Dirt Squirt not firing up without pull behind vehicle start

[Joe F]

I just got a dirt squirt 100cc and will not start easily... Any help? I tried pulling behind a vehicle and started a few times... when I first got it and but mix gas in it at bottom of carb there was a tube coming off bottom and all the gas drained out of that so I just connected a tube and ran by seat to nothing so gas wouldn't drain out... also the throttle cable was a little loose so I adjusted that the best that I could but still didn't seem to resolve my issue... that's all that I know about it so far... Can anyone help? or know what could be my problem because it is a pretty clean vintage dirt bike and would love to get it up and running thanks

[socalhodaka]

Join the club and go to back issues Volume 1 #3 and Volume 1 #9 You will learn all about how the carb works.

Kelly

[Joe F]

Can you just send me a link im really not looking to spend for a membership thanks just trying to get this bike running... Didn't know I would have to pay for advise on a forum

[Dale]

Joe, No there is no cost for advice here. Kelly's advice to join and get access to all issues of the clubs newsletter is spot on and appreciated by all of us who are loving the Hodaka experience. If you get hooked on Hodaka's it really is a great deal.

As for your bike... If it has been sitting for any amount of time, with fuel in the carb, it is probably all gummed up. This is especially true if it had ethanol gas in it. It will need a thorough cleaning before it will work correctly. If the fuel is running out the overflow tube, then the float valve is not sealing and most likely just has gunk built up on and around it. All jets will need to be cleaned as well as all internal passages of the carb. Not difficult at all for most backyard mechanics.

If you have strong spark (at the correct time) and fuel to the intake, then your bike should fire in just a kick or two. Pulling the bike to get it to start is counter productive in my opinion. That tells me that something is wrong and should be isolated first. I would start with a carb cleaning. Then install an inline fuel filter and stay away from ethanol gas.
Dale

[Joe F]

Thanks I will try that and get back to you thank you very much

[socalhodaka]

Joe, sorry for that. Yes all the info and plenty of it here for free.

[rdbrooks14]

Joe,

If I am reading this right, the fuel is running out of the overflow>

If that is the case the float is probably sticking or the needle is not sealing and shutting off the fuel with the bowl is full.

You clearly need to clean the entire carb AND focus on the Pilot Jet. I am real sure it is clogged up and causing much of this problem. Can be cleaned out with a single strand of wire. You will be able to see light through it if is clear. The hole is small and clogs easily. This is a common problem.

Use this diagram as a guide for braking down the carb

http://www.sudco.com/Diagrams123/expvm.gif

Not the exact carb but a good guide for jets and the like. If you have an air gun for a compressor you can use it to blow out jets and passages in the carb.

Any questions you have feel FREE to ask anytime.

Bob in MD

[Joe F]

Ok I cleaned the carb and new fuel filter still nothing... I guess my next question would be is what's the best way to check to see if its time and how to time it? Thank you any information is greatly appreciated

[Joe F]

Nevermind guys it fired up I'm thinking it was the sparkplug and old fuel filter... But she is running and trying to figure out the idle... But I appreciate all of everyone's help and for a 1974 motorcycle hodaka is a good running bike. First eperience with the brand

[Dale]

Joe, Just be warned that once you put some time in the saddle, you will be hooked. These are really fun bikes! Glad that you have it running.
Dale

[rdbrooks14]

Sounds good. Clogged Pilot Jet will impact idle. You really have to take the jet out to clean it. Nuff said, have fun.

[Joe F]

also I tightened the gap on spark plug and running top notch now

[Joe F]

starts up first kick