement. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

04-16-2011, 11:44 PM	#34
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	Maybe you got a bad CDI unit. :?: Your engine still exhibits the symptoms of a bad CDI unit. :roll: Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

04-17-2011, 02:40 AM	#35
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	That's certainly possible Spud, but what's the likelihood of two in a row? Brian, you said you're getting spark, so to me that rules out the CDI, regulator, coil and stator. How are you checking for spark? __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

04-17-2011, 03:34 PM	#37
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Going back to the beginning, had your Lifan sat for long before you rode it? If so, perhaps you have a clogged jet(s). I'm not considering the CDI to be a prime suspect at this time, although it's possible. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

04-18-2011, 10:24 AM	#39
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	Now I can't remember; please save me from reviewing the entire thread. Have you drained out the old fuel and refilled with fresh stuff? Have you cleaned out the carb? Both items are easy and cheap. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

04-13-2011, 08:21 PM	#31
BrianW Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wheeling, WV native currently living In Natchitoches, LA Posts: 297	Well, the new coil has the bike starting now, but it will not stay running. I thought it was flooded, but after letting it sit for at least 24 hours, it still doesn't want to idle. After the initial start up, it will bog down until it eventually stalls. Then will not start at all. WaG, is the continuity test you mentioned suggested on a brand new coil? Or was that meant for my old coil? As of now I am using an unused coil from a 125cc engine. What are your suggestions on the possibility of the stator dying?
	0

04-16-2011, 03:33 PM	#33
BrianW Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wheeling, WV native currently living In Natchitoches, LA Posts: 297	No luck with the carb. I'm still open for suggestions. Considering the way it died, I'm inclined to believe it is electrical. Maybe the regulator? I just can't figure it out.
	0

04-17-2011, 02:45 PM	#36
BrianW Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wheeling, WV native currently living In Natchitoches, LA Posts: 297	I am taking the plug out of the cylinder, placing it in the boot, setting it on the frame of the bike and pushing over the kickstarter. I am unfamiliar with any other way to test for it. There is a spark, however, it is just unusually small. Can someone provide a link to the CDI unit I need. I searched on eBay, but found too many to choose from. Got fuel, got compression, got spark, air box is completely off. What am I missing, it's gotta be something simple I'm overlooking!
	0

04-17-2011, 06:37 PM	#38
BrianW Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wheeling, WV native currently living In Natchitoches, LA Posts: 297	It sat from about October til last week, but I started it periodically. It never missed a beat.
	0

04-18-2011, 01:41 PM	#41
davidsonsgccc Join Date: May 2009 Location: Chickamauga, Ga. Posts: 278	once you rule out fuel you may check the compression. i have seen it to where low compression will let one start but dies after warming up. also wouldnt start with electricstart but would only kick start. the compression problem ended up being a bad valve. if not fuel probably cdi or stator. hope this helps. __________________ my help may not be the best but it is free+-Seek ye first the kingdom of GOD
	0

04-18-2011, 02:47 PM	#42
SpudRider Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 25,054	If you haven't done so, I also encourage you to check your valve lash. Tight valves reduce compression, and make starting difficult. However, any compression problems you might have are not related to the weak spark problem you are reporting. :roll: Spud __________________ Spud "Never argue with an idiot. He will drag you down to his level, and beat you with experience." Mark Twain 2015 Zongshen ZS250GY-3 (RX3) 2006 Zongshen ZS200GY-2 (Sierra 200) 2005 Honda XR650L 2004 Honda CRF250X 1998 Kawasaki KDX220 Mods made to my Zongshen ZS200GY-2: http://www.chinariders.net/showthread.php?t=6894
	0

04-19-2011, 10:06 AM	#43
BrianW Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wheeling, WV native currently living In Natchitoches, LA Posts: 297	I will perform a valve adjustment tomorrow evening with my dad. He is far more mechanically inclined than I will ever be. Also, I have yet to perform a valve adjustment, Although I have been meaning to. Thanks for the incentive, the adjustment is far overdue.
	0

04-19-2011, 10:20 AM	#44
Weldangrind Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Sardis, BC, Canada Posts: 25,977	I hope that fixes it for you. Please post some photos of the procedure. __________________ Weldangrind "I figure I'm well-prepared for coping with a bike that comes from the factory with unresolved issues and that rewards the self-reliant owner." - Buccaneer
	0

04-21-2011, 11:57 AM	#45
BrianW Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Wheeling, WV native currently living In Natchitoches, LA Posts: 297	Almost had the adjustment done when I accidentally dropped a rod into the engine. Gotta take the whole top end off now. Oh my, the learning process... :roll:
	0