1984 200ES wont start unless exhaust disconnected

[sclaxton83]

I recently purchased a 1984 200ES that was running well but wouldn't idle (it had no muffler either). So this is what I did:

1. New spark plug
2. Brand new carburetor
3. New intake boots
4. New air filter
5. Changed the oil

I got it running well and with some adjustments I maintained idle, however, my next step was placing exhaust back onto the header. I got a OEM muffler and connected to the exhaust header pipe. But then if the the trike was cold it wouldn't start up at all!

I removed the exhaust and it will start up. Once it was started I reconnected the exhaust and I could keep it running after adjusting the carbs again. It was running great, better than it had been. No problems.

Now I go out to start it this morning and it won't turn over at all! It seems to only fire back up after it warms up then reconnect the exhaust. What's going on?

[shortline10]

Chinese knock off carb ? If so thats prob the issue .

[sclaxton83]

The original owner had same problem before the carb was replaced. He said one day the muffler fell off and it started running great! Haha. Is there too much back pressure or something when the exhaust is mounted?

[Howdy]

It could be exhaust is plugged. I would check to see if it is before moving to other possibilities.

[sclaxton83]

Exhaust isn't plugged. I put an OEM muffler on so it shouldn't be that.

[Howdy]

Check the engine compression then.