How to fix a Predator 212 that Stalls
There are a few types of stalling that can happen in Predator 212. The most common one is when you make a right turn, the other being when you give gas after starting the engine, lastly, your engine might be running great for a few minutes and then stalls after you give it gas.
If you’re experiencing one of the above situations, here’s are the likely reasons why this is happening:
- If the Predator 212 cuts out at right turns, it’s due to the oil sensor
- If the engine is cutting out once you give gas, it’s most likely due to the carburetor’s main jet being jammed.
- If the Engine is dying after a few minutes or hours of use, this can be due to improper fuel tank venting, the valve float being stuck in one position and not allowing fuel to enter, or due to the carb being clogged.
1. Engine Cuts Off at Turns – Disconnecting the Oil Sensor
Predator 212 comes with a low oil sensor that shuts off the engine when it is not able to detect oil. This feature makes perfect sense for industrial use of the engine where the engine isn’t moving and as you may know, Predators are made primarily for industrial purposes.
However, they have gotten famous in the go-karting and mini biking world and the oil sensor isn’t such a great feature in a go-kart or minibike. When you turn the go-kart, the engine oil will move in one direction leaving no oil in the oil sensor side, which will then shut off the engine.
The solution is very simple, cut out the 2 wires that are coming from the oil sensor unit. Here’s a video from OMBwarehouse showing the process:
2. Engine Shuts Off when Given Gas
This issue is almost always due to the carburetor being clogged up. When you push the throttle, the fuel needs to climb up from the bowl up towards the venturi of the carburetor from the main jet, pilot jet, and the emulsion tube.
If any one of the jets or tubes is blocked by dirt, it won’t allow the fuel to go through it. Usually, the pilot jet getting blocked won’t even let the engine start, so if your engine is starting and dying as you give throttle, it will most likely be due to the main jet being clogged.
This is because the pilot jet is the primary supplier of fuel at low throttle and the main jet takes over at a higher speed.
The solution is to clean your carburetor. We have a step-by-step guide on how to clean your Predator 212 carburetor that you can check out.
3. Engine Shuts Off after a few minutes
Your fuel tank needs to breathe to function properly. If you feel like the engine is starving for fuel after a few minutes of usage, then it can be due to improper/no venting in the fuel tank.
Other than that the issue can be the carburetor. If your engine is shutting off after half throttle or 3/4th throttle then it’s possible that the main jet has some dirt and is not allowing for more fuel to pass through it. So once again, clean your carb.
And finally, this can also be due to the valve float of the carb being stuck in one position or the seat and needle jet of the carburetor being dirty and not allowing the fuel to enter. In such cases, you might consider getting a new carburetor.
Got a built 212 that runs great for a while, but after running hard (FAST) and letting off the gas, it’ll sputter and shut down. Maybe the gas tank vent is too restrictive? Would love some input
If you have upgraded your carb, it might be the case that the engine is getting too much air and not enough fuel at full throttle. Try changing the main jet of the carb. If you got a Mikuni (or clone), they send you small hole jets and you will need to change the jet.
John, did you figure your dying issue out? Mine does the same thing. Starts right up with choke, so thinking the gas cap is not venting, but not sure how to modify it so it does. Curious what you found and your fix. Thank you!
man I’m having the same problem. it makes me so mad because it will run great and get me out there and then I have to push it back because it won’t start again. then I come back hours later and it starts right up and does the same thing.
my predator 212 hemi is having a problem where it will be running just fine then after about 30 minutes of run time it dies
Yea let me know if u find a depletion I be doing research and I think it’s the carb. Mine runs perfectly down for 30 mins then ur dies and wont Run till cooled off
I have a predator 212 with a after market air filter “the cone shaped ones” and it runs on choke but when I give it gas it bogs out and dies. I have a jett kit I bought online but don’t know the number jett I should replace the main jett with any tips would be appreciated!
Mini bike with 212 motor runs great on the stand , I get on rIide about 100ft. And dies , ran it without gas tank lid, same stall, new carburetor installed ,same stall runs out of fuel. FRUSTRATING. What is the fix ?