Zong not starting again

[Pabesco]

Hello to All. Seasons greetings. My zong started acting strange yesterday with a few backfires now today it ran fine then cut off this afternoon and now won't start. I thought it was the CDI again So I replaced it and no difference. I checked the air filter and changed that after oiling it. I checked what I could with the carb and its very clean and no clogs. I took the spark plug out and checked the compression by placing my finger over the hole and no matter how hard I press, my finger gets blown away as soon as it cranks. I left the plug connected to the coil and cranked and noticed the spark is not bright at all and sometimes not there at all. I will get a plug tomorrow but would like to know if that's not the problem where else should I be checking to get my bike running again.
Thanks and have a great evening.

[SpudRider]

If the spark plug is not firing, or you are getting a weak spark, the problem is electrical. Since you already replaced the CDI unit, you know the CDI unit isn't causing the problem. You were wise to replace the spark plug. If a new spark plug doesn't rectify the problem, you either have a bad ignition coil, or a bad stator/pickup coil.

Spud

[Pabesco]

When I ordered the Cdi units from china I ordered the pickup coil and electrical coil as well as a new magneto so I think I have everything I will need to test properly. Thanks spud. I'll let you know how it goes after changing the plug tomorrow.

[Weldangrind]

It sure is nice to have parts like those on hand for troubleshooting. Was your purchase from China smooth?

[Pabesco]

Pretty much. Just took a long time for them to get the parts from their suppliers. After they got them they were shipped right away and DHL had them in Miami in 3 days. So the experience was good. I also rechecked with zongshen ameri a on their parts and they seemed to have dropped their prices on a lot of items. Here is a quote from the guy there named Nestor.

> Cdi $ 24.00
> Stator/magneto/Pickup coil $ 27.00
> Rectifier $ 16.00
> Front brakes We don't have in stock
> Air filter $ 6.00
> Rear wheel hub We dont't have in stock
> Clutch cable $ 14.00
> Speedometer cable $ 12.00
> Rear light lens We don't have in stock

Thanks!!!
Nestor

[FastDoc]

I had a Zong 250 with a weak spark. I fixed it with a new stator and pickup coil. It still would not run and the problem turned out to be poor compression from a cracked head. Your compression is good so the problem may be the stator and/or coil.

[Pabesco]

I changed the spark plug and the bike is running now. It somehow doesn't feel exactly as it did before with initial take off. Might just be me. Not sure yet. I will also take it to a machenic friend of mine to check the compression as I did t order the compression tester yet.
Thanks to all and I'll be sure to post any changes and compression results

[SpudRider]

I won't be surprised if the new spark plug fixes the problem. Spark plugs are inexpensive, and you should change them regularly.

Spud

[Pabesco]

Thanks once again guys. I also fond the oil leak. It was the timing chain cover bolt slack

[FastDoc]

I'm not worried about the compression so much.

The 250 Zongs seem to have a lot of problems. The 200 Zongs are different animals and very robust.

[Pabesco]

Thanks doc, had me scared there for a minute. I'll still check it just to be sure. I also ordered a compression tester. I like to have my own tools and learn how to troubleshoot and repair myself.

[FastDoc]

It's a good tool to have. Even though I'm sure it's not a problem now its good to have a basline for future comparison.

There's a good tutorial on www.dansmc.com if you need it.

[Pabesco]

Great toturial thanks

[FastDoc]

Brother Dan rocks. :wink:

[Pabesco]

Bike ran ok for a few days, I was right when I thought it just didn't feel right. Now lastnight it cut off and took about 5 tries to get it started then it backfired a few times and I had to throttle it sort of hard to just get home. This morning it started fine and ran well for about 10 minutes then cut off and took a while to start again and ran sloppy so I parked it. Exhaust also smells a bit different but I don't know how to discribe the difference In smell.