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hello Guys:

I have what I think is a Solo 54cc Engine. please see pics. when I went to try and start it, I was not able to get the engine to go no matter what i did. I checked the spark and made sure that was working. I put a little gas in the carb and I still could not get it to go. I have some experience with the Zenoah Engines, but this is driving me nuts. so I then took the carb off to check things out. and this is why Im posting here. looking at the carb, I see what i think is the gas path blocked off with some rubber material. please see the pics below. how is the carb suppose to get gas to the engine when this is blocked off. please see the pics and any help would be greatly appreciated.


thanks

carb2 pic was also blocked off with gasket material.

I am no expert but I will tell you what I think.

That carb should have a second butterfly on the inside (it will run without it, and makes it easier to tune without it.)
And I believe there is a hole from the crankcase that runs through the carb spacer and then into the carb that helps the carbs diaphragm pump fuel (could I guess run with it blocked off but may have issues under certain RPMs or make it very hard to start because there is no primer bulb)

I say dip the carb in gas for a day replace the gasket or use some rtv with a string running in the center of the rtv put it all together and when starting blast a little brake cleaner in the intake and she should wake right up. (yes carb cleaner is probably not the best to use but damn does it get an engine screaming)
If she still doesn't want to run buy a rebuild kit i think they run like 20 - 40 bucks for a carb that size

All that is assuming there is no air leak and it is tuned close to correct

a187lbird:

thanks for your help and reply!! I have a few more question? please see the pics I posted. the one thing I cant seem to understand is why didnthte engine start when I put gas into the carb? even if the carb is bad, it should still start? Am I missing something?

I am assuming its from a bad gasket sucking to much air and not allowing it to start. replacing that gasket or making your own with some high temp silicone and spraying some brake cleaner down in there right before you crank it should get it to fire.
Brake cleaner is not good for rubber seals but is highly flammable and evaporates quickly making it effective at starting pain in the A$$ engines. Also another thing to take a look at is the spark plugs gap to big and you get a week spark to close and not enough fuel gets in between to start ignition.

oh and yes where you had the arrow is where there once was a second butterfly, I believe that butterfly was the choke butterfly it will run without it and a matter of fact it will probably run better without it (harder to start but better runner). You just have to make sure the silicone the person used before to plug the holes are intact and not sucking air through them.
You can also clear out the holes and then use a silver or brass solder to fill the holes just make sure you smooth down the inner solder so you don't disrupt air flow.
Also if you do not feel like going through all the trial and error and modding stuff you can still find those carbs online, they will run you about 100 bucks.

Ok I just found this for you.

Parts diagram, tuning, and problem solving PDF: http://henigins.com/yahoo_site_admin/as ... 120831.pdf

Replacement parts: http://www.promowerparts.com/pages/OemP ... DAHDA531~1

I am sorry for posting over and over again LOL...
Ok from what I have read having the hole clogged for the crankcase pressure is a nono that little hole that feeds into the black intake manifold and then to the carb, that has to be free because that is from what I can tell is the only way the fuel diaphragm works.

a187lbird:

thanks for all your help. I ordered a rebuild kit and will let you know how it works out.

thanks

So how is everything going? Did you get it to run?

haven't had any time yet. Im hoping this weekend

Any update? did you get this bad boy running?

not yet. havent had the time. but im starting to think the spark plug isnt the right one. I plan on ordering one and seeing if that helps. I hope im right.

Ok guys

I have had it with this engine. I think it's time to completely disassemble it and see if there is an internal problem. The latest update is I think the carb is working as it should. The spark plug is good and working but while starting the engine, I can see gas coming out of the exhaust headers which leads me to believe the engine is getting flooded. I also made a gasket out of gasket material to make sure there is no leaks. I then took the spark plug out and disconnected the gas line to the carb to empty the engine of any gas. I then tried to start it using starter fluid and still no luck. My next step is to get a new manifold and carb. Any input would be great. Thanks