Blaster won't start

[96blasteryfs200]

What's up blasteforum people. My buddy has a pre-03 model blaster that wont start. It is 100% stock, and has the infamous bad back brakes I:I It will start if it's 50 degrees or higher, but if it's any colder it won't show any signs of starting. Since it's not my blaster to mess around with I didn't want to start messing with the air screw or idle or taking the carb off, but if there is something really simple that I can try that I'm missing please let me know. I know I will be told to leak test, but as I said it's not my blaster and I don't want to mess with it. It's disappointing because this would be the first time I would get to ride a blaster X(

 

[Blaaster]

Firstly, keep your thumb off the throttle when starting cold with choke on.

The air screw should be 1 1/2 turns anti clockwise from lightly seated.

You could have an air leak somewhere.

Chipped or broken reeds make for very hard starting.

 

[96blasteryfs200]

I did keep my thumb off the throttle, both from experience with my ttr and from what you have said, saying the choke works at idle. I was thinking of checking the air screw but it was late and dark out, plus the blaster is 100 long feet away from the garage. (This kid is full of excuses, right?!)

 

[Blaaster]

Has it been standing for a period?

Not starting from cold, makes me think a blocked passage in the fuel enrichment circuit.

Fuel starvation by some other means, or reeds.

 

[96blasteryfs200]

I'm not exactly sure how long it's been sitting for. I think it gets ridden at least once a week. It has good gas. The problem didn't just start, I guess it always does this when it gets cold out. Would you suggest using a little engine starter?

 

[Blaaster]

I never recommend any engine starter as it contains no lubrication.

When was the last time it was tested for air leaks, it should be done at least twice a season?

I trust that you realise that when the weather gets cold you have to change the jetting to compensate.

For every 20 deg drop in temp the main jet should be made 1 size larger.

The needle too may need to be richened up.

As the temperature drops the motor demands more fuel to operate.

 

[tbrooks]

I don't know as much as the other guys here ^^ I'm sure he's on the right track but is it getting spark? I know sometimes electrical problems can be temperature related

 

[Blaaster]

/\ /\ /\ That's a good call, sometimes when the weather is very cold electrical problems rear their ugly head.

It may pay to see what the spark is like.

 

[Larry's Shee]

X-2 on checking spark. Maybe try a new plug.

Either you or the owner needs to take the bull by the horns and check things out. Wether it be dirty/plugged carb or something else it needs to be checked out, or we may see it on CL for $200 with a blown motor, or a pizzed owner cause it won't start.