85 200x starting issues.

[3>4]

I just got an 85 200x. Sometimes it will start ok. Sometimes it won't start at all. I started it up today and let it run a while. It ran for a few minutes then died.

[3>4]

I pulled the spark plug out and it was wet. I cleaned it up and it tried to start a couple of times. I opened the throttle a little bit and it started right up. So it must be running a little rich. Which way do I turn the screw to lean it out a little?

[honda atc guy]

To lean it out, turn the screw in, a little at a time.

[3>4]

Ok thanks.

[beets442]

Did it sputter or pop when it died or did it just quit? If it just quit it sounds like a sticky jet/run out of fuel. Try running some Seafoam thru it. Fuel/ethanol these days suk.

[Frankencelery]

Well, the spark plug is likely to be wet when it's not starting. I wouldn't think that means it's running rich. I think you need to test compression. Oh, and since you just got it, make sure the right plug is in there. My 200s had always been a bit hard starting, and I had it for years when I finally figured out it had the wrong plug installed! Starts easily on the first pull without the choke now.

[3>4]

What plug does it takes and where is the mixture screw?

[yaegerb]

Mixture screw is underneath towards the intake side on the bottom. You can use the following plugs, but I stick with NGK.
NGK - DR8ES-L
Champion - RA6YC

[3>4]

Well it looks like the compression is probably a little low. Thats probably the problem.

[Frankencelery]

Well it looks like the compression is probably a little low. Thats probably the problem.

Yeah, I had an '85 just like that for a few years. You had to open the throttle just so before it would start. Problem is it belonged to a buddy who abandoned it at my place, so it wasn't really mine to spend the time fixing. Finally tracked him down and got it back to him last summer. I see you're in Iowa. Maybe you bought the same machine! :lol:

Probably time for a top-end rebuild.