FE290 will not start new carb & coil + has compression

[rockfordpi]

2000 DS with FE290.

Has 60 PSI compression (according to manual that is acceptable?)

New Carb, New Coil, good blue spark at coil, fuel pump works, will not start.

Does this cart have a separate ignitor and if so is it possible the issue is with ignitor, even though I am getting a good spark?

It also has what I am guessing is the RPM limiter, could that be the issue? Really puzzling since most everything else has been replaced

[villebacker]

I just read in service manual and the FE290 should have a minimum of 156 psi. 60 is very low and could be the problem with starting.

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by villebacker

I just read in service manual and the FE290 should have a minimum of 156 psi. 60 is very low and could be the problem with starting.

Yes, I thought that was low myself and initially assumed that was the issue. However, was confused because my FE290 manual states compression should be 42 to 57 PSI. May be a typo, but gives that spec in several places.

So at this point I am back to looking at rings and valves?

[lockman1]

Originally Posted by rockfordpi

...was confused because my FE290 manual states compression should be 42 to 57 PSI. May be a typo, but gives that spec in several places.

That's interesting!

Key Start FE350 engines have an ACR (Automatic Compression Release) valve, and that should be about 71 psi, and your below that!

I don't know of any FE290's (pedal, or key start) that use an ACR.

I'd probably start with checking the valve lash,
it could be that one or both of the valves are staying open either by not being adjusted correctly, or carbon build up on the head.

Follow up on your other questions...
The ignitor is built into the coil from 97 and up
The Rev limiter shuts off your spark when over-reving, and you said you have a good blue spark... so that's not it.

[CP241]

Valves are auto adjusting, so cannot set valve clearances. Youd need to pull the head and check for debris holding one open, valve seat issue, or burnt valve.

There should be a label on top the motor saying NO ACR or WITH ACR. If no ACR then your compression is way low. Should be closer to 160psi. If yes ACR then 60psi is probably about right. I've never seen a 290 with ACR but that doesnt mean they dont exist.

[lockman1]

99% of the FE290 valves ARE adjustable! 350's are not!

[CP241]

And if you bought it this way, I'd start by pulling the motor and plan to rebuild. Never know what you may find... I bought a Polaris 4wheeler a while back with no compression for $500. It was a 2007, and absolutely mint. Not a scratch on it. Machine only had 79 hours and less than 700 miles. Carb was nasty and it had 0 compression.

I came to the conclusion that it sat for a long time. Previous owner tried to spray starting fluid because carb was nasty. Straw shot off and into the motor and wedged itself in the valve, thus the 0 compression. Removed the straw, cleaned the carb and the thing ran like new.

Never know what you're going to find, or what the previous owners have done.

[CP241]

Originally Posted by lockman1

99% of the FE290 valves ARE adjustable! 350's are not!

You are correct, I was remembering incorrectly. I just finished the fe290 for my gator and do remember adjusting the valves now. It was the 350 in my carryall that was automatic.

[rockfordpi]

Originally Posted by CP241

Valves are auto adjusting, so cannot set valve clearances. Youd need to pull the head and check for debris holding one open, valve seat issue, or burnt valve.

There should be a label on top the motor saying NO ACR or WITH ACR. If no ACR then your compression is way low. Should be closer to 160psi. If yes ACR then 60psi is probably about right. I've never seen a 290 with ACR but that doesnt mean they dont exist.

I will look for the label. My guess is no ACR, but that may at least explain the numbers in the manual.

[lockman1]

The label will "stick out like a sore thumb" just behind the cylinder.
But I'm not sure if FE290's even have a label!

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