Starting frustration

[Markfaz]

Hi everyone...new member here as well as a first time 2007 Buddy 125 owner as of this past week. I've been looking for a scooter for a bit, and a friend of a friend had this one for sale for a great price. Only problem was that she had not used it in two years!

So...the battery was dead, starter dead (reason she stopped using it), and I've got some cosmetic cleaning to do. After lurking here this week and reading everything I can, it seems these carbs are more finicky than most. I've emptied the gas, replaced with new gas plus Seafoam in the tank, torn apart the carb and cleaned it and the jets all out.

Before doing any of the cleaning, it initially ran, but was pouring fuel out the overflow tube, so I suspected either a stuck float or bad jets. Now that I have cleaned everything out, I'm no longer spewing fuel out the overflow, but I can't get it to keep running. If I hold at least half throttle on starting, it will start with a high rev and then quit. Maybe every third start it will chug along for about 1-2 seconds and then quit. It will not idle at all.

I've been working on car engines on and off for almost 25 years, so I would like to think I have a small aptitude for understanding how the damn engine works, but my hair is really starting to get thin after the last few days!!

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! I was hoping to get this going without having to figure out how to transport it to the dealer in town if not for anything else than my male ego and paying someone to do something I should be able to do. And there is always that money thing...

TIA!!!!!


Mark

[Skootz Kabootz]

As the scooter has been sitting for 2 years I'd say you will need to change all fluids and clean/replace anything that comes in contact with fluids. So oil, gear oil, put in a new oil filter, new fuel filter, clean the carb and fuel petcock, and also get a new spark plug. Also you should check the airbox for any dirt/debris in there and get a new air filter. Checking/adjusting the valves might also be a good idea.

This will be a good start and likely very helpful to engine performance. After two years I'd say you should also get a new belt and give the transmission a good cleaning.

To be safe you'd be wise check your brakes are still working well too.

[Markfaz]

Thanks for the reply!!

I haven't gotten to the oil, gear oil or filter yet as my main concern was to get it at least running. I have already replaced the spark plug and checked the airbox and replaced the air filter. One thing I spaced was the fuel filter, so that is going to happen tomorrow first thing.
I'm confused as it seems as though it is a fuel flow issue, since I know I have good spark and it does start for a second or so. I'll definitely try the fuel filter and see what happens.

Once I can get it to start and stay running, changing out the rest of the fluids is on my list!!

thanks again for the suggestions.

Mark

[Markfaz]

Well crap...

Checked the fuel filter and it appeared fine, but I replaced it anyway, just for the heck of it. Needless to say, it didn't change anything. My Buddy still won't stay running as soon as it starts...ugh!!

Anyone have any other suggestions at this point because I am completely scratching my head now...

[Bcon]

It could be a fuel flow problem, there are potentical culprits other than the fuel filter, namely the vacuum shut off valve. Make sure you put the vacuum line from the intake to the valve on the gas tank back correctly, and that it's not pinched. If you have something to pull vacuum, pull vacuum on the line and make sure you get fuel flow through the filter.

However, it really sounds like something plugging the choke (enrichener) circuit, or one of the jets. I know you've cleaned the carb and jets, but it doesn't take much to plug something. There are times I've had to remove and clean a carb several times until it's right.

Also, check all your re-assembly. Sometimes one little thing out of place
(needle spring or cover, etc.) can throw it off.

Don't worry though, it doesn't sound like something major, just a fuel problem, after all, it does run! You'll figure it out.

[k1dude]

There are times I've had to remove and clean a carb several times until it's right.

Also, check all your re-assembly. Sometimes one little thing out of place
(needle spring or cover, etc.) can throw it off.

Don't worry though, it doesn't sound like something major, just a fuel problem, after all, it does run! You'll figure it out.

Yup. Sometimes taking a carb apart, you unknowingly introduce new particles or contaminants, or knock some old stuff loose upstream. You think it's all clean, but when you take it apart a second time there'll be some big hunk-o-junk jammed in the jet. And you'll wonder where the hell that came from. Same with changing the fuel filter. You could've knocked something loose that flowed to the jet.

[Markfaz]

Well...even though I had taken apart the carb multiple times and cleaned it, I listened to everyone here and appreciate the comments. I took it apart one last time (as I didn't have any other bright ideas), put it back together again, and UNBELIEVABLE....it worked!! Wow...I obviously had either been missing something or I reintroduced some contaminant in my previous attempts. Finally...whew!

Thanks again for the suggestions and the nudge to redo what I had already done multiple times...without the push, I probably would have given up and taken it in someplace and then been really irritated with myself when they told me it was a contaminated carb.

This place rocks...

Mark

[Skootz Kabootz]

Glad you got it figured out! And yes indeed, the help one receives here is really amazing!

[DIZZEE1.6]

Glad you got it going! I'm new here too, and I can say that there is a wealth of good info on here about these scooters... I don't have 25 years under my belt, but I'm in school for Auto. Tech. and `love anything that has compression and gets around! I was going to suggest vapor lock as that seems to be a recurring theme around here. Anyhow, welcome!