My 79' Odyssey story PLEASE HELP

[beerbuzz69]

Okay heres my story. I bought a 79' Odyssey FL250 for a great price. Owner stated it ran but hasn't run it for a year and a half. He told me that the tank was rusty and would not start with out pouring fuel into the air cleaner. I brought it home and tried it out and it did start and run but had low power. First I pulled the tank and clean it out and replaced fuel/oil mixture with 32:1. After that I could get it to start with out having to pour fuel into the carb but still low power and the motor never seemed to get to full rpms. I pulled the carb and cleaned it. Now when I start it it fires almost right away but still low rpms and power under full throttle. It felt like it was getting to much fuel so I set my needle all the way up and that seemed to help a little but still low rpms and power. I changed the plug with a hotter one and pulled the spark arrester checked for blockage and cleaned but still low rpms and power. The odyssey starts in one stroke and idles great and cleanly. I jacked the rear to let the rear wheel spin freely but when I start to throttle up it just doesn't get into the power band. Its close but just won't hit the sweet spot and it smoke pretty good. I let off the throttle and it goes right into idle and runs clean again. I am at wits end here and could really use some help with any ideas or suggestions.

[PilotHawK]

Make sure the air cleaner is clean.  If it is clean try removing the airbox lid and then running it. If that helps you need to rejet.
http://www.yellowdogracing.com/techstuff.htm

Raising the needle (lowering the clip) richens the fuel air mixture.

Good luck.

[beerbuzz69]

I'm sorry I lowered the needle raised the clip. Air filter looks good and I have tried to run with that removed and spark arrester removed. No change. All parts are stock so I'm not sure if rejetting would be the answer. Unless the jet is bad but the looked good and clean. Thanks for the reply.

[hoodlum]

I'm sorry I lowered the needle raised the clip. Air filter looks good and I have tried to run with that removed and spark arrester removed. No change. All parts are stock so I'm not sure if rejetting would be the answer. Unless the jet is bad but the looked good and clean. Thanks for the reply.

Checked your reeds?
Hoodlum

[beerbuzz69]

I'm sorry. Could you please clarify what the reeds are and where they are located and how to clean, etc. I'm new to 2 stokes but have been in the car business a long time and I have never heard of reeds. Thanks.

[PilotHawK]

Sorry Hoodlum, but the 250's don't have reeds. They have a piston port engine. Kinda like a chainsaw or weed whacker.

The only thing left if you feel the jetting is right (there should be a 128 main in carb) is timing, and advance. I'm pretty sure the 79 is a 6 volt unit that has a points style ignition. If the points are out of adjustment, or the flywheel has  jumped time a little it could cause the symptoms you describe. (I seriously doubt it though).

A worn needle or needle holder can also cause this problem. So can a float that isn't adjusted properly.

Eliminate one thing at a time until you get it figured out.

If you don't already have one here is a copy of the manual in .zip format. Its been a while since I looked at it, but I think it has a decent troubleshooting section.

http://g2buggy.g2-innovations.com/gentech/manuals/fl250manual.zip

[beerbuzz69]

Thanks for the info. I will try the float first since thats the only thing in the carb I didn't adjust when I cleaned it if its still a problem I'll order a new needle and seat. As for the points I feel the same way you do that it doesn't seem possible since points pretty much work or don't and if timing was off I don't think it would idle so nice but you never know. Also have had the motor get into top rpms when riding down hill so I feel its a air/fuel problem. Thanks for the link to the manual but I have that one already. I did order the Clymer repair manual also. Once again thanks for the quick replies and I'll follow up with update after the adjustments.

[beerbuzz69]

Big improvement after adjusting the float, throttle response much better but still missing and sputering at top end and still smoking pretty good. I just got the CLYMER service manual today and it is very through on trouble shooting. I feel I will have this thing running great shortly. Thanks for all the help.

[PilotHawK]

I have a very strong feeling that the problem is the needle and needle holder. When those parts become worn they allow too much fuel through when running wide open. Try http://www.carbparts.com or http://www.sudco.com for the parts.

[beerbuzz69]

I have a feeling your right also. It seem it running extremly rich under full throttle even after leaning it all the way out it. Thanks for the help and the links

[beerbuzz69]

Just wanted to send a quick follow-up. Got the rebuild kit for the carb today(only $23.00) rebuilt the carb but would hardly run. Pulled and adjusted the float and it runs very good. Starts to miss a bit after she warms up and idle is a little erractic but with a little tweeking it will be running awesome. Thank for everyones input I feel I will be having a lot of fun once I get her running great.

[aas5f6]

I would def. check the points if you have them. I had the same problem with no power bc  the points weren't opening enough on a honda dirt bike.