Modern Buddy

Ok, so I ran the Rat for a little too long with the light on, and when I absolutely NEEDED some oil I was only close to a gas station. So, I put in some sh*tty Pensoil 2-stroke and now the scoot sputters and bogs a lot. I siphoned out as much as I could and put in a full quart of full-synthetic, but she still sputters and bogs. I understand that it may take a little bit to get through the last of the sh*t and on to the good stuff, but how long should it take? Am I damaging the scooter if I ride it? Should I just let it idle for awhile? Any advice would be extremely appreciated, thanks guys.

Oh my,,, I hope it was not premix oil (only) was it a pint??? I checked there website http://www.pennzoil.com/# and did not see any premix oil only and I think they stoped making it a few years back... But I do know they made a permix only 2T oil that came in a pint used it for chainsaws... Check your compression,,, Change your plug... It sounds like deposits on your plug thats an easy fix,,, NGK plugs are cheap at an auto parts store,,, same plug,,, i pay $1.99 each....

It very well could have been, I'm inexperienced and a f***ing idiot...

Your not an idiot,,, Use the kickstarter using your hand and push down on it a few times if its hard to do your compression might be ok... take the plug out and at least look it over to see if its very dark and has ash deposits on the electrode replace it or at least clean it with a wire brush and regap it... Get yourself some SeaFoam from your local auto parts store... Being this is your first time using it add 3oz to a full tank of gas and 1 oz every 5 tanks after,,, your engine will love you... putting too much will not hurt your engine but its a big waste its about $10 a qt...

An idiot would've run it with NO oil

nissanman wrote:An idiot would've run it with NO oil

X's 2

i use the penzoil all the time. other than that it's napa or walmart crap. i'm sure penzoil isn't the best. but i'd have to order anything else. and up here that get's expensive. good luck though.

What oil do you normaly use??? The pennzoil might even be better...

I'm using the Motul full synthetic. If the penzoil is better, I've been paying way too much for oil.

i only use the penzoil cause it's what i have locally. i'd love to get better stuff if shipping wouldn't cost me my left nut and handling my right one.

that being said, it's all i've used so i can't tell the difference between brands. but i also haven't had any problems with it either. compared to what you normally use it might suck ars.

It may be that I ran it so low on oil before refilling it or something, I'm really not sure...

...that sputtering and coughing your scooter is doing might be solved by pulling and cleaning or replacing the plug. Poor quality oil can quickly foul a plug.

--Keys

Ok ya'll, threw down some seafoam today, checked the airbox, played with the air/oil mixture screw, and still nothing. Where is the plug located so I can take that sucker out and clean it!?

almost under the oil tank

lay on your back and reach up under the scooter, it's at the back of the plastic panel the would be the underside of your foot deck

nissanman wrote:An idiot would've run it with NO oil

+1

You absolutely did the right thing. New spark plug from crappy oil costs a hell of a lot less than a new engine from no oil.

Ray Knobs wrote:almost under the oil tank

lay on your back and reach up under the scooter, it's at the back of the plastic panel the would be the underside of your foot deck

Ok, thanks. Is it going to drop all my oil when I take it out? Also, what are some good ways to clean the plug?

It won't drop any of your oil, just an approximate location. Just follow the wire from your coil... it'll lead you to the plug. It's in the end of the cyllinder, pointing towards the front of the bike.

There is very little clearance between the plug and frame crossmember. The simple plug wrench that came with the bike is a necessity.

B02S4 wrote:There is very little clearance between the plug and frame crossmember. The simple plug wrench that came with the bike is a necessity.

That's the one tool that came with the bike, right?

Got under the bike to check it out and there's oil caked on a lot of stuff down there, is this normal?

Edit--Holy hell, my plug is gummed up good, and I just discovered a nail in my rear tire, life is good

mine is pretty dirty down under

Ray Knobs wrote:mine is pretty dirty down under

That's what she said?

Anyway, got the plug cleaned up and the Rat is running great, I'll probably get a new plug next time I'm in, though. I think I ran her too low on oil and she got a buncha the residue from the bottom of the tank, it probably wasn't the penzoil after all. Anyway, thanks everyone for all your help, it makes a guy feel a little more like a man when he can DIY something on his own bike, even if it does take an obnoxiously long list of questions for him to get there.

No matter how many times I check to make sure everything is snug under the bike, still gets oil on it. The joy of a two stroke I guess. Just clean it every once in a while.

I doubt you picked up anything from the tank, it draws from the bottom and i am sure there is at least a screen filter some where in that line.

Sometimes different oils don't mix well

Dude and keep 1 under the seat or in your pak,, pre-set of course. i run the 3.99 pensoil premium marine blend (syn) in my stage 2 kit and it works better than the $9 a quart syn stuff, ( i ride everyday) and use it in my vespa as well, it`s ok, just don`t do pre-mix major f-up. i might help you to put your Buddy on blocks or a jack and take a look around it underneath just to get the feel of what`s being said in the room., then pull your air cleaner and clean it, maybe get a uni filter and rejet if ya want some z00m-zoom that another show,,
glad ya got it, spares rock
ride safe