Engine Sputter - Spark Plug Wire Issue

[rick71454]

Hello BuddyLand:

You all got to know this!!!!

My spark plug wire degradation was the culprit of my Buddy 150cc engine not operating at peak efficiency, slower speeds, and sputtering past 1.5 years.

I weight 190LBS with full on riding gear on.

I had replaced my Buddy 125cc engine with this 150cc 1.5 years ago. Top speed on level ground 50 actual MPH. Sputtering increased over time with engine RPM fluctuating all over 7,000-9,500 RPM. Top speed varied.

I replaced fuel filter a few days ago, not much improvement if any, so original filter was fine.

I then replaced spark plug wire. Top speed on level ground 57 actual MPH and no more sputter. Top RPM consistent 10,500.

I tell you it is very pleasing to me, that my Buddy runs well and fast like it is suppose to. I can now ride with confidence on urban freeways and keep up with traffic flow. Happy riding to you all!!!!

Sincerely
Rick71454
Portland Oregon USA

[KrispyKreme]

I love happy endings.

[Drew]

Isn't that maddening?!?! I had the same problem with my Buddy 125 sputtering and missing. It took a long time for me to figure out that it was the spark plug wire where it connects to the plug that was the problem. I got a new spark plug wire and that fixed it.

[rick71454]

Hello BuddyLand:

Check and or replace our spark plug wire before taking your scooters in for repair. Not fuel filter, not spark plug, not air filter, not valves, but was spark plug wire.

Yes, maddening for such a simple thing that evaded me for so long & glad for happy ending. It is so much more fun to ride my Buddy now. Smooth acceleration all the way to actual top speed 57 MPH and holding.

I got the idea that spark plug wire might be the culprit of inconsistent inefficient engine function, especially sputtering, from a previous post on this forum. Proves this forum can be helpful to other scooter owners. Cars do the same thing, but with one spark plug wire in scooter, really really noticeable when it goes bad.

Again, check and or replace your spark plug wire, before you take your scooter in to the shop.

Sincerely
Rick71454

[GregsBuddy]

I agree that this issue is hard to troubleshoot because it's seems so obvious after it's found!
Hired a guy to troubleshoot a consistent high RPM miss after 5-10 minutes of running in a racing two stroke engine. He worked on it for several hours before removing the sparkplug wires from the coils, cutting them back and reinstalling them. That was the issue! There was oxidation between the coil pin and 'plug wire.
It may be that the wire is fine but there's oxidation at the connectors.
When you either repair or replace the wire, use some electrical connector lube to keep it from happening again.
BTW, my experience was from a time when I lived in Portland.
Portland = rust.

[New2Scoots]

Where do you find spark plug wires for Buddys? Does it need a specific part or can you just take one to an auto parts place & find one that fits?

[skully93]

Where do you find spark plug wires for Buddys? Does it need a specific part or can you just take one to an auto parts place & find one that fits?

scooterlounge or scooterworks are your best bet. They're not pricey, and comes as a whole unit that runs from your plug to a spot under your right rear-ish cowl. It's rare they go bad, but if yours live outside like ours do, it's wise to clean them and replace them if it gets fussy.

[kmrcstintn]

the '13 Buddy 125 I previously owned had a weird problem with the spark plug wire...the resistor that is built into the spark plug wire had a crappy connection and caused non spark a few times; would end up with a build up up non burnt fuel vapor in the exhaust and the next time it fired the entire scoot would 'thump' and a vibration could be felt through the floorboard;

had the wire replaced and didn't have the problem again; kinda miss my scoot...the GZ250 is filling it's place rather well