2-cycle engine blues
 

I've got a cheap generator and the recent black out made me think I should try to start it...it won't. I pulled the spark plug and cleaned it - still no go. I filled the tank with fresh gas/oil - still no go. (I turned on the switch and the stop cock for the fuel).

ANyone know any "down and dirty" tricks to start a 2-cycle? The thing is probably not worth any extensive work.

Thanks

Make sure you have a spark. I disconnect the plug wire and hold it near a bare metal area on the engine and pull the starter rope. Should have a nice blue spark. Then use good old starting fluid. If that don't start it, you have problems.

The rings are probably shot. Two stroke engines are notorious for very short engine life. There really isn't anything to them. So long as you can verify fuel/oil mix to the carb, and can determine that the carb is not plugged up, and have spark. It should run so long as the rings and bore are healthy. If everything else works, then the engine probably needs rebuilt. They are very easy, cheap and simple to rebuild.