First post! Let me say howexcited I am to be part of the community!
I just took in on trade a 1980s Honda Odyssey FL250 for an older jetski which I was not attached to. The FL250 is in pretty good shape, and for the price I really don't want to embarrass anyone or it's former owner. Lets just say I got a great deal on a running drivable FL250! I know two-strokes, but I don't know these things. Jet Skis I'm used to are all two-strokes which I've wrenched and rebuilt on, so this go-cart isn't going to be any more or less difficult.
I understand the important nature of 2-stroke oiling so I'll post my questions in this order:
1. First is, the fuel pump is leaking. I took it all apart and cleaned it, replaced ALL fuel lines and cleaned the filter. The fuel pump still has a slow drip leak. It'll probably be OK for several test drives now but I really don't want the leak to continue. I was thinking of maybe trying some Yamabond/RTV coating on the leaky seals of the pump to see if this helps, but failing that I'll likely need a rebuild kit or gravity feed tank. Thoughts?
2. I was given a Clymer manual. In it, says I should be mixing 20:1 oil/gas. In my jetskis I always premix 40:1 using Amsoil Dominator (Race oil) and never had an issue. I usually keep ~10 gallons of 40:1 around for my skis. Does this FL250 really need 20:1 or will the 40:1 be alright? I don't have much issue lowering to 20:1, but that does seem kinda rich.
3. The engine starts pretty good, has no leaks from what I can tell of the main seal. I cant see the seal under the starter cover. The engine turns over extremely smooth. Finger compression test feels good. Real compression test using a known accurate (with Jetskis) Snap-On compression gauge reveals ~115psi on this FL250. The book says it should be 128psi, so I'm about 10psi low. After a couple test drives the spark plug read is looking pretty well-off in the grey scale. I'll monitor more.
4. The fl250 came with an aftermarket exhaust. I have no clue what it is, but it looks cool. It does have a spark arrestor, but is also pretty loud. Oh well.
5. Not sure what the carb jetting is, but I was given a small baggy of carb parts. I hate Keihin carbs in the JetSki world but I am familiar with them. I like Mikunis better for performance, but Keihins are usually reliable enough.
6. The tires still have nobs on them but they are quite dry-rotted. My actual concern here are the rims which have been painted over rusted.
7. The cart drives straight but it did hit something hard front right. The tie-rod snapped but was welded/repaired. It looks like the front right tire may be 1/2" pushed back behind the front left. The pivotal/boss for the front swingarm (whatever you call) the swingarm was replaced but the main 2" slide on the frame side is slightly bent. The front brush guard is bent. Should I erally care if it still goes?
Thanks everyone!
Pics to come