85 ALT 125 - Won't Stay Running

[TripleOG]

When I first started working on this machine, it wouldn't start at all. Not even with starting fluid. I assumed the carb so I dismounted it and tore it apart, and it was in pretty bad shape. The float was surrounded by sludge and it was stuck in one spot.

I cleaned everthing with carb cleaner, shot all the jets out.. got everything looking real real nice. I emptied the gas tank of it's 4-5 year old fuel and filled it with fresh. The diaphram was leaking from a few holes, so I sealed them up.

I removed the air filter, the material just disintegrated in my fingers.. so I ordered a new one. Should be here tomorrow or the next day. I replaced the spark plug.

So, I put everything back together and give it a pull.. nothing. I put a little started fluid in the air box and it fires up, but dies instantly. I pull again and it starts, this time I get on the throttle and I keep it alive for 2-3 minutes. But, as soon as i let off the throttle.. it immediately dies.

I ordered a rebuild kit and rebuilt the carb. New jets, o-rings, gaskets ect.

Put everything back together. Same thing. Starts only with starting fluid and will run forever with throttle engaged but dies as soon as I let off.

Issues/Questions:

1. When the E Ring is put in the 2nd notch.. The throttle valve doesn't go all the way down. Is this normal? I know one side is supposed to be up a little bit. But I thought the other side was supposed to be all the way down. I've adjusted the E Ring to go into the first notch and it brought it down slightly.. but didn't close it all the way.

2. I believe I'm missing parts on my choke. When I remove the cap, There is no o-ring, spring or plunger. Also the cord is broke up by the push/pull mechanism. Could this have any issue on it not idling but revving fine.

3. There is a backfire every once and again when i left off the throttle. What would this be a symptom of?

Any help is certainly appreciated.

[Shep1970]

Welcome, i have alt 185 version. Check gas filter inside tank im sure its gummed up, the carbs clog easy on these. Fuel pump diafram, you may need to find one from different model that will work( one that has tank under seat) I know they sell new gas primers does yours work? Put new inline gas filter? Thats about all i got, good luck

[TripleOG]

Welcome, i have alt 185 version. Check gas filter inside tank im sure its gummed up, the carbs clog easy on these. Fuel pump diafram, you may need to find one from different model that will work( one that has tank under seat) I know they sell new gas primers does yours work? Put new inline gas filter? Thats about all i got, good luck

I've checked the gas filters and blew them out. Totally rebuilt the carb with new parts. As far as the fuel pump goes, the rebuild kit was $14 shipped and a brand new mikuni pump was $13 shipped.. so i just ordered a new one, should be here tomorrow. My gas primer had a few wholes in it and it would shoot out gas from the little hole if i pumped it. And it would leak out of it to when i got it running. But I've patched it up and since have had no leaks at all.

[Shep1970]

wish i could help more, i remember just finding carb kit for mine(185) was next to imposible, u need carb parts diagram to see if choke parts are all there. Theres a few vacume+two gas lines as i remember are they hooked up right. When u get pump lnstalled let us know results.

[TripleOG]

wish i could help more, i remember just finding carb kit for mine(185) was next to imposible, u need carb parts diagram to see if choke parts are all there. Theres a few vacume+two gas lines as i remember are they hooked up right. When u get pump lnstalled let us know results.

Don't know how long ago you looked but the rebuild kits for the LT185 are on both Amazon and eBay for around $30

And yes, I went over the diagram.. I'm missing the plunger, o-ring and spring for the choke on the carburetor. And the push/pull lever up by the odometer was broke too. I've ordered all of those mentioned pieces plus a new air filter and fuel pump. I don't think the choke is really the issue because I rode the thing for a few years with the choke in that condition.

You're right, there are 3 lines coming off the carb. Under the primer is the incoming gas line. On the opposite side is the drain line. But on the top, above the primer is another spot. On mine there is no line, just a nipple. When I look that part up it says AV Hose (I'm assuming Air Vent Hose?). On yours, is that connected to anything?

[Shep1970]

I will look in the morning ill take a pic if i can get a good one. Ill have to make sure theres no bee's nest under the top plastic where choke pull is (they like that spot)!!

[TripleOG]

I will look in the morning ill take a pic if i can get a good one. Ill have to make sure theres no bee's nest under the top plastic where choke pull is (they like that spot)!!

Ah yes, I had to deal with a wasp nest inside the exhaust pipe when i first started working on it.

But yes, pics would help a lot. I've only seen these carbs broken down and not actually installed.

[Shep1970]

Ok, I took some pics. Just remember ive had this bike Since new(yes red or orange over spray, block off plate on primer worked for me years ago, but not the right way to do things) YOUR on the right track... ran good when parked (i know everyone says that). Thanks for tip on carb kit, in a couple years i'll challenge my boys to get it running. Hope this helps (yes nipple above primer that faces towards back of bike is vent) theres a line on mine thats 10 inches long, the end is just tucked in under airbox hose

[TripleOG]

Shep1970,

Thanks for the pics, they were quite helpful. I ordered the parts I need for the choke.. I also ordered a new fuel pump being as though I think mine is shot. I've yet to put it all back together though because I'm waiting on a new chain. I currently have the fuel tank and air box removed so I can get at the bolt on the opposite side of the front sprocket. As soon as the chain comes in tomorrow, I will put that on and reassemble the airbox and fuel tank.

Look forward to updating this post to let y'all know if I get it running. Thanks for all the help thus far.

[sledcrazyinCT]

Glad you got the missing choke parts on order...sounds like you are well under way getting this to run

[Zackmtr112]

I know everyone has their preference but I would sell your ALT for a ATC, KLT, or Yamaha. I just feel with the gas not being gravity fed with the tank above the motor, it just causes more problems and is more of a pain in the butt to deal with. That being said, I would buy a new carb, primer and everything between your tank and motor. You can find most parts for cheap online. You problem is %100 fuel system related.

[TripleOG]

sledcrazyinCT, I thought so too. Got everything installed and put back together. Primed it, tried first without the choke.. nothing. Then I choked it.. nothing. Gave it a few shots of starting fluid.. It started for a few seconds.. then died.

Rebuilt carb, rebuilt choke, new fuel pump, blew out all lines....

And i'm back to square one.

I just don't know what it could be anymore.

Anybody got any crazy ideas? I'm up for troubleshooting anything at this point.

Zackmtr112, I'm moving either late this year or early next year. So my plan for this was to get it back running and spend a few good months riding and hopefully teach my daughter how to ride on it. Then sell it off right before I move. If I was to get something else, it would most likely be a Yamaha quad. Possibly a Raptor or a Banshee.

And a new carb for this thing is $280, new primer is $50. For the price of those 2 alone I can buy one that runs.

Maybe it's the petcock. That the only thing that I couldn't take apart.

[sledcrazyinCT]

Have you verified compression with a gauge?

You have a fuel shut off on you rig?

[sledcrazyinCT]

seen these threads? Stock replacement carbs are expensive but this might help


http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...uzuki-125-carb

http://www.3wheelerworld.com/showthr...89#post1402589

[TripleOG]

Have you verified compression with a gauge?

You have a fuel shut off on you rig?

I do have a fuel shut off.. It was turned on when I was trying to start it.

I haven't verified my compression with a gauge. But I put my finger over the hole and cranking it blew it right off. Also it starts first try with starting fluid. I may be wrong but I don't think it's compression because of those 2 reasons.

I did see those posts by Hawaiirider. The first one looks like he had the idea to replace the stock carb with one of those generic ones. The second one looks like he was trying to sell that carb, which leads me to believe that he tried it and it didn't work.

I tried pm'ing him over a week ago to ask if that idea worked for him or not.. He didn't respond. It looks like he hasn't been active in months.

It was probably a good idea in theory.. But ended up not working when he tried. Guess we'll only find out if he responds. But I only see posts saying that he was "gonna" do it.. And not that he did it successfully.