250 Zongshen only cranks a couple of times, even when jump started. What's going on?
 

I've recently fitted a new clutch to my 250 Zongshen, but the starter doesn't seem to have enough grunt to get the engine over compression. I suspected the battery was on the way out, so I tried to jump-start it off a ride-on lawnmower, but still no luck. It was starting fine before I took it apart, oddly enough. One of the wires going to the coil is also getting hot enough to cook the insulation when I try to start it. I think that could have something to do with it as well.

Any idea what the problem is here?

Double check all wiring make sure all connections are good, no partially broken wires and nothing pinched.

Take out spark plug and then try to start just to see if the starter is turning over the engine freely.

No kick start?

Push and dump the clutch start?

You need to get yourself one of the new small jump boxes.




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It turns over fine with the plug out. Found that the battery was indeed on the way out, so I got a new one. I'm currently stripping it down again to check the wiring. Tried to roll start it, but the back wheels just lock up when it's in gear. It doesn't have a kick starter.

Seems like I found the problem! I forgot to reconnect an earth wire to the engine when I put it back together.

:tup:Glad to see you got it fixed. That kind of stuff will drive you nuts.