3 Wheeler Troubles - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Kirkland · 08-30-2004, 02:42 PM

I have a 1984 Honda 200S 3 wheeler. It used to start the first pull everytime. It still does at times. But now randomly it will just quit. Like it runs out of gas or the run switch was turned to off. I changed the spark plug, but that didnt do anything. After it dies I have to let it sit for a while before it runs again. Anyone have any pointers to fixin' this problem?

onetime2 · 08-30-2004, 03:18 PM

Sounds like a fuel problem.

How long has the gas been sitting in the tank? When was the last time you cleaned the carb?

Confederate · 08-30-2004, 03:24 PM

I have a 84 Honda Big Red, 192cc, I had a similar problem, turned out to be my air intake, it basicallydrew air in through the down pipe, mud-dobbers had gotten in there and clogged it up, cleaned it out, and now no more problems.

powerclown · 08-30-2004, 06:48 PM

As was already said, check your carb (adjust the jet screw on the carb to make it leaner) and your intake (check for obstructions). I've had 4 motorcycles (all 2-stroke) and am assuming your 3 wheeler is a 2-stroke as well.

MSD · 08-30-2004, 06:59 PM

Don't know much about that particular vehicle, but it sounds like a classic case of vapor lock.

Boo · 08-30-2004, 08:35 PM

I smell a dirty fuel tank (or screen in the tank valve or dirty fuel filter) or crap in the carb float bowl.

When it dies, disconnect the fuel line from the carb and see if fuel flows freely.

Start adding a fuel stabilizer/fuel injector cleaner to your fuel.

Kirkland · 09-10-2004, 04:03 PM

done everything you sugested. But still no go. took apart the carb found nothing in there. cleaned the air filter, wasnt much in there anyway. fuel runs through the carb when i open the drain valve. So i dont think that there is a air lock.

Now the spark plug gets wet, and is sparking. But still not even a sputter.

There is also this arm on the top of the motor. not sure what it does. it has a cable that runs down to the pull starter. right now it is disconnected. I never used it before, was always swinging free. But now that i am having problems, seems like this could be some of it.
A friend who knows a little about motors said that i could be having some timing problems. could this be it?

=(

Boo · 09-10-2004, 06:08 PM

The arm sounds like a compression release. It makes it easier to pull start by lowering the compression when pulling the starting rope.

If it is stuck, you may not have enough compression to start it.

I have had a Honda that lost the teeth off of the spark advance. It had the same symptoms. It had spark, just not at near TDC. Open the point cover and see if the advance mechanism is moving correctly. It should be on the left side I believe.

08-30-2004, 02:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kirkland Upright	3 Wheeler Troubles I have a 1984 Honda 200S 3 wheeler. It used to start the first pull everytime. It still does at times. But now randomly it will just quit. Like it runs out of gas or the run switch was turned to off. I changed the spark plug, but that didnt do anything. After it dies I have to let it sit for a while before it runs again. Anyone have any pointers to fixin' this problem?

08-30-2004, 03:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
onetime2 Junkie Location: NJ	Sounds like a fuel problem. How long has the gas been sitting in the tank? When was the last time you cleaned the carb? __________________ Strive to be more curious than ignorant.

08-30-2004, 08:35 PM	#6 (permalink)
Boo Leave me alone! Location: Alaska, USA	I smell a dirty fuel tank (or screen in the tank valve or dirty fuel filter) or crap in the carb float bowl. When it dies, disconnect the fuel line from the carb and see if fuel flows freely. Start adding a fuel stabilizer/fuel injector cleaner to your fuel. __________________ Back button again, I must be getting old.

09-10-2004, 04:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
Kirkland Upright	done everything... done everything you sugested. But still no go. took apart the carb found nothing in there. cleaned the air filter, wasnt much in there anyway. fuel runs through the carb when i open the drain valve. So i dont think that there is a air lock. Now the spark plug gets wet, and is sparking. But still not even a sputter. There is also this arm on the top of the motor. not sure what it does. it has a cable that runs down to the pull starter. right now it is disconnected. I never used it before, was always swinging free. But now that i am having problems, seems like this could be some of it. A friend who knows a little about motors said that i could be having some timing problems. could this be it? =(

09-10-2004, 06:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
Boo Leave me alone! Location: Alaska, USA	The arm sounds like a compression release. It makes it easier to pull start by lowering the compression when pulling the starting rope. If it is stuck, you may not have enough compression to start it. I have had a Honda that lost the teeth off of the spark advance. It had the same symptoms. It had spark, just not at near TDC. Open the point cover and see if the advance mechanism is moving correctly. It should be on the left side I believe. __________________ Back button again, I must be getting old.

08-30-2004, 03:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Confederate Death Leprechaun Location: College Station, TX	I have a 84 Honda Big Red, 192cc, I had a similar problem, turned out to be my air intake, it basicallydrew air in through the down pipe, mud-dobbers had gotten in there and clogged it up, cleaned it out, and now no more problems.

08-30-2004, 06:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
powerclown Junkie Location: Detroit, MI	As was already said, check your carb (adjust the jet screw on the carb to make it leaner) and your intake (check for obstructions). I've had 4 motorcycles (all 2-stroke) and am assuming your 3 wheeler is a 2-stroke as well.

08-30-2004, 06:59 PM	#5 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	Don't know much about that particular vehicle, but it sounds like a classic case of vapor lock.