Troubleshooting Directions
If you would like to be guided through this instead, see the troubleshooter here. Also, be sure to download and thoroughly read & understand our Quick Start Guide. It is suitable for most two stroke engines, not just our pocketbikes.
1. Check your gas and oil mixture
What gas mixture are you using? You should be mixing four ounces of synthetic, premium 2-cycle oil to 1 gallon of premium (91+ octane) gas.
When you first get the minibike, you should use 5 oz to 1 gal and switch to 4 oz after you use up the gallon.
It is not recommended that you use any included mixture bottles because they are always confusing, don't mix enough fuel, and more hazardous than using a standard, state-approved gasoline container.
2. Make sure the fuel supply is on
Make sure that you are not low on gas. If you are low, gas flow may be inconsistent.
Ensure that the fuel line is connected from the gas tank to the carburetor and has no kinks in it.
Make sure fuel is passing through the fuel filter, if there is one. If the filter is translucent, you should be able to see the fuel in it. If you cannot see it, disconnecting the fuel line from the carburetor after the fuel filter is a good way to test that the fuel filter is passing fuel. Careful though: be prepared to stop a gas leak in progress!
Make sure the fuel shutoff valve (white tab on carburetor) is in the OPEN (up and down) position.
3. Follow proper starting procedure
The choke lever on the carburetor needs to be in the UP (closed) position when starting the bike if it has not been running.
Pull start the bike by pulling the cord toward your chest in a single deliberate motion. DO NOT let the cord recoil into the pull start assembly and return it there slowly.
Only twist the throttle slightly when starting the pocket bike. If you apply too much throttle, you will flood the cylinder which will prevent the engine from starting.
If you think you have flooded the cylinder, either let your pocket bike sit for 5-10 minutes or (a) close the fuel line, (b) pull start your minibike 3-5 times, re-open the fuel line and start back at #1.
When the bike has started, slowly move the choke Down while opening up the throttle wider. 6. It is recommended to lift up the back wheel and rev up the engine a few times, then let the bike warm up for 1-2 minutes before riding. Do Not allow a 2-stroke air-cooled engine to idle for extended periods of time in hot weather without riding it. This may cause the engine to overheat as it relies on air movement to stay cool.
4. Check electrical systems
Ensure that the key is in the "on" position if your mini bike has a key.
Wiggle the spark plug lead to make sure it is securely attached to the plug.
Follow the wire from the kill switch to the magneto and check for damage to it which could cause it to short.
Make sure the kill switch is not jammed.
Some mini pocket bikes have a green ground wire coming from the key switch. It should be connected to an exposed metal frame of the bike. Usually, it will be sandwitched between the engine and pull start. Make sure the metal lead on the wire is exposed and it is securely touching the metal of the engine.
5. Perform a spark plug test
If your pocket bike does not start with the basic troubleshooting techniques there might be an electrical problem. We need to test if there is a spark. If there is no spark when the engine turns, the gas does not get ignited, hence the engine will not start. This is a common troubleshooting test that will pretty much tell you whether the problem is electrical or carburetor related.
