Troubleshooting brand new Predator212

[ThaKarter]

Hi,
I got a brand new predator 212. Put in the oil and gasoline. Those were both new as well. I followed the directions and when I went to pull the chord it doesn't start and doesn't make any engine type of noises. Occasionally there will be a little pop if I pull enough, but most times it is just silent. Does anyone know what this might be? I've never operated an engine like this, even on a lawn mower so it could very well be obvious.
Thanks

 

[firemanjim]

Make sure the on/off switch is on. Push the gas lever to the right, to open fuel supply. Close choke. Pull the cord couple times . Should start, or try to start. Open choke ,try again. If it don't start, close choke and repeat till it starts. Then open choke.
EDIT
Make sure spark plug is tight.

 

[mr gunby]

Are you sure it is gas that you put in it? I know this sounds stupid, but several years ago I bought a returned lawn mower from Lowes the repair ticket read drained kerosene and installed gas. They had two identical mowers with the same repairs done. I still thank that person. $400 mower for $125.

 

[ThaKarter]

It was the spark plug. Was a tiny bit loose. That or my pulling technique has gotten much better.
Thanks

 

[StratCat]

It was the spark plug. Was a tiny bit loose. That or my pulling technique has gotten much better.
Thanks

 

[Poboy kartman]

Hate to say this..........but......it would be the first time I've ever encountered that.....hard to believe a slightly loose spark plug.....

Reason: I run them all the time with loose spark plugs while doing diagnostics.....

I think that's coincidental....but glad it's at least running now.....I think it may be more an iffy ignition wire or spark plug.....

Keep us informed.....

 

[ThaKarter]

Ok I will keep posted. I took it for its first run today. I was surprised that it went so slow. Its a 6.5 hp engine with this torque converter: http://www.ebay.com/itm/33103394900...49.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&rmvSB=true and at basically full throttle it was going around 10 mph. I do have really large wheels. They are golf kart wheels, 18x8.5-8. I'm about 180lb. I know those factors make it go slower, but didn't realize it would move this slow even with TC. Does that sound like it makes sense, or should I get the engine check out.
Thanks

 

[crazykart]

Ok, so 18 inch tires, tc.... what are your sprocket sizes first off, before we jump to any assumptions.

 

[ThaKarter]

o sorry my bad. 72 and 12. Chain is #35

 

[OzFab]

6:1 on 18's, that's not healthy, even with a TC...

However, it should'nt be as bad as you say; it is possible the TC isn't shifting because the gear ratio is too high but, I don't think so...

Now is the time to add some pics...

 

[ThaKarter]

So your saying I should downsize to a 60t? Here's a bunch of photos, hope they help. It needs to be painted red but I don't think that's the issue either.

 

[crazykart]

No, upsize, with big tires you want a higher ratio, usually 8:1, so think 10t driver 80 driven, something like that. Might be ok with between 7:1 and 8:1. Still though 10mph with a 6:1 18" tires and tc... you should be going a bit faster then that.

When was the last time you cleaned the tc? I know it looks nice and shiny, but taking it off and cleaning, and making sure everything looks right is always worth the time.

Idk looks like a nice light kart too on top of it.

Lets wait for some more opinions as I cant see the pics too well on my phone and am at work so no comp access atm. Someone might be able to see something that I cant.

 

[Half-breeder]

Well... your mathematically suppose to be doing 30-35mph. IMO of things to check...not nessecarily in this order...

Check if the spring is the proper one (usually a red one on knock-offs) meaning you 'may' have a revered spring (yes there is such an animal).

You 'may' have the wrong belt. Here is the one you should have.

Check if the driven is preloaded... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmGY0qsgW4Y



If 'that's' good... ensure the long key stock, that locks the driven to the JShaft, isnt pushing up against the bearing of the JS as the mylar (sp?) nut is tightened.

Check the engine to see if the throttle limiter screw is unscrewed all the way (up on the throttle linkage).

Ensure when the pedal is pressed all the way... does the carb open up all the way?

I have installed afew (8 to date) HF212 w/ a TAV2 setups on just as many different sized karts. I currently run a 'similar' setup on my own kart. I run a 4.5:1 ratio on 16" wheels. My total weight of kart is right at 300lbs and I do 50mph. I dont recommend the ratio that I run to anyone nor do I recommend the engine mods I did... due to the topspeed and the lower amount of torque.

The 'norm' (on the 8 that Ive done) for the HF212/TAV2 setup is an 18" wheel and a 6:1 ratio. Ive put that setup on 3 Yerf-dog suspension karts (400-600lbs total) and was able to climb hills that my truck wont go up... and they have yet to replace a belt or anything.

 

[ThaKarter]

Okay thanks so much. I already know that the throttle limiter screw is not unscrewed all the way, so that's one thing. I'll check out the torque converter too. It also looks like the torque converter came with a backup sprocket that is 10t, should I try putting that in? I'm going away for about 10 days, but when I get back I'll look into all of these things and let you know how it goes.
Thanks!

 

[cvcart]

Are you still having the speed issue? If so.... I see in the picture looking down on your throttle linkage that the cable is through the stop. I have the same set up on a golf cart and i get 19mph out of it. But when my cable slips through the stop(like yours) it will barely move at all. Try adjusting the cable. Pull the cable sleeve back and tighten the screw. Works for me and my 212 is movin a ezgo golf cart with two people at 19mph. Hope this helps....Good luck