2004 Stella

boblaw1318 · Post by **boblaw1318** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 6:41 pm

Had it about 4 years. Ususally starts up cold with no problem but about every 3-4 rides it is difficult to start cold. Seems like it may be flooded during the hard to start times and usually have to start it with the choke all the way in. Runs great after it gets started every time no matter what. Any thoughts about what to do?

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 6:51 pm

Are you turning off the fuel supply and running it dry before you turn off the ignition? Sometimes the fuel tap can get a bit worn and allow fuel to keep flowing even after the ignition is turned off.

boblaw1318 · Post by **boblaw1318** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 6:59 pm

Hey thanks for the help. How do you turn off the fuel supply?

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:23 pm

boblaw1318 wrote:Hey thanks for the help. How do you turn off the fuel supply?

There's a little lever just above your choke and oil indicator. It has a label inscribed "RES ON OFF." Turn the lever so it points to "OFF." That should do the job unless it's really worn. If it is that worn, you have to replace the fuel tap.

boblaw1318 · Post by **boblaw1318** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 7:32 pm

I didn't know you could turn off the fuel with that lever. What is the fuel tap and is it somehow attached to the carb?

Thanks

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 9:33 pm

You guys ought to read a manual now and then.

Unlike a modern-design twist-n-go scooter which has a vacuum-operated fuel tap that closes automatically, a vintage design such as the Stella has a manual tap.

If you don't close it when you are done riding, the only thing that stands between the fuel tank and having a big, wet, stinky, flammable puddle in your driveway or garage is the float valve in the carburetor. If that sticks or leaks, you're S.O.L.

PeterC · Post by **PeterC** » Thu Jun 09, 2011 10:26 pm

boblaw1318 wrote:I didn't know you could turn off the fuel with that lever. What is the fuel tap and is it somehow attached to the carb?

Thanks

The fuel tap is the plumbing, basically like a faucet, behind that fuel lever. It regulates the supply of fuel to the carb.

ScootLemont · Post by **ScootLemont** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 2:33 am

Silver Streak wrote:You guys ought to read a manual now and then.

Unlike a modern-design twist-n-go scooter which has a vacuum-operated fuel tap that closes automatically, a vintage design such as the Stella has a manual tap.

If you don't close it when you are done riding, the only thing that stands between the fuel tank and having a big, wet, stinky, flammable puddle in your driveway or garage is the float valve in the carburetor. If that sticks or leaks, you're S.O.L.

Huh... do all you 2t Stella owners turn off the gas after every ride?
I have only turned it off when trailering or last fall when I put it away for winter
I'm not saying that's correct... I am actually wondering what you all do.

Silver Streak · Post by **Silver Streak** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 3:21 pm

I don't close it every time I make a quick stop at a store or something similar, but I certainly do every time I park it for the night (assuming my feeble 64-year-old memory works).

BuddyRaton · Post by **BuddyRaton** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 3:57 pm

I'm in the habit of always turning it off. When transporting I turn it off and run the motor until it dies. If I don't do that the float keeps bouncing flooding the snot out of it when on the trailer and it can be a bear to get started.

lmyers · Post by **lmyers** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 7:10 pm

I only turn mine off when I trailer, work on something or I'm going to let it sit for a long period of time (like weeks). My friend Cynthia turns hers off every time she stops for longer than 30 minutes and has broken two fuel taps in the last three years.

polianarchy · Post by **polianarchy** » Sun Jul 03, 2011 5:16 pm

I close my fuel tap after every ride, otherwise the engine floods.