84 200es not starting

[apickering975]

I bought a 1984 Honda 200es a few weeks ago thinking that I could get it running. It is in very good shape so I did not hesitate to pay $250 for it even though it wasn't running. It has good compression and spark. I also cleaned the carb completely and made sure it was not clogged up. When I pull the pull cord I don't seem to hear any noises in the engine that could be causing a problem. I want to have an idea of what it could be before I pull the engine out of it. I don't have too much spare time so if there is anything else you guys think would fix it without taking the engine apart please let me know. Thanks

[Chopsaw]

What's the compression at ? Should be around 140 ( mines at 120 , runs good but can be hard to start ) Good spark ? Maybe . change the plug ( again )
Make sure you're getting fuel to the carb .

[coolpool]

What chop says and make sure the exhaust isn't plugged by a mouse nest or something.Check the valves clearences if compression is questionable. Does it spark using the electric start and pull start? These things have a habit of developing weird spark characteristics usually caused by the cdi.

[apickering975]

I will check those things. I know that I am getting fuel to the engine and the exhaust does not seem to be clogged. I get spark when I pull start it and I have tried spraying carb cleaner directly into the cylinder and trying to fire it over.

[coolpool]

Actually carb cleaner seems to stall an engine out. Can you spray a little gas in it? You should be able to hear the suction from the intake with the air filter removed and feel puffs of exhaust when you pull it over. I have to ask, you're using fresh premium gas?

[apickering975]

Yes Im using fresh 91 octane gas, no rust in the gas tank.

[apickering975]

Also the exhaust is not clogged, and I was getting readings around 140 for compression.

[ps2fixer]

Hmm if it has compression, spark and fuel, the only thing that makes sense to me is ignition timing.... maybe it is 180 degrees off or something? I'd check the mechanical timing and the rotor under the "CDI" cover.

How does the plug look? Is is super dry, or does it smell like gas, wet?

Carb clean, and a ton of other cleaners depend on the brand rather an engine can run on them or not, either (starting fluid) works much better just for testing, and if your brave enough, LP/Map gas can make an engine this size idle, just make sure not to light it.

[apickering975]

I think you may be right about the valve timing. That seems like the only other thing it could be. Ill try that out and see if I can get it going. I havent done valve work on these big reds before, are they pretty simple to adjust?

[ps2fixer]

For the valve (mechanical timing), generally there is a mark on the fly wheel that lines up with a mark on the side cover, and the cam gear/sprocket has a mark that lines up with another mark on head. Generally mechanical timing would cause low compression if it is off. It never hurts to make sure it is lined up though, a service manual is best to reference on the process.

What I was talking about is the ignition timing (spark time), the cdi and pulse generator control that and the pulse generator has a range it can be adjusted. I don't remember if there are any sort of markings for the default starting spot or not. Another thing that is in the same area is the advancer for the pulse generator, it has springs that can break and it would throw the ignition timing way off.

CDI cover should be 2 simple screws to take off, and is just a dust cover for the components.

Here is an image of it. The rotor part has a pin that makes it line up with the cam, if it was damaged, or removed (if removable don't remember), then it could be put on at the wrong angle and be sparking when it does the engine no good.

[oscarmayer]

check to make sure the crank is at T on the flywheel then make sure the line aligns up, if the entire rotor is facing down, your 180* out. take rotor apart and reassemble..