HELP Buddy won't start after pulling in trailer

aleajensen · Post by **aleajensen** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 8:47 pm

Has anyone heard of this scenario?

I recently towed my Buddy 125 in a trailer behind my RV for a four hour drive (Actually it was two Buddy 125's, mine and my partner's). Upon unloading the scooters, I noticed that there was some liquid that pooled at the bottom of the trailer and then both scooters wouldn't start without some serious throttle engaging. Is it possible that the fuel drained out of the lines in the trailer causing this hard start? We did decrease our elevation by 3,000 feet and I heard a hiss when I opened the gas tank to ensure that there was gas in there.

Altitude change causing gas to leak out?

Could dust have been part of the cause?

I plan on doing some serious towing (Mexico, specifically) and I don't want to have this happen every time the scooters have been towed for any significant amount of time.

Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

agrogod · Post by **agrogod** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 10:46 pm

I can help with the elevation change. Just crack the gas cap so pressure doesn't build up, this may also help with the leaking fluids.

Tazio · Post by **Tazio** » Sun Feb 16, 2014 11:28 pm

I had the same problem with my 125. It would usually start after multiple attempts or after sitting for awhile. It might be a flooding problem from the gas in the float bowl bouncing around. I think twisting the throttle slightly open helped but make sure you're on the stand if you try that.

I had this problem even with short tows. Longer may be worse.

Post by **ericalm** » Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:53 am

There are a few possibilities. If you're going for a longish haul, it's a good idea to drain the tank or haul it close to empty.

The suggestions above are right on. You may have also splashed gas into the air system or evap system. If the issue persists, I'd disconnect the evap, see if the charcoal canister is full of gas, and also check the air filter, which can get soaked.

Often, though, idling, revving with the gas cap off will clear this problem out after a while.

tburick495 · Post by **tburick495** » Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:03 pm

I've had this same issue with every carbureted bike I've owned.

After a trailer ride they would not start. I think that somehow they get flooded. So...I would treat it as a flood...I.E. twist the throttle wide open, hold it there and engage the starter. Worked every time for me.

Hope this helps!

Tom

PeteH · Post by **PeteH** » Wed Feb 19, 2014 10:13 pm

It's hard to see how it could be flooding, no matter how much the carb float bobbles, since if there's no engine vacuum, the fuel tap at the tank is shut.

However, I can see how the emissions canister can get flooded due to excessive bouncing if the tank is near-full - same thing that happens if your scoot falls over onto the canister side.

My scoot fell over one night and (I suspect) flooded the canister. A day or two later, I was able to start it.

So short-story, drain or siphon the tank before trailering, if possible.