Engine Trouble Engine only works when pedaling (no assist)

[CheeseToast]

This was happening for awhile where I would pedal and it would run but wouldn't assist my bike (really low engine sound). Then after 5-10 seconds it would be running fine. Right now I'm constantly stuck at this stage. I have the carb chock turned off when running and the gas on. I don't know much about the terminology of the bikes so try to keep the directions/suggestions easy. Thank you.

-CheeseToast

 

[crassius]

start with the simple things, is the spark plug wet? is there spark when you roll the bike while looking at the plug?

 

[butre]

My guess is poor fuel flow or an ultra lean condition. Is the plug wet or dry?

 

[KCvale]

This was happening for awhile where I would pedal and it would run but wouldn't assist my bike (really low engine sound). Then after 5-10 seconds it would be running fine. Right now I'm constantly stuck at this stage. I have the carb chock turned off when running and the gas on. I don't know much about the terminology of the bikes so try to keep the directions/suggestions easy. Thank you.

-CheeseToast

Perhaps you can say what it is, and what exactly you are trying to fuel it with?

 

[CheeseToast]

Well I don't know how my spark plug would get wet with the cover over it.

Oh yeah, and 'it' means my engine.. No offense but what did you think it was?

I was fueling it with gasoline and high end oil (24:1)

 

[crassius]

I meant 'wet with fuel' - is it?

he meant 'what kind of motor/carb setup' - what is it?

 

[KCvale]

I meant 'wet with fuel' - is it?

he meant 'what kind of motor/carb setup' - what is it?

Correct, didn't even know if it was a 2-stroke or 4-stroke until now.

The engine size and carb type would be helpful.
24:1 gas fuel is fine for break-in, after a couple of tanks I find 32:1 to be best.

So you have 5-10 seconds of start up low performance but then it runs dandy?
One cause of that is leaving your fuel turned on when parked, the gas evaporates but the oil don't and the oil don't burn.

By a wet plug it means when your plug is black and wet with fuel.
It should be a nice toast colored brown and dry.

 

[HeadSmess]

it either is a lack of choke on the start up, its too lean on the low end (not much you can do about that with stock carbs other than check for leaks) or its really cold there.

i could also say crank seals, an intake leak somewhere, or...its just normal? cause it sounds much like what my 5AM starts sound like...20 metres down the road before the first pop, and another 50 before it stops coughing and gets on the band, and after about 1km, the pipes hot and shes screaming... but then, i run mine as lean as i can white plug on the chops.

 

[Fabian]

My suggestion is that you spend a good couple of weeks on this site using the search function and reading till your eyes and brain hurts, then spend some more time reading and come back to us if you are still having problems.

In saying you shouldn't even contemplate installing a motorized bicycle kit till you have a reasonably good working knowledge of these engines.

 

[HeadSmess]

stop saying that!

though... a friend(well, work colleague) asked me how much to fit an engine. i said 400 if he supplies the bike.

he bought one assembled online, 2nd hand, $150

he is in hospital at the moment.... nothing major, just some real nasty road rash.