Engine troubles - new FE350

[crash12888]

Checked the valve clearance yet?
Or is 2000 non adjustable?
What did a compression test show? Don't assume just because it feels good.

[shadowman]

Originally Posted by Ewelder76

Thanks for all the replies! You guys are tremendously helpful!

kinda why we all hang out here......every new problem solved is one someone else may be helped with down the road.....................

[lockman1]

Originally Posted by crash12888

Checked the valve clearance yet?
Or is 2000 non adjustable?
What did a compression test show? Don't assume just because it feels good.

An FE350 has hydraulic lifters, so the valves can't be adjusted,
and with a brand new engine, I'm hoping he has good compression!
(but, I guess it wouldn't hurt to check it anyways!)



Sorry crash... didn't mean to step on your toes!

[crash12888]

I'm at work so I have on steel toe tennis shoes.

I'm good Don.

[lockman1]

I gotta' get me some of those... my ex still thinks she can step all over them!

[Ewelder76]

Hello everyone:
Thanks again for the responses. I actually won't see the cart again until tomorrow evening or Saturday so I haven't actually gotten a chance yet to do the compression check but it is on the list! My actual list of things to do with it is as follows (please respond and let me know if I missed anything).

- Compression check (is 125 PSI the target?)
- Crank the motor and determine if the inlet tube collapses slightly
- Pull spark plug, inspect and regap to 0.029 inch

I've already called the vendor and asked for technical support from Kawasaki. They are looking up the contact info and are supposed to get back to me on it. Further, I think I'll also swap out new fuel filters yet again just to be on the safe side.

Also, do I dare spray a starting aid into the carb to determine if it will fire? If so, what should I use? I'm a little cautious of this as I would hate to damage a brand new motor somehow but it would seem to answer a few questions if it does or doesn't fire after doing so.

Lastly, (and I'm sorry to be long-winded), could there be something wrong with the venting of the gas tank that could allow fuel to flow with the fuel hose off the carb (as we did earlier) but restrict flow when it is attached? I realize this sounds like a stretch but I'm grabbing for anything and everything on this one.

As always, thanks a lot for the replies and responses! I really appreciate it!

Best regards.

[Ewelder76]

Oh, and I nearly forgot one other thing that is on the list (assuming the above doesn't work), swap out the new carb for the old carb. We still have the old motor and as near as I can tell, the old carb is still functional so that is also on the list of things to do!

Thanks!

[shadowman]

don,t use starting fluid....thats a no- no................use carb cleaner same results...............good luck and let us know if you find anything or get it going....something just tells me with the dry sparkplug your gonna find a carb issue.......but if thats all at least you,ll be riding around......................

[Ewelder76]

Thanks for the advice and tip, Shadowman. I'll plan to do a quick test by spraying carb cleaner into the carb and see if it will fire up. If it does, I'll be elated. If it doesn't, I'll check it off the list and move on to the next possibility.

Thanks again!

[crash12888]

If you have fuel coming from the hose when cranking you are good. depending on how much fuel is in the tank, a clogged vent will take a while to show itself as an issue, not right away.
Instead of spraying anything, I would try a rag or your hand over the carb inlet to determine 1st, that you have vac to pull fuel and 2nd, if you cover with your hand, after a couple of revolutions, you should see fuel on your hand.
If not drop the bowl and check the movement of the float and needle, or trash, new doesn't always mean good.
Have you actually verified that when you push the pedal (look with key off) that the carb butterfly is opening or atleast moving?
Hang in there, it has to be something simple.