tad1384

I got a new Zen 260. started after a few pulls but couldnt give it any throttle. It would just bog and die. played with the settings and got it to rev a little then died. tried for 2 hours after that to get it running, trying everything, lean, rich. high idle, low idle. nothing works. it farts but wont start. using 32/1 mix with the Zen oil. Can someone give me some basic needle settings or other advice. Help please.
Dave

John Howell

My instruction book says this is the default settings for a G260PUM

High 1 5/8 (+-1/4)
Low 1 (+- 1/4)

tad1384

thanks for the info. ive tried the settings and it just wont start. it fires for a couple of revs but wont start.

OLD_SLOW and in the WAY

the fuel line feed goes on the fitting under carb on the linkage side, the line on top is for the primer return the return can be left open or can be run back to tank.
start procedure
prime carb by pumping bulb, set choke on, pull starter till engine farts, turn choke off then set to a idle and pull it should fire right off.
make sure coil mount screws are tight. check or replace plug ( 3000 ohms), remount carb and check for leaks, is the engine new ? maybe the ring is stuck

tad1384

engine is brand new. bought it in a ready to run boat. I'll check the plug. it fires about 3 times when i pull the rope. i started up the first time but couldnt give it gas or it would stall. adjusted the needles a bit and got it to run about a minute, then wouldnt start again.
Thanks Dave

BBuster

Choke, choke, choke; don't forget the choke!!
Yellow tube on carb.

tad1384

yup, tried it . im going to try a new plug asap
Thanks
Dave

waterbug

Are you positive that you are getting the choke opened and you are not operating it backwards? I know it sounds stupid but I have done it myself as well as watched others do it. Make sure that the choke is full open and then just put your thumb over the carb to choke it. Give it a pull or two and then take you thumb off and give it a few more tugs and it should fire.

Also, I would try taking the plug out and ground it to the block and pull the cord to make sure that you have spark.

tad1384

yup, tried all that. no luck. tried a new plug too. getting spark. gonna clean out the tank and lines to be sure. it always fires 2 or three times. What kills me is that i run a top alcohol dragster at 240 mph and i cant get this fn weed wacker running.

piper_chuck

My Feedback: (12)

For my boat engine, I usually don't need the choke to keep it running at first. However, on my leaf blower, I need to keep a bit of choke on for the first 15-20 seconds then it's fine.

Check the shaft to make sure it turns freely. Also make sure there's a vent in the tank to let in air as it runs.

rudynix

On my Zen G260PUM, I have the high needle set at 1 1/8, and the low set at 1 7/8. I am running a Walbro 257. I put my thumb over the intake to choke the carb and pull the starter rope until my thumb has gas on it. Usually one or two pulls. I then pull the starter, unchoked with a little bit of throttle. Starts up every time. If you are still having difficulty, you might check the isolator block between the carb and cylinder. Could be possible that it is warped causing air leak. My fuel/oil ratio is different from yours, though. I'm running 8 ounces per gallon which comes out to 16:1 ratio.

ozbryan

i have the same problem with my 260 aswell. i have been told ots new motor sindrome by the guys at my club. they tell me once i run 4-6 tanks throught the motor it will be fine and that all their motors did it too.

zenchal26

check the vent on your fuel tamk

tad1384

gonna be hard to get 3-4 tanks through it if it wont start.

tad1384

changed the plug, removed and checked and cleaned carb and fuel lines, drained and replaced the fuel, still wont start. It fires but wont start. Im thinking now maybe a bad coil or mag. is there anyway to check a coil and mag? it is sparking but maybe not enough. Remenber now, this is a brand new motor.

John Howell

Sounds like its too rich.

If setting the needles back to factory default doesn't work then perhaps you need to take it back to where you bought it?

bigcheez2

you could try checking the pick up by the flywheel and makesure that is set at .010. turn the flywheel so the magnet lines up with the pick up. You will need a non magnetic feelerguage or a match book cover. The mac that i have did the same thing and that was the problem.

tad1384

yes i will try that. it seems now that it is an electrical problem.
Thanks.
Dave

skoda450

If your symptoms have not changed, I don't think it's spark.
If you have a choke lever, leave it half open and see if it will continue to run with a little throttle input. If that works, it's too lean on the high needle. Back it out 1/8 turn until you can open the choke fully and give it throttle. If you don't have a choke lever, hold a finger over the carb for the same effect. These engines need to get warm to run so choking is needed when cold.

If none of this works and it will not run with any throttle input, the high needle is not working and is plugged or is defective. You said it is a new boat and engine and it could be a factory defect.

BTW keep water going to the system all the time. If you are trying to get this to run without water you will over heat quickly on a new engine.

Another tip. If you are pulling the cord between your middle and ring finger on this contrary engine, you probably have or had a blister from the cord or handle. I always wrap a rag aroung the handle and pull with the cord and rag between my thumb and index finger. This allows me to pull horizontal rather than up. No further blisters.

OLD_SLOW and in the WAY

run a ground wire from the metal tab on the coil to the case

tazmaniaboats

the carb,s needles are setted to clockwise to obtain initial setting but don,t tension alot as you might flaten the bolt[setting]ends.
does your engine work for a few mins or does not start at all?.

tazmaniaboats

sorry i forgot asimple stupid but sometimes important thing .sometimes these engines fllod and petrol stay in the engine .when my engine does not start i begin these things remove the plug pull the pullstart for a couple of times. to be sure i drained the engine well i capsize the boat upside down [that is the plug is facing the floor]and pull the cord for a couple of times.fit the plug back and try to start the engine.good luck

tad1384

ive tried everything with this fn thing. im gonna have to send it out.

martno1fan

this sounds more like your low end needle settings to me i had a very similar problem with a nitro engine.i know nitro is different but this thing did exactly the same untill i found the exact setting then it ran perfect.all i can say is keep adjusting but do it a little at a time id ignore the factory settings too theyre never correct in my experience, better to ask someone who owns this engine to give you the settings they use.

Joe Petro

My Feedback: (1)

Try holding full throttle while starting.
As soon as it starts, let go...

Joe Petro