Starts & idles, won't rev

[MRO]

I was given an '87 Spree as a "gift." It starts and idles all right and revs up (some) when the throttle is cranked open, but then immediately dies.

New spark plug, new petcock, good gas. I have cleaned the carburetor several times and the main jet is clear. It acts like there is a fuel restriction, but by slipping the little clear plastic drain tube upwards and opening the bowl drain, I can see that the gas level in the bowl is holding high and steady... this tells me that there is gas in the bowl at least.

In reading other posts on the Forum, I see mention of "air leaks" but I'm not really sure what to look for. At the moment, the air intake is completely open, no air filter even.

One more thing that might be significant... the idle valve has to be screwed in almost all the way. Backing it out by even a turn causes the idle to drop off.

I don't know much about engines so I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks-

[martynkim]

Get the filter in and the box cover on you will see a dramatic difference.

[MRO]

Wow, you were right. I only have the filter (no lid) but putting the filter in place helped a lot. Thanks!

[Clivester]

Sprees especially really like to have the full airbox setup. Its advisable to keep an eye open for the bits you are missing on eBay or add a wanted post on here.