OK.... I think I need advise

[KABarash]

Buddy was running like crap the other day, loosing power and stalling. I added 'seafoam' to gas just in case, friend said it sounded like carb was a little fouled. Checked the oil, it was a little low. Air filter looked fine, that's all the mechanics I know how to do. Yesterday it did it again after about 10 miles or so at varrying speeds up to and including 60 Bmph. It backfired a few times and lost power and etc.
NOW there seems to be little or no oil in there!!
Ummm...... ????

Dealer is 40 +/- miles away, I have no truck to transport it.

[Ray Knobs]

Lack of oil wouldn't cause it to run poor, it would cause the engine to lock up.

Did you check it with the engine hot and with it cold?

It's probably something as simple as a carb adjustment.

[Kaos]

Yeah, I'd second the carb adjustment. Many carbureted vehicles need some minor adjustments when the weather gets colder.

My Buddy was running like crap till I tinkered with the carb a bit, now its back to fantastic. Though my bike is a little more affected by the weather than most will be

[Dooglas]

I agree that the problem you are describing sounds like a carburetor issue, but what is this about loss of oil?? Am I understanding that the engine quickly went from somewhere in the operating range to off the bottom of the dipstick? If that is true, that's not so good. I take it you don't see a lot of oil leaking out under the engine. Is the scoot obviously smoking when it is running? You really need to confirm whether there is a problem here or you just weren't too careful in measuring the oil level. My Bud is nearly 3 years old and hardly burns a measurable amount of oil between changes.

[ericalm]

Anyone have photos of a carb adjustment?

Here's where I am with a Buddy that sat far too long:
- replaced gas
- replaced oil
- used seafoam
- charged battery (needs replacement)

It'll start but likes to stall if I give it a little throttle. If I give it a lot of throttle it seems to be okay. Unfortunately, it really can't be ridden with the throttle cranked all the time.

Will usually restart (kickstart) after a stall, though sometimes it has to rest a few minutes.

Next steps: Check the airbox, just for the hell of it. Then… the CARB!
I have never gotten in there and it's a bit daunting. Would love any photos to help point in the right direction.

Would getting the Haynes for generic GY6 scooters help at all?

Any recommendations for solvents for cleaning out the carb? Other tips and advice for someone going into that dark place for the first time?

Will I need any special tools beyond my standard screwdrivers, wrenches and ratchets?

[Ray Knobs]

before you go tearing into the carb have you check that the air/fuel adjustment screw is the correct number of turns out. Vibration over time has a way of working that screw out and it F's up your low end and idle.

[babblefish]

I'd be more concerned that he lost most of his oil. I don't think a carb adjustment is going to fix this and it doesn't sound like it's the root of the problem anyway.
Look for leaking oil under the engine and look a the sparkplug for evidence of oil getting into the combustion chamber. If the sparkplug looks black and wet/oily, you may have a bad ring on your piston which would foul the plug and cause both the poor running and lost of oil.

[beeporama]

Dealer is 40 +/- miles away, I have no truck to transport it.

Most dealers will tow (but charge you) if needed. If you can use Genuine Roadside Assistance, that will get you there too. Sorry no "real" advice...