Modern Buddy

So for those of you who saw my weather report this week where I said I was riding every day, I rode every day but one. Got caught in various amounts of rain three days. And it was always a great day and then just as soon as I had to go out, it rained. Oh well.

So a few days ago I got caught in a HUGE downpour for about 10-15 minutes. Definitely had to ride through some standing water that wasn't super high but maybe too high for the Buddy.

The day after that I didn't ride the scoot at all. Then yesterday (first day back on) I felt like while the engine was still somewhat cold, when starting up from a stop, there was some extra vibration that felt just like what I imagine a slipping belt feels like for maybe two seconds. Once I got 5 minutes or so into my ride, it went away.

Today did the same thing.

I've only got 2k-ish miles so I can't imagine the belt is bad, but is it possible I soaked some things and they just need to dry out?? I also have done a search and it seems I should check the air filter, and I read about a soaked carb. Could water have splashed up from one of those big puddles? I've read it's not good to spray under the scoot when washing is so maybe I got it wet underneath and caused some issue.

My plan right now is to check the air filter ride cautiously (take it easy on the scoot) and see if when the weather dries out the problem goes away.

Any thoughts? Anything else I should check or has anyone else had torrential rain make your scooter a little squirrely for a few days?

Still happening. Only at the very lowest of rpm's. Any thoughts?

What did you find when you looked at the air filter?

Maybe there was oil in the puddle and it's causing slight slipping on the belt.

I don't know why it would be only the low RPMs though. Common sense would tell me that the belt might be more prone to slip when it's moving faster.

BUT, if you've seen the videos of replacing the gearing, the slow RPMS have the belt in one position and it reverses position when it goes faster. So maybe the wheel on the slow end got some gunk in it or on it.

Dealer time I think.

I'd be very surprised if it's a wet belt. If you've ever seen the transmission open, there's a switchback in the rear air exit vent that would catch anything that would splash up. There's also a filter element in the front that again, would stop most anything short of submersion. And even if some water did get in there, it'd be in the bottom of the case, not up where the belt is. You could always pull the bolts and look under the cover, as you don't have to do anything special or even remove the kick-starter. Just be mindful of the paper gasket.

As for your vibration, short of popping the case off and inspecting the belt, I don't know what to tell you.

sotied wrote:What did you find when you looked at the air filter?

Maybe there was oil in the puddle and it's causing slight slipping on the belt.

I don't know why it would be only the low RPMs though. Common sense would tell me that the belt might be more prone to slip when it's moving faster.

BUT, if you've seen the videos of replacing the gearing, the slow RPMS have the belt in one position and it reverses position when it goes faster. So maybe the wheel on the slow end got some gunk in it or on it.

Dealer time I think.

Still have to get to the air filter. On the list for today.

I haven't seen those videos but would like to- link?

Yeah, definitely ONLY at the slowest RPMs- starting from a stop with a very slow throttle (if I gun it, it goes right by the point where it feels like slipping).

Good point on the oil in the puddle, I've never seen roads quite like ours- when it rains, they shine for HOURS due to oil and grime.

However, do to the fact that there is gear oil in there, and it doesn't come out, there should be a gasket on the tranny that would keep any water out of it.

chancerbeans13 wrote:However, do to the fact that there is gear oil in there, and it doesn't come out, there should be a gasket on the tranny that would keep any water out of it.

Yeah that's why I'm not sure just WHAT water could have done to it. But like I said, it seems that in the "how do I wash my scooter" threads, someone always says not to hit the undercarriage hard with water, so I'm not sure.

Update:

Air filter had a little dirt on it, not too bad. I cleaned it with compressed air. However, it smells heavily of gas. I must have overfilled the tank recently (though I don't remember doing that).

So question #1: Do I WASH the filter or just let it air dry as is?

Also, I checked the engine oil and it's overfilled (just had an oil change about 200 mi. ago). If I just dip the dipstick in without turning, it's a little above max (1/4 inch) if I screw the dipstick in, it's closer to 3/4 inch above max. I'm checking on a flat surface, on the center stand, after the engine has been on for about 5 minutes.

So question #2: I assume I need to drain some oil... how do I do this precisely w/o changing it all over again?

Whe I did my last oil change, I didn't replace the filter (I know, I know - its the only time I've done that, but it seems ok to do per the service manual)and forgot that it only needed 800ml instead of the usual 900ml. So my options were to loosen the drain plug and let some oil out (messy and imprecise) or try to suck it out with the 60ml plastic horse syringe I bought to inject gear oil into my scooter. If you can find one of those dealios, you've got to place it firmly on the engine oil input so it creates a vacuum when you pull back on the syringe. The good part about doing it this way is that you can keep checking it and add a little back in if need be.

good luck.

-jetboy

jetboy wrote:Whe I did my last oil change, I didn't replace the filter (I know, I know - its the only time I've done that, but it seems ok to do per the service manual)and forgot that it only needed 800ml instead of the usual 900ml. So my options were to loosen the drain plug and let some oil out (messy and imprecise) or try to suck it out with the 60ml plastic horse syringe I bought to inject gear oil into my scooter. If you can find one of those dealios, you've got to place it firmly on the engine oil input so it creates a vacuum when you pull back on the syringe. The good part about doing it this way is that you can keep checking it and add a little back in if need be.

good luck.

-jetboy

cool cool. That's what I was thinking. Wow... I don't even WANT to know what a horse syringe is meant for but where might I procure one?

wet tires are known to slip.

Leeroy Jenkins wrote:wet tires are known to slip.

LOL. Thanks. I had no idea of that!!!

I don't mean tires slipping... it's a slight shuddering inside the scooter that only happens at the start of a slow throttle roll (answer: gun it all the time!).

jmazza wrote:cool cool. That's what I was thinking. Wow... I don't even WANT to know what a horse syringe is meant for but where might I procure one?

You know, I don't know how they use them either, but I live in a high-density planned community that has a ranch supply place (Murdoch's) on it's outskirts. Fascinating place to spend time in. Anyway, they don't have web site to order from but these syringes seem to have other uses - like filling inkjet cartridges:

http://www.fillitright.com/shop/index.p ... 9020dec71e

Sorry I can't hook you up with a specific retailer local to yourself. Maybe try your vet supply places?

-jetboy

Cool I can look for something like that at an office supply store too. I was thinking of an episode of Dirty Jobs where they used a really long syringe to impregnate a horse. I can't put my Buddy through that!!