How To Get Your Minsk Running; Starters; Checking The Sparkplug - MINSK Repair Manual

How to Get Your Minsk Running
When you have a problem with your Minsk you should start methodically from
the beginning (is there petrol?) and slowly isolate the part which is faulty. This
process takes time but is effective. Once you become more experienced with your
Minsk then you will recognise the symptoms made by faulty parts and be able to
zero in on the most likely problem quicker. This chapter describes the step by step
way of isolating your problem while the next two give a summary of symptoms
and problems to help make the process go faster.
If your Minsk does not start or it suddenly stops running then you either have a
problem with the electrical system or with the air/petrol system. Luckily you very
rarely have problems, especially if you start out with a Minsk serviced by Cuong.
The trick is to check for electricity at the sparkplug first as this is an easy thing to
do. If there is electricity there, then your problem must be with air/petrol system. If
there is not, then your problem is with the electrical system.
Starters
Open your tank and make sure there is enough petrol. If you are running very
low then turn the switch on the petrol filter to the reserve position. Then check that
the petrol can flow freely through the petrol filter and petrol tube by pulling the
petrol tube out of the carburettor and confirming that petrol pours out. If it does
not then blow through the petrol tube and open the petrol filter and remove the
gunk obstructing the petrol's flow. You will need an adjustable spanner to remove
the bottom of the petrol filter. Then ensure the key and starter switch are turned on
and the cap to the sparkplug has not fallen off. Finally, make sure you have not
accidentally left the choke on.
Checking the Sparkplug
Remove the sparkplug with the sparkplug remover and a
screwdriver. Then clean the sparkplug with sand paper and
use a bit of wire to pick out any pieces of grime or rock. Plug the
sparkplug back into its plastic or metal sparkplug cap, touch the
threaded end of the sparkplug to the engine mount and kick-start the
engine. If the sparkplug is working then you'll see and hear a spark.
What you want to see is a strong blue/white spark which doesn't jump
all over the place. A bad sparkplug gives a redder spark. A spark on a
bad sparkplug can also jump outwards to the outer screw section of the
sparkplug. The correct distance between the two nodes where the spark
jumps should be about 0.7mm. Tap the top node lightly with the end of
your screwdriver to get the right distance. If you make it too close then
©Digby Greenhalgh 2000
Minsk Repair Manual
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