Go kart won't stay running

[Poboy kartman]

While you have the carb apart, shake that float close to your ear.It shouldn't make any noise. My first and still best guess is a float/needle problem.It's the most likely cause of the abundance of fuel you described

 

[Poboy kartman]

Something just occurred to me. You described a pilot jet in your first post. If you backed that out 1 1/2 turns then that was your problem. I backed mine off less than 1/4 and gas poured out. That jet needs to be screwed in all the way.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Something just occurred to me. You described a pilot jet in your first post. If you backed that out 1 1/2 turns then that was your problem. I backed mine off less than 1/4 and gas poured out. That jet needs to be screwed in all the way.

Sure, but are they the same model carb? Some carbs use a pilot air screw, some a pilot fuel screw. Different jetting, etc. One rule doesn't fit all.

 

[robertsfd2002]

Thanks for the advice. I'm about to reassemble it all. I'll check the float. I'll monkey around with the screw. I'll cross my fingers.

I'll note what happens, or doesn't happen when it's done.

 

[Poboy kartman]

Sure, but are they the same model carb? Some carbs use a pilot air screw, some a pilot fuel screw. Different jetting, etc. One rule doesn't fit all.

Not the same carbs-but the same symptoms. Too bad I didn't read this thread before. It would have been an easy thing to try.

 

[robertsfd2002]

YYYYEEEEEEEEEEEE-HHHHAAAAAAAWWWWWWWW!!!!!

Success!!!

What was different? I cleaned the carb twice before. This time let it soak overnight in lemon juice and was able to get a small wire through the pilot jet; before could not but I think my wire was tweaked at the end and was too big. And only screwed out the adjustment screw 1/2 turn.

Rode it up the road and back. Unfortunately have to go to work and working late nights next 2 days so it will be Thursday before I can get back on and surprise the kids.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

A follow-up question: some white smoke out the exhaust; not thick white smoke, but it is visible. Ideas why this would occur? Anything I should consider doing?

And other than changing the oil, is there anything else you would recommend since this has sat for over 3 years?

 

[Poboy kartman]

The most common cause of white smoke is burning antifreeze (a cracked head) since this is an air cooled engine, I believe we can rule that out. A small amount of white smoke usually means a small amount of oil is getting past the valves.Most likely result-spark plug may foul a little faster than normal and it could gunk up the exhaust a little.
LOTS of blue smoke indicates bad ring seal and problems. Putting hours on the motor may make the little bit of oil getting past the valves go away.At any rate a small amount is no big deal.

EDIT:Almost forgot-another cause is overfilling the crankcase with oil.

 

[landuse]

Your rings are probably a bit worn. I would not worry too much if it just a little bit of smoke.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Change that oil quickly. With it sitting so long, and the possibility of fuel it in, I wouldn't trust it to lubricate door hinges, much less your engine. If it is contaminated or broken down, it's more prone to burning and smoking. Judge it after you've changed it.

 

[robertsfd2002]

It is sweet riding this thing again. Runs well. Changed crankcase oil and gearbox oil. I'm coming home early this afternoon to surprise my boys after they get home from school. Thanks again to everyone for their help. I've definitely learned something that will help me in the future.

Should I be worried that when I'm idling down a fairly steep hill, not giving any gas, the exhaust pipe is popping? Give it gas and it doesn't though.