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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 5, 2008 22:08:37 GMT -5
I have not seen one of these posts on here.........so here you go. Hope this helps some of you considering purchasing or those who have purchased that are having problems. I see so many posts about problems and they just keep coming. This should be required reading for anyone considering a chinese scoot. Feel free to add to the list, I'm sure I'm forgetting something. Only add parts Mandatory for reliability. ALL OF THESE SHOULD BE ORDERED AND INSTALLED BEFORE YOUR FIRST FIRE. DO THESE and you should have a bike that will rival some of our japanese counterparts. 1. Replace the spark plug with an NGK c7hsa 2. Replace all vacuum lines with goodyear 3/16 3. Replace all feul lines with goodyear 1/4 4. Ditch the stock garbage fuel filter and replace with a Mr Gasket, found online or your local autozone. Don't forget to use some thread sealant when screwing on the 1/4 nipple store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?autofilter=1&part=MRG%2D9706&N=700+400330+4294852562+115&autoview=sku5. Remove the stock petcock and replace with this cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts-Unlimited-Fuel-Shut-Off-Valve-Fits-1-4-Fuel-Line_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQitemZ360039304445 IT WILL NOT FAIL 6. Replace the factory airbox and intake tube (prone to cracking causing vacuum issues) with a new pod filter 7. rejet the carb 38 slow and 122.5 main has worked great for me here at sea level.... it's a small keihin style jet for the main 8. Replace the main fuse off the positive battery with a new heavier duty one from autozone, but the same rating. The stocker I've seen corrode and lose a connection even though visibly it looked ok. 9. Should it be alarm/ electric start equiped, install a toggle on the power line....That way you control when it's active, I've seen these go haywire and cause a drain on the battery leaving it dead. 10. replace the stock rubber intake elbow (prone to cracking and not sealing properly on the head causing vacuum leaks) with a metal one similair to this!! store.scootertronics.com/mrpsp15chin.html ( you can find them on eBay cheaper) I have NOT included a new belt on this because it's not 100% necessary...some scoots come with ok belts. NOW>>>>things that must be checked before fire up....YOU MUST check all the wiring. I've seen boots over connectors not placed properly and touching from the factory. If you don't want to be blowing fuses like crazy or causing harm to the electrical system, check them all. Tighten down the coil wires, they may be lose. If you've done all this....you will have a scooter that will accelerate smoothly, idle properly, and not leave you stranded every other time you ride. CHEERS CHRIS
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Post by imagesinthewind on Jul 5, 2008 23:01:44 GMT -5
2 & 3 both say vacuum lines. . .
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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 5, 2008 23:04:12 GMT -5
2 & 3 both say vacuum lines. . . corrected.....thanks!!
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Post by Don on Jul 6, 2008 8:37:16 GMT -5
what jetting should i use for 1500ft above sea level??
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Post by guyruss on Jul 6, 2008 11:20:32 GMT -5
Alot of of the new scooterest will appreciate this list. Alot of veteran scooterest can also appreciate what you done. Thanks and karma to you my friend.
Russ
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Post by slowscootin07 on Jul 6, 2008 11:21:33 GMT -5
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Post by veloracermike on Jul 6, 2008 11:34:06 GMT -5
This link should be a sticky at the top of the home page.
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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 6, 2008 11:49:18 GMT -5
because like when I was a scoot newb. I didn't see it, it's not in plain view, and hence it didn't help me when I encountered it. And furthermore, through all my own problem posts no one even pointed me to it, so I don't think too many know about it.... my hopes are that there's some interest in this thread and it will stay on this page near the top for a while.........causing it to be read by every new/potential owner that comes here for the first time scanning the threads on the first page.
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Post by bkbroiler on Jul 6, 2008 12:34:56 GMT -5
All looks good except I don't I would recommend re-jetting unless there is a specific problem that is being addressed.
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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 6, 2008 17:26:12 GMT -5
All looks good except I don't I would recommend re-jetting unless there is a specific problem that is being addressed. re-jetting is necessary when doing the air filter mod. And the reason for the air filter mod is because of all the cracked intake tubing I've seen on bikes. They may not be there new, but it's only a matter of time on most bikes I've seen. They run to lean from the factory in my opinion. On 3 bikes I can specifically recall there was even part throttle problems through the midrange and an inability to hold some speeds without some bucking. Jetting will always be a must to me and in the sake of creating a reliable well running scooter it should be for most of you as well!
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Post by kink on Jul 6, 2008 18:18:21 GMT -5
couple of quick questions along these lines:
1) you mention the NGK c7hsa spark plug. do you know the NGK part number for the iridium version? i think it was cr7hix but i'm not totally sure...
2) gear oil: i'm having a hard time figuring out which kind to get. i've been recommended 90w gear oil but the only 90w gear oil i've seen has been for outboard motors. is this the right stuff or is there motorcycle/cvt specific gear oil i should be looking for?
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Post by veloracermike on Jul 6, 2008 18:57:15 GMT -5
NGK CR7HIX Iridium
Redline, Castrol, Agip, Motul, Bel-Ray, Mobil all make high quality gear oil.
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Post by kink on Jul 6, 2008 19:09:04 GMT -5
cool thanks velo, have a snack on me!
any particular weight of gear oil i should be looking for?
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Post by veloracermike on Jul 6, 2008 19:13:51 GMT -5
Castrol Hypoy 80W-90 for the gear and Castrol 4T M/C motor oil. These are not synthetic. If you want synthetic Redline, Mobil, Agip and Motul are very good.
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Post by carl on Jul 6, 2008 20:03:07 GMT -5
why is it important to change vacuum hoses as well . I understand the fuel lines.
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Post by kink on Jul 6, 2008 21:27:34 GMT -5
all the hoses that come stock are usually of poor quality on these scoots. vacuum hoses are as integral to the performance on the bike as fuel and even a small variance in vacuum due to a tiny leak can have serious effects overall.
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Post by kink on Jul 7, 2008 12:17:03 GMT -5
Also, a note about spark plugs. First of all if you would like a really neat bit of info regarding spark plugs including a specific reference to the Iridium NGK plugs listed above check this out: www.willmannracingproducts.com/tech-2.htmlConsidering the fact that these scoots are known to run lean, I'm wondering if anyone has thought of running the CR8HIX instead of the CR7HIX? It's the same iridium plug, just with a cooler heat range. The reason I ask this is because as we all know, lean engines run hot and the CR8 plug may be able to dissipate more of that heat... anyone have any thoughts on this idea?
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Post by L8rgator on Jul 7, 2008 16:16:22 GMT -5
Is there a recommended place one can go online to get all these things from the same place all at once?
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Post by agent22 on Jul 7, 2008 18:01:59 GMT -5
Advance Auto has helped me alot when it came to fuel and vaccum lines (less than $1 per foot cheap). I also found that they sell the NGK spark plugs standard and iridium($6 for iridium). They also sell gates powerlink belts standard and premium($25-35).They also have fuel filters($3). I enjoy them because they give a military discount and I enjoy every penny i save. As for all other parts , i would go with www.oregonvintage.com or www.partsforscooters.com or www.scootertronics.com they are very good websites you will find what you need there.
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Post by L8rgator on Jul 7, 2008 19:33:38 GMT -5
I seem to be getting a little frustrated now, being such a dummy at this. I can find one part here, one part there, one fluid here, and each with shipping of $8 or more. And the local auto & warehouse stores just gave me a blank look for everything on my list.
So so far I'm probably getting (and I'm not sure I've even picked out the right things): A HALOGEN BULB H-4 12V 35/35W (headlight) 48220~ - from Amazon $14 A 6oz Pistol Oiler - from Amazon $9 A NGK C7HSA Standard Spark Plug - from Amazon, or an Iridium one from Scootertronics $16 Fuel Shut-Off Valve Fits 1/4" Fuel Line, from Ebay $12 Oil Pan - from Amazon $12
I'm very lost as to what Antifreeze to get. "Formulated for Aluminum engines" seems to be a hard phrase to find online, and doesn't seem to be at the auto store or Walmart.
I'm also very confused about the gear oil. My manual and the other brand manuals (same model, different name) all say GT or 10 weight. Which I think doesn't exist, and one forum said it was a typo to get 15 weight or something. I'm so confused!
Oh, and I don't even know where to start to find a source for fuel filter, vacuum line, gas lines, airbox, and intake tubes.
I asked for a 7amp fuse and the auto store gave me 7.5 amp. I'm thinking that's probably not good.
And I've completely given up on 12V7Ah batteries, since they seem to come in all different sizes and wet or dry - and given my first time putting acid into a battery is when I got the scooter, I'm not sure what I would want to get next.
I'm trying to take it one step at a time, but I'm starting to realize it may be hopeless for me.
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Post by unknownsoldier on Jul 7, 2008 20:41:55 GMT -5
There's a lot of good information here, both in your post and the other links mentioned. My thanks to you and anyone else who shares helpful info.
Myself, I got a 150cc with 158 on the odometer. I have used the info on this site to check my scoot, decided to try a 42s electric fuel pump, an irridium plug, and replaced all the fuel lines and clamps. Next I will order a spark igniter coil and an intake manifold, and replace all the vacuum lines.
After that, Low-flow air filter and re-jet. Thanks again.
Here's an idea(?) how about permanently mounting one of those induction-pick up neon bulbs, used to check if the spark plug is firing correctly, for an indicator so you know your plug is firing good or for a light show?
I have much to learn, but really like working on my scoot, I can't wait to get another one!
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Post by veloracermike on Jul 7, 2008 21:10:52 GMT -5
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Post by L8rgator on Jul 7, 2008 22:36:10 GMT -5
I did check one of those sources originally, and it was good. I'm looking at the other one now. I got about 1/2 of the things on my list now.
I think now what I'd like to find are the vacuum lines, fuel lines, and antifreeze (sounds like zerex g-05 might be a nice way to go if I can find it, and probably dex-cool types would be my last resort). Sounds like if I find a better auto shop or a motorcycle shop I should be able to find those things easier than online. Although I'll probably keep looking - I'm obsessed with online shopping. Maybe when I get my cycle license I'll feel like spending more time getting out to go parts shopping!
THANKS everyone on this thread - it's all very very helpful! I'm learning more than I ever could have imagined and I'm only on day 4 of scooter-ownership and day 1 of scooter class. Tomorrow my goal is to learn why my scooter is leaking a little gas (didn't do the PDI yet, so I'm hoping it's just a minor common problem).
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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 8, 2008 1:03:50 GMT -5
hey l8rgator........if you do 75-90 mobil gear oil, as I have...you don't need to buy the pistol grip oiler...it should come in a container that will allow you to fill where you need to. any auto parts store should have it, as well as MOST of things on the list. I agree with veloracer said, you can source most everything at a bike shop as well, though sometimes for a little more $
Do you have an autozone near you?
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Post by L8rgator on Jul 8, 2008 7:34:54 GMT -5
Autozone is actually the store I went to. They didn't have anything on my list. No gear oil, no oil pan, no oiler, no spark plug, no light bulb, no battery, no formulated for aluminum antifreeze (he kept insisting I buy the other stuff that was on sale), etc and they gave me the wrong size fuse (the only thing I got from there). I think that's why I walked away so discouraged.
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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 8, 2008 10:44:53 GMT -5
Autozone is actually the store I went to. They didn't have anything on my list. No gear oil, no oil pan, no oiler, no spark plug, no light bulb, no battery, no formulated for aluminum antifreeze (he kept insisting I buy the other stuff that was on sale), etc and they gave me the wrong size fuse (the only thing I got from there). I think that's why I walked away so discouraged. I'm sorry to hear that, I've never been to a bad autozone yet....I've found them to be like the ACE hardware stores..all staffed by good knowlegeable people. I guess the one by you isn't so. Just head to a bike shop... in fact, you may be able to get the oil, plug, battery, and oil pan from walmart good luck moding your bike, you'll have a nice reliable machine when your done!!
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Post by L8rgator on Jul 8, 2008 15:14:33 GMT -5
I actually tried Walmart first. They said "nope", "nope", "nope", "nope".
Today I went to a bike shop. They sold me a fuel line (oops I really needed 2 ft), and a fuel filter. However the filter looks nothing like the old one (new one looks like a clear funnel, old is a white cylinder). But I did find a matching fuel filter at a few places online and ended up ordering from DiscountScooterParts.com. The current fuel filter has a slow oozing leak at the plastic seam, so I guess I'll have to wait until the parts come in before I can practice more. Can you substitute fuel filters that don't match temporarily?
The bike shop didn't have vacuum lines, but recommended I try a local tractor trailer supply type store next.
The bike shop also did have an oil that they said was for racing that was 10 weight (like my manual says), but it's not labled gear oil, so they said it's not the same thing.
And they have me Honda motorcycle antifreeze.
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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 9, 2008 16:18:33 GMT -5
BUMP for more exposure
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Post by jkdscooter on Jul 9, 2008 22:35:22 GMT -5
i recently bought my scoot and performed "big guys pdi"....i got most parts from CARQUEST in pasadena, tx...vac/fuel lines, filter, oils, clamps, and spark plugs!! so give alex at this carquest a major dawgbone and wish the rest of you well...(more clamps, zip ties, etc from wal-mart...)
so far i have had no problems..engine, trans, brakes, electrical, lights, starter, etc.... i think spending the time to do the above is paying off in the long run.........
thanks dawgs
keith
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Post by hotstang46 on Jul 11, 2008 22:21:46 GMT -5
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