Kohler 399ST Starting Problem

[jchiotti]

Hello,
I purchased an older argo 8x8 (early 1970's) a few months ago. When I purchased it everything ran fine. It sat around for a couple months, and now I am trying to get it running realiably. It has a kohler 399ST engine and Tillston HR carb. A couple of weeks ago I replaced the condensers and points because it was only firing on one cylinder. This fixed the problem. I now have spark in both spark plugs. Before I replaced these parts it would fire up fine, but just bog down when I would go to take off. I attributed this to only running/firing on once cylinder. I thought this would fix the problem. Now, it won't start......I am hoping this has something to do with too much fuel. Fuel sprays out of the top of the carb, and is leaking slightly around the exhaust manifold. I was playing around alot w/ the fuel adjustments on the carb when it was only running on one cylinder. Looking online I found that a good starting point for the tilly carbs is one turn out on the idle and main screws and then go from there. Does that sound right? I am hoping that the starting doesn't have to do with the timing or the point gap. I set the points 0.016" however found this difficult to do, so they could be slightly off. I scribed a line in the stator plate when replacing the condensers so the timing can only be off slightly. Would a few millimeters be off enough for the engine not to start? Could someone also point me to a place to find a tool to test the timing?

I am a new argo owner, not too mechanically inclined, but willing to learn. I have enjoyed working on this maching so far, and just want to get it running good for hunting season, just around the corner. I have found a great deal of advice from this site already and looking for someone who can shed some light on my problem.

Thanks

[rturner]

Make sure your fuel lines are hooked up correct, check for fouled plugs & check fuel mixture.

[Bazooo guy]

Is your fuel return line connected back to the tank?
Are the plugs wet with fuel after cranking it over?
If its flooding try starting it by spraying fuel into the carb with the fuel line off / no choke and holding the throttle on full .
Two strokes flood easy and if the carb is bad it will be worse.
Pull the plugs after cranking it 3 or 4 times and check if they are wet. If they are .....dry them off and crank the engine with the plugs out to clear the fuel from the cylinders.
Make sure you have spark and reinstall the plugs.
Start with mixture screws 1 and 1/2 turns open until its running.

[jchiotti]

Thanks for the help. I figured out the starting problem....bad wiring from the stator plate. The motor now starts up fine and runs pretty good. I did have a couple more questions though. I tested the compression and both cylinders are at 75 psi. The machine runs about 30 mph wide open, so I am thinking this isn't a problem. Just wanted to see if anyone knew the specs for a Kohler 399cc 2-stroke and what the psi should be. Also, the spark plugs are really carboned up after driving it for a 15 minutes to half hour. Do you think this is just a fuel issue that can be fixed by adjusting the main fuel adjustment to let less fuel in the carb? The spark plugs are the correct type.

Thanks!

[Bazooo guy]

Carbon on the plugs means its running rich...try to lean out the carb.
Make sure the oil/fuel mixture is correct also.
I would set the idle around 1800 to 2000 rpm and try not to let it sit idling too long or it could foul the plugs.

[df145]

I have the same engine 399cc in a 6x6 and My engine overheated and the engine is ceased.It was not vented properly. It will cost about 800 to repair it. Just like you I'm new at this game and not a mechanic.I also am looking for a complete spare body. Please put the word out there....................Thanks Mike from Ontario Canada