ARGO 6X6 WITH 436cc 2-STROKE KOHLER

[drector]

I have a ARGO 6X6 with a 436cc 2-stroke Kohler. It cranks over fast but won't start, even using starting fluid! Compression is around 155psi in each of the 2 cylinders. It has strong spark. Assuming the compression is acceptable, I'm guessing the ignition timing is off.
Here's the information I am looking for:
1. What year is it?
2. What kind of compression should I have?
3. How do you adjust the ignition timing?
4. What oil to fuel ratio should I mix (20:1 seems like an pretty smokey ratio)?
Here's the information I have:
Engine: Model # K.440-2T, Serial # B 29347, Spec # 38.003.10
Body: Serial # (on center of dash) 164 6, There is a decal on the nose that says 'ODG'.
Any help someone could provide me would be greaty appriciated!!!

[Sandcassle]

starting problem

I have a ARGO 6X6 with a 436cc 2-stroke Kohler. It cranks over fast but won't start, even using starting fluid! Compression is around 155psi in each of the 2 cylinders. It has strong spark. Assuming the compression is acceptable, I'm guessing the ignition timing is off.
Here's the information I am looking for:
1. What year is it?
2. What kind of compression should I have?
3. How do you adjust the ignition timing?
4. What oil to fuel ratio should I mix (20:1 seems like an pretty smokey ratio)?
Here's the information I have:
Engine: Model # K.440-2T, Serial # B 29347, Spec # 38.003.10
Body: Serial # (on center of dash) 164 6, There is a decal on the nose that says 'ODG'.
Any help someone could provide me would be greaty appriciated!!!

I would first install 2 new spark plugs. These Kohlers are spark plug killers. Not sure of the compression, but if you have the same on both cylinders of 155, I think you're ok. Fuel mix ratio is 40:1 and use at least 91 octane. I use a good quality racing 2 stroke oil (Benol) and it's working really great.

If it still won't start after replacing the spark plugs, I suspect the engine is badly flooded due to possibly a sticking float/needle in your carb. A flooded out engine usually won't start even with starting fluid. Pull your spark plugs and see if they're wet. I they're wet, next I would stop the fuel from flowing to the carb. and motor the engine over several times to clear out the flooded engine. Be careful to not overheat your starter. Then put your plugs back in and crank it. Hopefully it'll at least start & run for a few seconds and die. If it does, then next you'll have to correct the flooding problem. I would reconnect the fuel supply & then tap lightly on the carb. bowl with a screwdriver handle or something similiar. This will help the float bowl needle valve to close. See if it will start & run from there. If the flooding continues, you may need to take the carb. apart correct the problem. But one thing at a time. First try the things I mentioned to do.

[drector]

No start

It does have brand new plugs, NGK A-7's, and they are not fuel fouled. The carb does not have a float/needle or even a float bowl for that matter. Integrated into the carb is a pulse pump. A diaphragm (and a couple of check valves) within the pump utilizes pressure and vacuum pulses generated within the crankcase as the piston reciprocates to pulls fuel from the tank. Whatever fuel not consumed by the engine is returned back to the fuel tank via a return fuel line.
I know the motor is not flooded because I removed the fuel tank 3 months ago. I am simply trying to get the motor to fire by spraying starting fluid into the carb with the occasional squirt of WD40 to maintain some level of lubrication to the bearings & cylinder walls. Utilizing this method, I'd think I should at least get the engine to fire somewhat. However, I'm not getting any response. Therefore, this leads me to the conclusion that I must have an ignition timing issue. I have a Kawasaki sled with a 2-cycle, 2-cylinder engine in which this method of starting has always worked in the past. And its cylinder compression is just under 90 psi.