low rpm is like hitting the kill switch

[RobbieThoreson]

I have a 83 185s that I bought two weeks ago and can't get it to start with the pull start. The only way to get it to go that we have found it to push it with another wheeler. But it don't seem like a carb issue or anything bc as your pushing it, it will not fire until the rpms reach a certain point. Then it fires right up. It runs good while riding but again, if you let the rpms dip at all, it's like the kill switch is flipped. Even if coasting down hill. What I was wondering is if this has ever been a problem for anyone in the past.

[Jmoozy27]

Sounds like a clogged pilot jet to me. Clean the carb and air filter, possibly replace the pilot jet.

[RobbieThoreson]

Well I replaced the carb last night with a brand new one. I was able to get it started cold but with 10-15 pulls. When warm though, absolutely nothing. It did seam like I could get it to idle a little lower but I still had some stalling issues.

[mendoAu]

Check out some of the "CDI" threads on here. If you read enough you will find info to get a fairly cheap replacement.

[jonolanracin]

I would do a compression test to make sure its got plenty before you start buying parts and much else . its free easy to test and that could explain why it starts when pulling it . if you cant test compression try spraying starting fluid in air filter and if its starts easy and runs ok that would be a symtom of low compression.

[RobbieThoreson]

The compression test is a good idea, I do not have one right now but will order one the post results.

[RobbieThoreson]

Ok, compression tester is on the way

[350for350]

If your compression is low, put a little oil in the cylinder through the spark plug hole and do the test again. This is called a wet compression test. What this does is the oil will help make a better seal between your rings and the cylinder wall. If the compression is a lot higher on the wet test than on the dry test, your rings aren't sealing. If it's about the same, your valves aren't sealing.

[RobbieThoreson]

Ok I got the tester now. Do it test it warm or cold? Or both just to see?

[yaegerb]

I prefer cold, but that's a matter of opinion. Hold throttle wide open when starting and keep pulling until the tester needle stops. I like to do three tests and take the average so I can exclude user error.

[barnett468]

Also, with the spark plug hole facing away from the light, lay the plug on the head with the wire connected and yank the pull cord while you look at the plug.

very weak/faint yellow means weak ignition.

strong and yellow means it "should" easily start.

pale blue is the best but most old hondas won't have this.

also, post a photo of the plug if you can . if the end is really black, you need to clean it.

check the plug gap . around .026 - .028 will work for now.

[sanchez]

Check valve clearance...

[RobbieThoreson]

Compression testing today. The spark plug has great spark and I just changed it last week. I also put a new coil on at the same time bc the po he'd a bunch of really old duct tape on it. I just bought another cheap pair of feeler guages to bend up so I can check the valves too. And after all this tinkering around with it, everything I have done has helped it little by little. It is running good 90% of the time now. I would just like to take a min and thank everyone. You have been so helpful.