Dirt Bug starts but will not move

#1
I've looking around for weeks and can not find the same problem exactly.

I bought an old style dirt bug a few weeks back. I saw the guy I got it from ride it around the yard. Since I had to lay it down to transport it home he suggested we drain the gas and oil. Got it home replaced the oil and gas. It starts, runs a for a few minutes, give it full throttle while standing next to it but it does not want to move. At full throttle it doesn't sound like the RPMs are there. All of a sudden it revs up the RPMs, wants to move on its own for about 10 seconds and stalls. Does this every time.

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

Here's what I've done so far:
New spark plug
removed and cleaned the gas tank and carburetor (twice)
tightened the chain
took apart the clutch and cleaned it.

My son would love to ride this thing so any suggestions would be great. I want him to get used to the stock motor, then thinking jack shaft and eventually 6.5 hp motor. I'd rather he starts slow.

Thanks.
 

old-timer

Scamming Member
#2
Sounds like it might have sucked up some dirt in the carb. Try pulling the fuel bowl and cleaning it out.
Also, I believe there should be a inline gas filter on that. I would change that as well.

Vic
 
#3
Thanks Vic.

I took the carb apart twice and cleaned it. It did not seem dirty even the first time. There's only a 3-4" rubber tube from the gas tank to the carb. Where would this fuel filter be?
 

old-timer

Scamming Member
#4
Usually somewhere in the main line coming out of the tank to the carb. If that's clogged or dirty, it would starve the carb of gas.

Vic
 

TomH

New Member
#6
Go to the home page and do a search from there, pages and pages on that stock motor not running properly. I know there is a pre filter inside the 6.5 motor that many overlook, also air passages that need a hairlike wire to clean in the 6.5. Bet it is much the same on the little motor.
 
#7
make sure all the springs for the throttle are where they need to be, might have a loose spring causing the problem:shrug::scooter:
 
#8
Frustrated!!!

Cleaned carb several times and there is not a fuel filter. Runs for a few minutes then revs up and stalls every time.
 
#12
The fuel filter is inside the tank. It's part of the outlet fitting screwed into the bottom of the tank. Remove it, clean it, and reinstall. Hope that helps.

Elevate the rear tire and try running it. Often, these engines are pretty loaded up and just need to be rev'd up a few times to clean out the carb. Make sure the governor is connected.
 

banjo

New Member
#13
when you take the bowl off the carb is there fuel in it and how much? Whenever I clean a carb I first capture all the fuel in a clean container so I can see if there is dirt or water in it . I use a banjo string (I have a few):laugh: and air gun to clean them. Watch out not to blow any o rings or jets out into the woods. Keep us updated we'll get to the bottom of it.
 
#14
There's always fuel in the bowl. When I drain gas from the tank I disconnect the tube from the tank at the carb end and let drain into a container. The gas flows freely from the tank. I've cleaned the tank already.

I bought a Predator 6.5 HP from Harbor Freight Saturday and just need to order the clutch sometime today. I just hope its not too much motor for my son. He's 160 lbs.

Thanks for all the help....I'm just tired of spending time on this P.O.S. motor. But now I'm spending money instead of time!!!! Once its done he should be good to go.
 
#15
It shouldn't be to heavy for him if he's 160; there is a throttle stop screw that will let you limit the top end some. Although any inquisitive kid figures out how to speed things up sooner or later.

Also, the max torque clutches are really good with that motor you bought.
 
#16
I ordered (and now have) the max torque clutch. I will all go together this weekend.

If he figures out how to make it faster than he must be comfortable enough to think he can handle it. His choice at that point. He's only rode small 4-wheelers at this point and told me he pretty much didnt even use the brake.

I will see how the stock brake works after the new motor install to determine if they hydraulic brakes are needed.
 
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