Trying to bring the ATC back to life - ATVConnection.com ATV Enthusiast Community

Skidog5150 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 07:25 PM

Hello all,

I recently was given a 1983 Honda 185 ATC that was stored for quite a few years. It won't start, surprise.... I had to purchase new tires and I have done the following.
1. Replaced the oil
2. Removed the gas tank and cleaned it out. (it was pretty clean but I got the old gas out anyway)
3. Replace the spark plug and air filter.
4. Removed the carberator and cleaned it out. This may be a problem.
5. Lubricated the chain

I wasn't expecting a miracle for a first time start, but I was hoping that someone would have a suggestion of what I missed.

Any suggestions???

Red400EXRod · #2 (**permalink**) 06-13-2009, 08:37 PM

I sent you a PM, if you don't get any other help send an email to this guy. He has quite a few Honda trikes that he has resurrected.

shredhead7 · #3 (**permalink**) 06-15-2009, 08:18 AM

I'm going through something similar on my '86 fat cat. This might be something you've tried, but have you shot starter fluid into the carb before trying to start it? I spent all day Saturday, no luck. Took it apart again Sunday, cleaned the carb out again, this time with a small pin to poke into the different jets and ports (found some more that were clogged). Put it all back together, shot a lot of starter fluid through the air intake, put the choke on, and it fired up. It took a few attempts, each one with starter fluid, before it ran steady. I'm still having issues, but am much closer.

JeffinTD · #4 (**permalink**) 06-15-2009, 02:14 PM

I would imagine you've missed one of the low speed/idle passages while cleaning the carb, but if it won't fire at all I would begin by making sure it has spark just to eliminate an igniton problem.

Sitting for long periods, you may have to soak it in carb cleaner. I've also had really good luck with chemtool b12 carb cleaner. Be sure you blast the stuff through every hole inside the bore of the carb, plus through all the jet passages.

Might not be a bad idea to remove the petcock and make sure it doesn't have crud in it, and put some light weight oil in the spark plug hole and let it sit for a couple days to let it soak past the rings.