Scoot Not Starting After Winter Months

ScootWellington · Post by **ScootWellington** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 6:25 pm

Hi All

I have just pulled the 05 Zuma out after being in storage during winter. I had removed the battery and had that on a small charge over the months, but now the thing wont start once i re install battery.

Been reading on the internet, some say water gets into Fuel and that needs draining, and also clean carb.

Are these easy thing to do? Does anyone know where the drain bung is on a zuma for emptying the fuel? Could i make it worse if i dont know what i am doing and attempt this?!

TVB · Post by **TVB** » Sun Mar 11, 2012 9:44 pm

Can you give a little more detail of what happens when you try to start it? Does the starter crank, or is it just dead? Can you kickstart it? Does it sound like it's almost starting but just not catching?

Post by **ericalm** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:14 am

I would drain it at the carb if that's what you think might be going on.

But before that… Did you do any prep before storing? If you used a fuel stabilizer and filled the tank, then it's probability not water or the fuel.

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Mon Mar 12, 2012 1:39 am

new spark plug. drain carb (screw is on bottom of carb on side), fresh fuel try again.

If it still wont go either pull carb and clean it or take it to the shop for said service .

ScootWellington · Post by **ScootWellington** » Mon Apr 09, 2012 11:57 pm

Hi All and thanks for the replies.

I was out of the country for some weeks so will try these ideas this week.

To clarify, it wont start with either the electric or kick start. When using the electric it just makes that "wanting to start but im not going to" noise.

I didnt really do anything to it before winter, just put the battery on a charger and that was it. Not mechanically minded at all her unfortunately.

One interesting thing is, i had read in a post somewhere to leave it in the sun for a few hours and then try. I did this, and Bobs your Uncle. It Started. I rode for 30+ mins (didnt put any new fuel in) and then now its dead again. Is this a sign of something? Maybe its just water in the Fuel?

Regarding the draining of Carb / Fuel. Does anyone know how to do this on an 05 ZUMA? I got this manual here (http://www.zumaforums.net/downloads.html 02-05 Zuma), but it doesnt say how to get to the carb exactly. I know how to use a screwdriver but is it easy once i get to the carb? Is there a Fuel Bung to drain it? Ehhh, so many questions!

Would be sweet if i could do this myself as $$$ is tight ATM and Spring is here

viney266 · Post by **viney266** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 2:23 am

put a fresh spark plug in before you do anything else...Find the carb, on the bottom of the carb fuel bowl is the drain screw. Drain and fill with fresh gas see what you get. and next fall make sure startron or some fuel stabilizer goes in there!!!

SuperCyclone.81 · Post by **SuperCyclone.81** » Tue Apr 10, 2012 6:21 pm

As far as finding the carb, try unbolting your seat so that you can actually see inside the scoot. Also, I would search youtube, I'm sure someone has stripped down a similar model Zuma and posted it on there. Good luck

ScootWellington · Post by **ScootWellington** » Wed Apr 11, 2012 6:42 pm

Whoop Whoop! Hands in the air.

So The Good News! I DID IT! - Took me some time, but took it slow (cause i normally rush things and loose screws) But happy to report, i cleaned carb, unblocked the Main and Pilot Jet all whilst managing to put scoot back together without any left over screws (Pheeewwww)

BUT!!! Drum Roll......

After draining the fuel and putting in new clean fuel, i notice my Fuel Gauge is not working.. showing empty. I think i bumped something :/

Any ideas what i messed up?