Got one (finally)

[bradmeehan]

Yesterday I picked up TWO Sprees for $200 total - an 85 and an 86. Both, he said, haven't run in two years.

He said he got the 85 from a swap-meet and the 86 from a police auction. The 86 is trash but nearly complete minus every broken plastic piece. The 85 is in good shape and 99.9% complete, so I'll start on that one.

I drained all of the fuel out of the tank from the petcock and couldn't resist the urge to try to start it. I did get it running for about 5 seconds on starting fluid. Tonight i will remove/clean the carb (and just riiiiide) to see if that gets me anywhere.

[carp]

Sounds like you snagged a good deal.One good one and one for parts,for $200.Your karma must be all polished up bright and shiny.You've got to treat us to some pics.Good luck.Carp

[bradmeehan]

Pics of the new kids (we'll call these the 'before' pics)







Parts stash:

[Bear45-70]

The '86 has the kick starter, I would see if it runs too as a dead battery leaves you stranded with the '85. Clean the carb(s). Oh and since you have to pull half the plastics to get to the carb, putting the '85 plastic and seat on the '86 would be easy.

FYI, starting fluid and two strokes can lead to broken reeds. Most 2 stroke manufacturers recommend no starting fluid.

[bradmeehan]

Yeah. I'd like to get them both running actually and not just cannibalize the 86. The 86 has 5500+ miles on it, but he said that was the one they drove the most. I jumped on the 85 first since it looks so close to complete.


PS: No more starting fluid, I swear.

[turtle13]

i saw those and came close to buying them, but i figure i should tackle one project at a time and get the honda cub running first. those were the ones posted on craigslist right?

[bradmeehan]

Yeah, they were out in Tonganoxie. Super nice guy selling them and the price was right for two!

Cleaned the carb on the 85 today. It was FILTHY! Ran for 5 seconds then died. There is fuel at the carb drain so next stop is spark. I ordered some plugs from O'riley's and should have them tomorrow. Man, i want to get this thing running!

PS: Got an extra air filter?

[turtle13]

i wish i did, my aero needs a new one real soon. i am pretty sure it and a new belt are what is keeping it from running above 40... good luck on the sprees.
if they dont have the filter, they probably will die out after start. hold your hand 3/4 over the carb and see if it idles once the carb screws are set. if it does you probably just have an air leak in the air cleaner or a lack of filter.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

I had replied previously but evidently my missive was lost in the Ether.

First, welcome and well-bought!

Second, don't knock yourself out looking for a spark problem. If it ran for 5 seconds, you know you have it. Check out all the carb cleaning threads you can find and be persistent in finding that Mystery Pin-* of light alongside the main jet tower. It won't run unless the pilot circuit's clear. It won't fire easily unless the Bystarter circuit is also clear.

Each scooter presents its series of little challenges. Be patient and you'll overcome every one, to great satisfaction.

[Lunytune]

Here's a link to a thread with great photos of the critical places to clean.
http://www.hondaspree.net/phpBB3/viewto ... =3&t=10834

Hey Wheelman, maybe your missive needs a new guidance system?

[bradmeehan]

BTW: When i was home in Michigan visiting my parents, I found the old body panels and a perfect seat to my 85 in the attic. The body panels still have my registration sticker from 1985 on it!

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Brad M submitted:

When i was home in Michigan visiting my parents, I found the old body panels and a perfect seat to my 85 in the attic. The body panels still have my registration sticker from 1985 on it!

That's great! Rediscovering old toys or their forgotten parts is a stroll down Memory Lane. Like the time I found my Barbies and EZ-Bake Oven... Oops! Did I type that out loud??

Anyhow, good find, and a big step toward Spreestoration.

[bradmeehan]

She's aliiiive! Sort of

Another carb cleaning, new plug and tried to start it. It ran for a second so I followed Turtle's advice and held my hand over the hole in the air box to choke it and it started. Smoked like a stoner for a while then cleared up.

But... i don't think i seated the throttle cable correctly because:

1. It revved up to a billion RPMs
2. If i turned the throttle handle, it doesn't spring back nor if i raise/plunge it by hand does it have any affect on the engine
3. Turning the screws did nothing

Side note:
I remember the previous owner didn't have the hose from the air box to the carb. There was a piece of duct tape partly covering the air inlet in the carb I wondered what that was for. Now I know.

[Lunytune]

That's an easy fix. Pull the throttle cable back out, line the piston up with the tab and slide it back in. That may have been your problem all along. Nothing to be ashamed about. We all did it when we first started messing with carburetors.

[bradmeehan]

I got it seated correctly now. Thanks! I actually removed the carb to find that tab and got it down all the way.

Question (which i can post in the Tech section if needed): I seem to remember my old Spree throttles would spring back to 'off' when you let go. This one does not. Would the adjustment under the throttle handle fix that?

Also, shouldn't i be able to 'feel' the throttle cable moving as i turn the throttle?