New Starter?

Chilly · Post by **Chilly** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 4:15 pm

My buddy's electric start stopped working about 3 months ago. I've been kickstarting it since without issue. Everything works fine, blinkers, headlight has strong beam ect... Today I installed a brand new battery freshly charged at autozone, who then double checked it's charge was full. Installed battery with no difference at all. Still kickstarts on first try, everything still works, but no electric start. When I try(same as before) there is a clicking(from spark plug area or so) and a weak attempt to turn it over(a slight 'wirl'), exact same as before.
What should I try next?

jmazza · Post by **jmazza** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 5:13 pm

I had a very similar problem - and replacing the battery was the first thing I checked. Did Autozone also do a load test on the battery to make sure it works properly under a load? If not, that's the first thing to do- making sure it's fully charged is only half the issue.

Here's a thread about my issue that chronicles the things I tried. Ultimately I needed a new starter (which the good guys at Vespa Ft Lauderdale on Federal and 26th put in for me).
viewtopic.php?p=227720

And here's another thread that might have some ideas:
viewtopic.php?p=258631

Good luck. These kinds of problems can be very frustrating. Depending on your mechanical ability (or lack thereof in my case!) I do recommend that Vespa shop for solid repairs in Broward Co.

Raiderfn311 · Post by **Raiderfn311** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:49 pm

Battery problem.

Skootz Kabootz · Post by **Skootz Kabootz** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 11:51 pm

Does the starter do anything? Could just be the starter switch itself. They can sometimes get corroded and stop working.

Chilly · Post by **Chilly** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:14 am

It seems I was lucky in correctly diagnosing my problem, bad starter. Guy at work used to be a scoot mechanic. First I checked the wiring with a multi-meter with everything ok. My co-worker then used a "test-wire" to check the starter and the(solonoid?(sp)-the thing between the battery and the starter. The solanoid sparked and he said that means its good. The starter was bad.
So come payday I'm buying from Scooterworks a NCY GY6 Replacement Starter Motor($62). Unless you all would advise me otherwise. My next thread will be entitled "how do you install a starter". Anyone have a tuturial? Tips are welcome. My co-worker says it's pretty easy, just disconnect intake hose above it and install, but would love to have a youtube or pictures of it being done.