Ktm won't start

[Jerome]

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.

[Jerome]

1974 ktm penton 400 will not start. Any help would be greatly appreciated

[slvrbrdfxr]

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

[KJDonovan]

Jerome,

In addition to the items Dave mentions, make sure your kill switch is working as it should or disconnect it.

Thanks,

Kevin

[Jerome]

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.
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.

[Jerome]

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.
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.

[Daniel P. McEntee]

   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