Forum

[Jamesy]

Wheatears do you think the original poster H who John L noticed last replied to this post back in February still has the bike?

[Wheaters]

Jeamsey,

I've no idea and tbh it doesn't really matter. I posted my reply in case someone else has a similar problem and doesn't get reminded that that a petrol engine needs compression as well as a spark to run.

[Leon Novello]

H: We are all sitting here, tapping our fingers in anticipation, waiting to hear WHAT HAPPENED? Did you find the cause?

[John L]

Wheaters suggestion for a compression check - +1. (Would have been my next post - he beat me to it). All other advice and suggestions aside, this should be the FIRST thing to check out ; with a reliable gauge, note, and not relying on guesswork or "feel".
If the engine doesn't have sufficient compression it will NEVER start and run as the makers intended (and the owner expects) and any amount of faffing about with timing, spark plugs, ignition leads, carburettor jets, fuel filler caps and taps, state of battery charge, etc. etc. will be for nought and merely muddying the issue.

[Lord-Toady]

When my bike was hard to start and kicking back It was the tappets that needed adjusting as the valve clearances were too tight.