Buddy 125 won't start after the winter

[Pale Rider]

Hello,

I have a Buddy 125 with about 900 miles on it. The scooter has been sitting outside all winter. I neglected to start it occasionaly so now it does not start.

So I replaced the battery. Now it does nothing at all if you push the start button. However, if I use the kick, it runs for about 2 seconds before it dies.

Someone suggested that the carburetor needs to be cleaned out. I'd like to attempt this myself though I've never done anything like it.

Anyone know of a website or a book that would walk me through this?

Also, does it sound like it could be something other than the carburetor?

Thanks!

[jfrost2]

Sounds like the carb or fuel lines are too gummy from the gas going old. I'd keep trying with the kick starter and electric start. I've gotten 2 buddy's running perfectly fine with the same symptoms. But if it really is bad maybe it's best to just get a carb cleaning done.

I can't point you out to any link or tutorial on how to clean the carb, but I am sure another member will come along with the information you need. From what everyone says, it isnt too hard.

[aerogirl7]

There's a gasoline additive called Sea Foam that you can purchase at your local Auto shop (pepboys, etc) and it is designed to clean out your carburetor. I always add some to my tank after the winter months. Hopefully that will fix your problem.

[jfrost2]

Additives generally dont help after the clog/gum has already formed. The reason it helps before the winter time is because when you run the motor, the gasoline with the additives mixed in sit in the fuel lines and carb for the winter months.

[Dooglas]

Sea Foam can help, but you have to be able to start the scoot and keep it runnijng for a few minutes for that to do anything.

By the way - what do you mean when you say you changed the battery and now, when you push the starter button, "nothing happens"?

[Pale Rider]

The scooter would not start at all before I replaced the battery - not with the starter button and not with the kick. After replacing the battery the scooter still does not start with the starter button but it does start with the kick (although it only runs for a couple of seconds).

The lights and turn signals do not work either even with the new battery. But I was told that they run off the alternator so should not expect them to run if the motor is not running.

I am going to atempt to clean the carb and fuel line myself. I have no idea what a carburetor looks like! Plus I could not point out the fuel line if my life depended on it. So I am looking for a scooter repair book or service manual for a Buddy 125. There doesn't seem to be any out there. I have heard that the Yamaha Vino 125 is similar to the Buddy 125. Is that correct? I have found a book that covers repairs/maintenance for a Yamaha Vino 125. Maybe that will help me.

I figure that as long as I don't do anything too drastic, I can always take the scooters to a repair shop if it comes to that. But I might as well try this myself, it could be fun.

Thanks for everyone's help.

[jfrost2]

I think this may be a bad electrical issue. Whoevever told you that the turn signals run off a alternator is ridiculous. You can insert the key in the on position and just have the turn signals blink. Only the headlight will not light up unless the motor is running.

With a new battery and being unable to start the bike with the electric starter, you may have a electric issue also on your hands.

[gearhead]

sea foam for the win! I just rebuilt my roomates agility 125 engine and i don't know how long that gas has been sitting in the tank. Put some seafoam in it and it pretty much started on the first try after the rebuild

[garagerock101]

Additives generally dont help after the clog/gum has already formed. The reason it helps before the winter time is because when you run the motor, the gasoline with the additives mixed in sit in the fuel lines and carb for the winter months.

My buddy sat for a year and half.

I changed the battery then tried the traditional start and kick start, I couldn't get it to turn over. It chugged quite a bit but didn't start. I got some of this sea foam stuff, poured it into the tank and it almost started. I then got it running after 3 or 4 more kicks. I let it sit there for about 5 minutes before taking her for a ride.

I then rode it around lightly for the next hour, now its running very well. Sea Foam should also clean the carb.

[viney266]

pull the carb, clean the jets especially the pilot jet. If you have never done it take the carb to a shop and have them do it, or get a buddy to show you. Then new spark plug and off you go!

Splah some seafoam or startron in there and fill up with fresh gas. Next fall startron before you park it for winter!

[Raiderfn311]

There's a gasoline additive called Sea Foam that you can purchase at your local Auto shop (pepboys, etc) and it is designed to clean out your carburetor. I always add some to my tank after the winter months. Hopefully that will fix your problem.

Seafoam is great, but as was mentioned, it has to run through to work. GREAT rock n roll pose BTW!! Fitting, since Lafayette is where Axl Rose and Shannon Hoon are from.

[50CC Cape Cod]

I have used Seafoam with good results. If you can get the scooter started
and running even poorly for 10 min. as long as the seafoam gets circulated you can then let the scooter sit for days. This will allow the carb to soak and hopefully liquify any hardened varnish & gum deposits.

[Beamster]

I have used Seafoam with good results. If you can get the scooter started
and running even poorly for 10 min. as long as the seafoam gets circulated you can then let the scooter sit for days. This will allow the carb to soak and hopefully liquify any hardened varnish & gum deposits.

I second that. I used to just change the fuel with a dose of Seafoam each Spring, keep it running long enough to get the mix in the carb then let it sit over night and the Spring stumble would be gone in the next day. Been through that a half dozen times on different bikes without needing carb work.

No we just use long life racing fuel for winter storage and have never had the problem since.