rode Stella in the rain, and now it won't run

The original 2-stroke Genuine scooter and its 4-stroke manual and automatic offspring

Moderator: Modern Buddy Staff

Post Reply
stellisimo
Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:16 pm

rode Stella in the rain, and now it won't run

Post by stellisimo »

Hi, ya'll. I got caught in a storm yesterday, and my Stella died on the road. I let it dry off all day, and it will start up, but it dies after 10 seconds or so.
I did some research, and a common culprit is the kill switch getting wet, so i disconnected it, but no luck. I also replaced the spark plug, to no avail. I figured I might have water in the motor, so I kick started it without the spark plug and with the fuel off, still no dice.

Anyone have any ideas as to what might be wrong?

For background"s sake, its a 2005 with around 2,400 miles.
User avatar
JohnKiniston
Member
Posts: 578
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ
Contact:

Post by JohnKiniston »

Are you getting spark?
stellisimo
Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:16 pm

Post by stellisimo »

Are you getting spark?
How can i test it? I got a new spark plug, fwiw
User avatar
JohnKiniston
Member
Posts: 578
Joined: Mon Jun 18, 2012 5:08 pm
Location: Tucson, AZ
Contact:

Post by JohnKiniston »

Take your new plug out, Connect it to the plug wire and hold it by the wire so that it's next to the metal part of the engine. Have a friend kick the bike over or use the electric starter.

You should see a tiny arc from the plug to the engine.

You can also buy an in-line spark tester and use it if you don't have a friend handy.
Robbie
Member
Posts: 536
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:46 am
Location: Desplaines Il.

Post by Robbie »

Well, it's gotta have spark to run ten seconds....so, what you must do is check for spark immediatly after it dies out.....this because it has spark in the beginning.
The odds are, though, a mechanic is going to have to check all the ignition circuits to find the one with high resistance.

Rob
stellisimo
Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:16 pm

Post by stellisimo »

Robbie wrote:Well, it's gotta have spark to run ten seconds....so, what you must do is check for spark immediatly after it dies out.....this because it has spark in the beginning.
The odds are, though, a mechanic is going to have to check all the ignition circuits to find the one with high resistance.

Rob
Would I be able to check the circuits myself?
Robbie
Member
Posts: 536
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2012 2:46 am
Location: Desplaines Il.

Post by Robbie »

stellisimo wrote:
Robbie wrote:Well, it's gotta have spark to run ten seconds....so, what you must do is check for spark immediatly after it dies out.....this because it has spark in the beginning.
The odds are, though, a mechanic is going to have to check all the ignition circuits to find the one with high resistance.

Rob
Would I be able to check the circuits myself?
Of course you can....but I don't know your capabilities....only you can answer that one.
If you have a volt/ohm meter and the wiring diagram, and a understanding of the components involved you'll be fine.

In general, I recommend a shop because if the question is posted it usually means the problem has gone beyond the posters capabilities.

Regards,
Rob
stellisimo
Member
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 11:16 pm

Post by stellisimo »

Fair enough, I'm just feeling stubbornly DIY. I will take it to a shop, this is a little beyond me. Thanks for the help everyone, I will report back for the sake of thoroughness.
Post Reply