Hard starting check list?

[vegansydney]

I just pulled a Lambretta out of storage after a year and it's not starting. It has spark and is getting fuel but won't kick over. So far I've done the following:

-replaced CDI
-replaced HT lead and cap
-replaced carb and jetted to spec
-replaced flywheel (SIL for balanced BGM)
-drained fuel and refilled with fresh
-checked choke is seating correctly
-took off fuel cap (no vapor lock)
-isolated the ignition switch (green wire)
-checked compression (good)
-performed a leak down test (holding air)

Before I annoy a friend, what else should I check LT coil? Air gap on flywheel? I'm a jet lagged wreck so I'm sure I've overlooked several things.

[bookertmgs1]

Thats quite a list so far.

- is the plug wet when you have checked it after kicking it over ?
- checked all your other connections inc regulator and earths
- Throttle cable not being held / stuck somehow
- should start regardless - even if timing is wrong
- its basic - but have you tried some easy start down plug &/or mouth of carb - just to get it to fire
- checked exhaust not blocked.

[vegansydney]

Thanks for the prompt response! In answer to your questions:

-the plug is wet after kicking over
-regulator connections are fine as is the earth to the flywheel cowl/mag housing
-throttle cable is opening slide easily---I checked this several times
-I tried easy start several times, but forgot to mention in the original post.

I've not checked the exhaust. Will do tomorrow. Anything else I should check?

[Rich Oswald]

I suppose there's a chance your rings could have gummed up and stuck after parking it up.

Rich'

[vegansydney]

I suppose there's a chance your rings could have gummed up and stuck after parking it up.

Interesting point. I performed a compression test as I though the same, but discounted it after a high reading on the gauge after a few kicks.

[duncan1958]

I would put the flywheel that you have taken off ,back on and give it a try.
It's remotely possible that the pick up height is not compatible with the BGM flywheel and needs adjusting.
Check the outputs of the stator with a ohms meter,although not conclusive it's a good start.

[MickYork]

Finger in suppressor cap to confirm spark.....painful but foolproof

[vegansydney]

I would put the flywheel that you have taken off ,back on and give it a try.
It's remotely possible that the pick up height is not compatible with the BGM flywheel and needs adjusting.
Check the outputs of the stator with a ohms meter,although not conclusive it's a good start.

Thank you! Will do. Appreciate all the recommendations.

Finger in suppressor cap to confirm spark.....painful but foolproof

I can see it sparking, don't know if I need to 'confirm' it

[srx600]

Old fuel ?. I have a four stroke single which, if left for long periods, will will only start if I empty the fuel bowl.

[Leotech]

Is it flooded?

Did you try fuel and choke off and hold it flat out and kick it or push it in second gear ?

[bookertmgs1]

any progress ?

- as above - check its not flooded. Clear the barrel, dont turn fuel back on and then try easy start again
- Amazed that nothing happens with easy start - any sort of spark should make it at least do something - even a splutter
- whipping the exhaust off should give you access for a partial look at the state of the rings
- Maybe swap the stator for a known good one - even if yours is sparking
- Checked plug gap

[jonw]

"It's remotely possible that the pick up height is not compatible with the BGM flywheel and needs adjusting"

+1

[hullygully]

could still spark with low stator readings bud

[vegansydney]

Managed to get it started and running, but still none the wiser of what was the exact cause.

My good friend (and mentor extraordinaire) and I spent some time going through everything yesterday. First thing we checked was the stator and readings were completely fine. I believe it was a combination of choke cable sticking occasionally and possibly the 17°ignition timing making it hard to start.

It's a very mild tune Suzuki 185, Clubman, TM24 and now it's running so I can put some klicks on it and see if I can work out the exact issue.

Huge thanks for all the help and advice!