So, you've carefully reviewed Step One (Initial Start Procedure) and still can't get your Rampage to fire. The next step to troubleshooting is to check to see if your engine is flooded.
Engine flooding is a common problem with all large scale engines and is easily done. These motors run on air/fuel vapour and any pooled fuel in the cylinder as a result of over pulling, excessive throttle use during start up procedure, choke left on during starting etc, will inevitably result is a flooded motor.
The more the cord is pulled without it firing, the more fuel is being loaded into the lower end and the more likely it is that your engine is flooded.
How to "de-flood" your engine:
Additional tips:
Holding the throttle at WOT during pull-starting may also bring the engine back to life, after all surplus fuel has been emptied and allowed to evaporate using steps 2 - 4 above.
Alternative de-flooding method by the engine masters at OBR:
Engine flooding is a common problem with all large scale engines and is easily done. These motors run on air/fuel vapour and any pooled fuel in the cylinder as a result of over pulling, excessive throttle use during start up procedure, choke left on during starting etc, will inevitably result is a flooded motor.
The more the cord is pulled without it firing, the more fuel is being loaded into the lower end and the more likely it is that your engine is flooded.
How to "de-flood" your engine:
- Remove the spark plug – If the tip is wet, the plug may be fouled in which case it will need replacing.
- With the spark plug removed, open throttle to max (WOT), no choke, pull starter cord 10-20 times to clear out any fuel that has accumulated in the engine (do this with care to avoid splashes to face etc – and of course avoid smoking / flames during the process). Turning the vehicle upside down will aid in removing any fuel in the crankcase. Also make sure any fuel that may have entered the pipe is drained out.
- Move the piston to top dead center (TDC) and tilt the vehicle backward (wheelie style) to allow any fuel to drain out of the engine, through the exhaust port and out of the end of the pipe.
- Leave the spark plug hole open to allow surplus fuel to evaporate from the cylinder. Leave for at least hour or longer dependant on temp (preferably overnight).
- Install a NEW spark plug and repeat the initial start up procedure
Additional tips:
Holding the throttle at WOT during pull-starting may also bring the engine back to life, after all surplus fuel has been emptied and allowed to evaporate using steps 2 - 4 above.
Alternative de-flooding method by the engine masters at OBR:
Still no start?
Follow steps 1 - 5 again. This time, turn the H and L needles clockwise to fully close. Then pull start until you hear the engine momentarily start (pop). Then set the needles back to stock settings (1 1/4 out on the low, 1 1/2 out on the high) and pull the starter handle again. Following the choke procedure in the Initial Start Procedure may also help but use it with caution to avoid re-flooding the engine again - Listen carefully for that 'pop', un-choke and pull start again.
A badly flooded engine can be a real pain to start – be persistent with the de-flooding procedure.
Proceed to step 3 - Loose Bolts
Follow steps 1 - 5 again. This time, turn the H and L needles clockwise to fully close. Then pull start until you hear the engine momentarily start (pop). Then set the needles back to stock settings (1 1/4 out on the low, 1 1/2 out on the high) and pull the starter handle again. Following the choke procedure in the Initial Start Procedure may also help but use it with caution to avoid re-flooding the engine again - Listen carefully for that 'pop', un-choke and pull start again.
A badly flooded engine can be a real pain to start – be persistent with the de-flooding procedure.
Proceed to step 3 - Loose Bolts