Trouble Starting Stella 2012 4T and keeping it running

Mauka · Post by **Mauka** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 9:37 pm

I'm having trouble starting my 4T and keeping it running until the engine is warmed up......in 80+ degree weather. As a full disclosure the evap system has been removed and a vented cap is being used. When I go to kick start the scooter it takes about 5 or 6 tries to get it going. Once it's running it's incredibly sluggish. Just sputters and sometimes dies, sometimes it keep running but sounding like it's about to die. Also, it dies if I give it a little throttle if the engine isn't warmed up. I do have to say that once the engine is warmed up it purrs like a kitten. No issues at all. It's only after it's been sitting around for more than a day or two that I have this issue. I don't use the electric start because I don't want to drain the battery. The idle has been increased to try and compensate for this issue. That was done by mechanic, not me. Anyone have an insight?

gar1013 · Post by **gar1013** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 9:49 pm

Have you checked to see if the spark plug is fouled?

fatcharlie · Post by **fatcharlie** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 10:27 pm

Are you using your choke? Try with it both on and off. You may want to check that it is indeed operating.

Mauka · Post by **Mauka** » Tue Jul 09, 2013 11:05 pm

Thanks for the suggestions. I have not checked the spark plug. I'll check that. I have tried the choke and it does not seem to have an effect on the issue.

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 12:49 am

Has the scooter ever been dropped or leaned down on its side?

Robbie · Post by **Robbie** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 2:53 am

I'm thinking the choke cable is misadjusted, not fully closing the choke.
Kinda lines up with the not running properly till fully warmed up and the multiple times you must kick start attempt.

If you are in Chicago I will assume Scooterworks is your dealer....have them verify the adjustment.....many of the 4t's were delivered mis-adjusted.

Good luck!
Rob

Mauka · Post by **Mauka** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 1:18 pm

Thanks for the reply Eric. It was knocked over once last summer while I was in the burbs. It ran fine after that so I'm sure that would cause the issue.

Thanks for the tip about the choke adjustment Rob. And yes, Scooterworks is where I take it. I brought this issue up with them, but they never said anything about choke adjustments. I'll just take it back there and ask them to adjust the choke and see what happens.

Thanks guys

Post by **ericalm** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:41 pm

I agree on checking the choke, but it also sounds like it could be an airflow issue.

It's one of those "just need to start eliminating possibilities from most likely to least likely" things.

Mauka · Post by **Mauka** » Thu Jul 11, 2013 6:47 pm

Airflow, good point. I'll check that out too.

Thanks Eric