1987 DT85 Hard To Start

[Rybrown]

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I have a 1987 Suzuki DT85 that runs ok once I can get it started ,But I can't start this engine when it is cold,except when it is tilted all the way up.No gas reaches the plugs until it is tilted up.Then after it starts the first time it starts fine until it gets cold again?The carburetor floats are set to the manual specifications.Does anyone have any ideas why this is happening?

 

[waffles1]

Re: 1987 DT85 Hard To Start

You are priming it well with the bulb before you start, correct? While you are trying to start it have you tried squeezing the bulb at the same time? Sounds like you are losing prime. Fuel pump?

 

[Rybrown]

Re: 1987 DT85 Hard To Start

Yes I am priming it well ,the bulb is soft to start with, I can hear the gas going into the carburators,then it pumps up hard.I have tryed pumping while cranking but it is still pumped hard.When I tilt the motor all the way up,it cranks up.Lower it down turn it off, it cranks right back up.Turn it off and let it set for a hour or so and it won't crank until it is tilted again.I think it has something to do with the carburators,but I don't know what.It seems to me that if it was a float problem it wouldn't crank like normal after it is tilted and cranked.Could it be some kind of air lock going on?

 

[Rybrown]

Re: 1987 DT85 Hard To Start

Just in case anyone is interested,I think I have solved the hard to start problem.I adjusted the floats just a little past being parallel with the top of the carb,giving them a slight downward lean if the carb is upside down.That will allow just a little higher level in the bowl.Anyway I did that and made sure all 3 chokes were being completely closed,and now it starts without tilting motor.