73 Harley Hard to Start

ahults

My 73 Harley 3 wheeler has been giving me some trouble with starting, I have had top end rebuilt, new carb, fuel filter, new fuel lines, points, ignition coil, spark plug, wire. everything has just about been replaced. Are these carts naturally cold blooded? I pull the choke and the engine will crank but not start for a few minutes if I play with the choke I can get it to start. one time I wore the battery out trying to get it to start I am afraid I am going to burn the starter up, after it sits for an hour or so it goes back to not starting. I can see fuel in the filter so I know its getting gas. I was going to play with the idle adjustment on the carb but wanted to see if anyone had any ideas on here.

BGW

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Ron Benedict

Try setting the low speed needle. Close it all the way to the right then turn left 3/4 turn.If that don't help,try taking out the plug and squirting a small amount of fuel in the cylinder.Put the plug back in and try. If it starts up quickly, you know you have a fuel problem. Good luck. Ron

tew45

A few things come to mind. First is timing, be sure your timing is correct. Check valve on the end of the fuel pickup hose is working. The reed valve is set properly. No Air leaks in the carb base. The vacuum to the fuel pump is open and working. I also have sen the piston in backwords. Compression at least 80 or 90 PSI. Check the fuel as Ron stated.

ahults

where would the check valve be located? all I have is a fuel line going from tank to carb with an inline filter in between, as for adjusting the low speed screw is that the one on top
of the carb that has a t handle? I also checked my compression it's at 90 psi

tew45

The compression is perfect. The lowspeed is the only adjustment and it is on top 3/4 turn should be good. Have you dounloaded the manual? The reed valve is between the caeb mount abd the crank case. Looks like flat flower petals. Check your fuel like Ron said. If it starts quicker and runs, you have a fuel delivery problem. Does it start the same in reverse as in forward?

ahults

I have the manual. I had the reed valve behind carb replaced. I'll try to adjust the low speed screw and put some gas directly into the cylinder. I am hoping the crank seals are not leaking. when it is running is has plenty of power and does'nt cut out so I am thinking timing should be good.

tew45

If it runs with added fuel in the cylinder check the vacuum passage fron the crankcase ti the fuel pump or some where in the fuel delivery system.

ahults

I adjusted the carb and it seems to be running better. should I have to pull the choke to get it to start after its been sitting for 30 min?

ahults

I checked and I do not have a check valve near the tank. I am wondering if its loosing prime causing me to have to use the choke to get it to start. anyone know where I could get a check valve to put inline?

chuckbaynham

I did a google search "tank check valve golf cart" and this came up:

http://www.golfcarcatalog.com/produc...6-Screen-.html

good luck