Hello I have a 1974 ktm penton 400 will not start . It has the Motoplat ignition with the bing carb. I've seen better spark but I think it should work.I can't even get a pop out of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
1974 ktm penton 400 will not start. Any help would be greatly appreciated
Jerome,
Have you checked for correct ignition timing ?
How much compression are you seeing on a compression gauge ?
Fresh gasoline ?
Spark plug getting wet to ensure it's getting fuel ?
Checked exhaust pipe to be sure it's clear and of any restrictions like mud dobber and mice nests ?
Air filter not restricted ?
Bottom end of crankcase not flooded with fuel ?
Have you tried to get it to pop with starting fluid sprayed into spark plug hole ?
You might try installing a new non resistor spark plug cap to see if that helps.
Those are a few items I can think of right off the top of my head.
Dave McC
Jerome,
In addition to the items Dave mentions, make sure your kill switch is working as it should or disconnect it.
Thanks,
Kevin
Quote from: Jerome on May 06, 2026, 10:10:16 AMHello I have a 1974 ktm penton 400 will not start . It has the Motoplat ignition with the bing carb. I've seen better spark but I think it should work.I can't even get a pop out of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm going to recheck the timing 2.5mm btdc would you know what the compression should be. New sparkplug,cap and I made the exhaust.It has a used motoplate stator.Spark is there not as strong as I would like.
Quote from: Jerome on May 06, 2026, 05:29:22 PMQuote from: Jerome on May 06, 2026, 10:10:16 AMHello I have a 1974 ktm penton 400 will not start . It has the Motoplat ignition with the bing carb. I've seen better spark but I think it should work.I can't even get a pop out of it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I'm going to recheck the timing 2.5mm btdc would you know what the compression should be. New sparkplug,cap and I made the exhaust.It has a used motoplate stator.Spark is there not as strong as I would like.
I rebuilt a Hodaka Wombat once, and when I went to start it it popped a bit, but would not do anything after that. I checked, double checked, set and reset EVERYTHING and still nothing. I was commenting about it on the old Yahoo Hodaka Group, and Ed Chestnut, the Hodaka guru of all gurus and factory servicer manager, suggested that I try towing it. He related that he built up an engine from all new old stock parts and had the same issue, then he had someone tow him for a bump start and after a few feet it fired off, and was a one or two kick starter after that. I tried the same thing and VIOLA!! Instant noise!! And mine was a one or two kick starter after that. He couldn't explain it, other than after a rebuilt with new everything, nothing is really seated, and the few RPM from the bump start started that process. It's worth a try if you are sure timing and such is correct, and the ignition system itself is healthy.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee