Spree runs for about 20 seconds then dies... please help!

[Twade24]

So I got an '86 spree as a gift but it has been sitting with gas in the tank for who knows how long. Got it, siphoned out the gas, got a new battery, spark plug and it wouldn't run, so I took apart the carburetor, cleaned out all the jets, float, and crevices using rubbing alcohol and brake cleaner. Put it back on, tested the fuel lines and gas is flowing when it turns over. Also, I looked up how to test the fuel solenoid and took it off to apply voltage and it functions well (off of the bike at least). There is no air filter, I ordered one online, so to get compression I can cover up the air intake a bit with my fingers to get it started but it dies after a solid 20 seconds of running either flooded or starving for gas. Then it has a tough time starting again. I think that it isn't getting enough gas but I cant tell. Thank you I appreciate all help!!

[motormike]

Inside the carburetor bowl, there is a separate bowl to supply gas to the "solenoid" you refer.
This solenoid is called "bystarter".
The "well" beneath the bystarter is running out of gas and engine dies.
The reason is because the "orifice" at the bottom of the carb bowl that feeds gas into the bystarter well is not completely clean.
It has been reduced in size by varnishing of the gas.
This is a very tiny hole and must be cleaned to keep up with the demand of gas being called for by the engine.
Since the orifice is not completely open, the replenishment of gas is too slow to keep the gas flowing through the enrichment circuit. (the circuit controlled by the bystarter)
There is also the possibility of the idle jet being clogged...

[Twade24]

Awesome thanks for the help I will try and let you know!

[Twade24]

Inside the carburetor bowl, there is a separate bowl to supply gas to the "solenoid" you refer.
This solenoid is called "bystarter".
The "well" beneath the bystarter is running out of gas and engine dies.
The reason is because the "orifice" at the bottom of the carb bowl that feeds gas into the bystarter well is not completely clean.
It has been reduced in size by varnishing of the gas.
This is a very tiny hole and must be cleaned to keep up with the demand of gas being called for by the engine.
Since the orifice is not completely open, the replenishment of gas is too slow to keep the gas flowing through the enrichment circuit. (the circuit controlled by the bystarter)
There is also the possibility of the idle jet being clogged...

I took the carb apart once again to do what you said. The orifice you spoke of was partially open, so I cleaned it out very thoroughly, however the scooter responds the same way. It starts (provided I alter the air intake with my hand) revs, then dies.

[Rip_City_Spree]

Sprees don't like to run without air filters. Pretty finicky that way. Not saying that's your issue but it won't help not having one on there. Just keep that in mind. Sounds like you've got a good handle on everything else.

[motormike]

I took the carb apart once again to do what you said. The orifice you spoke of was partially open, so I cleaned it out very thoroughly, however the scooter responds the same way. It starts (provided I alter the air intake with my hand) revs, then dies.

Okay...good work.
If the enrichment circuit is working right, it starts and idles high until the bystarter gets warm enough to extend the needle which stops gas flow in the circuit.
When the engine dies at that point, it would suggest that the pilot jet is not open enough to maintain ignition, so it dies.
This jet is not removable in Spree, so it takes some voo-doo to get it right sometimes.
Cleaning a carburetor with Chem-Dip and compressed air is the standard.
This is the way I do it, along with Jet-Cleaning files that are a MUST for this job. (guitar strings, in a pinch)
Ultra-sonics is another excellent way.
Spray cans of carb-cleaner will not always dislodge/disolve the varnish that tends to plug the jet.
I don't re-assemble any carb without verifying the jets are open.
Notice : you do not know if the jet is open if you don't VERIFY it.
My way of Verifying the jet is open is this : With the small pipe that inserts into the spray can of carb-cleaner,
insert the pipe into the pilot jet passage from the bowl side, hold firmly against the surface, and quick-spray through the passage while observing through the carb throat to see the spary exiting the orifice in the throat. WEAR SAFETY GLASSES.
Good luck with this carb...pix are good when you get into it. Hope we can help...

[patthesoundguy]

the instructions that mike has given should fix the issue. but brake cleaner is not always the best for getting rid of carb varnish, it is has a slightly different chemical make up than carb cleaner although similar. I find carb cleaner will disolve varish where some brake cleaner wont touch it. there is also another test for the bystarter circuit in the manual, it requires a vacuum tester or an ear syringe from the drug store. you also need the air filter and air box to get proper stock operation without them getting the motor to run properly will be a royal pain in the backside. i would also suggest that you double check the idle air mixture screw and idle speed according to the manual. if the mixture is way off you wont have much luck. especially with no air filter. set the idle air screw to stock spec, choke the carb with your fingers a bunch and try and start it see if you can vary the amount you choke it to get to rev up. if it revs up choked that tells you its lean.

[motormike]

Awesome thanks for the help I will try and let you know!

Yes, we all benefit from your findings, so please post what you do to fix this problem...

[Daremo]

This is exactly the problem I'm having with the '88 elite ES that I bought. So.... I'll be working right alongside you on this one! Off to see if there are any pics of this pinhole to the 2nd resevoir so I will know what to look for. Good luck!

[motormike]

This is exactly the problem I'm having with the '88 elite ES that I bought. So.... I'll be working right alongside you on this one! Off to see if there are any pics of this pinhole to the 2nd resevoir so I will know what to look for. Good luck!

Easy to find...the bystarter needle fits into it's own compartment of the float bowl.
The pinhole is located toward the bottom of that compartment, visible inside the float bowl.
There is a pic somewhere, possibly Wikispreedia under carb cleaning..not sure.

[Daremo]

RideRed you are amazing! Looking into the bowl I found the pinhole you are talking about. NOTHING is getting through it right now. I'm taking the E string off of my guitar right now to try to clear it.

[patthesoundguy]

RideRed you are amazing! Looking into the bowl I found the pinhole you are talking about. NOTHING is getting through it right now. I'm taking the E string off of my guitar right now to try to clear it.

guitar stings work well but try the B, G or maybe even D if its an aoustic with light or med gauge. You need under .030" or so to fit in there and be stiff enough. E strings are pretty small at 0.009 to 0.013. poke and spray until light comes through. A torch tip cleaner tool is also great for that type of job. Ive used tiny numbered drills to get a small hole then poked with guitar strings, torch tip cleaner or welding wire to open all the way

[Daremo]

Update (Sorry to horn in on your thread but what I get done may help you too I hope!).

Used the guitar wire and lots more Carb Cleaner still can't see light through it but after the reassembly it idles just fine but bogs down when you give it the gas. You can play with the throttle to get it up to a certain speed and then ZOOM it takes off to up to 30mph.
When I was poking the wire through (Like threading a needle) it felt like there was a rubber fitting or something in there and I didn't want to ruin anything in there so I got the wire through and that's it. Is there anything in there that is supposed to be in there? Or should I just consider it gunk and clean it out?
So don't give up on the Spree. If I can get mine going with no mechanical ability at ALL, so can you!

[Daremo]

Update2: I took a chance and cleaned it out real well with the guitar string and....... runs like a raped ape! Just a a small gasket leak in the carb now but other than THAT it runs great! Should do even better after I get the 879 octane gas out and put in the 90 + like the manual says.......
Thanks for all the help, now lets get yours running Noob!

[patthesoundguy]

the stock spree should run just fine on the 87 octane. it wont hurt to run higher octane either. if you can stay away from ethanol by going up in octane that might be a good idea. I fgure for how little fuel goes in a spree tank, if it costs a little more to keep ethanol out of it then so be it. I found through after a bunch of testing that my aero 80 likes 89 oct over 87 but got no noticeable change with 91 over 89. Save some cash and only run as high an octane as the motor requires.