1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Trying to get your Spree/Elite to run, or run better? Post your questions here.

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FredB32
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

I should add here as well - I'm 99% comfortable I cleaned the carb well the first time, but I did order an ultrasonic cleaner and will be soaking it later today or tomorrow as well just to make sure I didn't miss anything. All the holes in the jets were cleared and I sprayed/soaked it with carb cleaner for a bit, but it wouldn't hurt to give it a more thorough cleaning.

What do folks recommend as a fluid for the cleaner?
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Wheelman-111
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by Wheelman-111 »

Greetings:

Absolutely anything is possible but the spark for the SB50 is Alternator dependent, so in theory it should run without a battery. I'm not sure if the Elite 80 needs a battery or not, but the Elite E should not. I didn't see that you had removed or replaced the spark plug? Its condition can tell a tale of operating conditions. While it's off, consider a compression test. Some electrical components become heat sensitive as they begin to fail. Each component can be tested with a simple multi-meter from the hardware store according to procedures in the Service Manual. Good luck!
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by motormike »

I see many saying that Pinesol is the shizzle for sonic cleaners.
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

"I didn't see that you had removed or replaced the spark plug?"

I did pull the plug and take a look at it. No signs of oil or anything of the sort, seems like it's burning pretty clean (which may also indicate slightly or overall lean as well?). I didn't notice any obvious discoloration, and I'm told it gets replaced every year so it should be relatively new.

I'll be checking the compression later today or tomorrow and will update...
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

Alright, so I went back to basics a bit tonight...finally got a decent compression tester - comes in at 130 psi, so that can't be the issue.

There was a delay in the shipment of my sonic cleaner, otherwise I would have zapped the carb tonight. I did pull it off and take it apart, but now it's just sitting there lol

From what I'm seeing, am I correct in assuming there shouldn't be anything attached to the oil pump here? Sounds like there would be a cable attached on the unrestricted models?
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FredB32
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

Also, is it possible to get just the washer indicated? I might have lost it :)
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by Volvo850R »

Have you tried taking off gas cap or drilling a small hole through it, to help the tank vent and inprove fuel flow? ..
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

"Have you tried taking off gas cap or drilling a small hole through it, to help the tank vent and inprove fuel flow? .."

I've run it without the gas cap on and it didn't make any difference. Fuel is definitely getting to the carb as well, as there's always fuel in the bowl after trying to start or when I do actually get it running for a few minutes. I may just replace the float as well, to be on the safe side. There's not really much more after that, once the carb is cleaned.
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

Did anyone know how far the little spring part should stick out if the float valve? Everything seems in order but I'm running out of things to try here. The float valve looks new with essentially no wear, the spring moves in and out easily, the float itself isn't cracked, and when the whole assembly was together it sprung back when I pushed it...

The carb went through the sonic cleaner earlier today, got blown out well and is drying. Going to put it back on tomorrow and see if that helps anything.
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

Okay... Not back together yet, but I figured while I'm cleaning it up I might as well check everything.

Does anyone know offhand what the exhaust should weigh? I pulled the whole thing (muffler+pipe) and it's clocking in at 8 lbs., 4 oz. Seems on the heavy side?

There was some oil on the output to the exhaust pipe. How much is enough to worry about and consider an oil/pump problem?
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by motormike »

The easiest thing i've found to do is check it by blowing through.
Should tell you something. Either it will or it won't.
If it won't, BBQ it in a bonfire or on a old gas grill until smoldering stops.
Rinse repeatedly, hose water I use.
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

Thanks Mike!

So, I did have another discovery this morning. I took the day off to work on it, and have been cleaning everything up as I went. I replaced the spark plug and (silly me) for the first time took a look INSIDE the spark plug cable, to notice that it's missing half the connection and it's severely corroded on the inside (mostly green). One more thing I'll have to replace, but I figure that should be pretty easy and would make sense if it's not getting enough spark...
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

So with that said...does anyone know which coil I would need? There's two listed at Partzilla:

30510-GS7-505
30510-GS7-950
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by FredB32 »

Ladies and gentlemen... We have liftoff. Needs a little tweak on the tuning, but she's alive! :D
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Re: 1998 Elite SP50A Issues

Post by motormike »

So, was that nasty coil lead the culprit ?
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