Linhai Aeolus 300 won't idle

[whenpigsfly]

Hi all,

I need a little help. My scooter won't idle. I can get it to start by twisting the throttle but it will not idle once I release throttle.

In trying to trouble-shoot, I've adjusted the throttle cable and the mixing screw (each to no avail). I also replaced the spark plug as I was initially having issues with it starting at all. After replacing the spark plug is when I was able to get it to start with the throttle.

It acts as if the choke is not disengaging. Is there a fuse specifically for the choke? Could this even be a possibility?

At this point, I don't know what else to check/do. It was running flawlessly during my last ride (about 10 days ago).

Thanks in advance.

[gatekeeper]

Have you adjusted the valves lately? Hard starting and dying at idle are classic symptoms of the valves being too tight. .004 on the intake and .005 on the exhaust.

[richardthescooter1]

I would check all your vacuum lines and intake and exhaust clamps, make sure there all tight, you could run some sea form in gas take (maybe some bad gas).

[torque]

idle speed adjustment? I had to "tweak" mine about every 2000 miles or so. Also, use some Sea-Foam about once a month or so. (Add this to list of suggestions above.) 2500 miles seems a bit early for valves to be out on a Linhai 300. I had mine checked at 4000 miles and the tech said they probably wouldn't need anything for "a good long time".

[whenpigsfly]

Thanks for the responses and suggestions. I wasn't quite ready to tackle a valve adjustment (although I was thinking that was going to be the only solution), so I did a little more investigative work...

I found the air hose loose from the carb, so I tightened it. I had to get a new hose clamp to make it stay, the original brass one just wouldn't tighten enough to hold it.

Since I could get it to run with throttle, I filled the gas tank with 1/2 -2/3 can of Sea Foam and ran it holding the throttle slightly open. After enough time for the Sea Foam to reach the carb, I attempted to let off the throttle. It died a couple more times then I finally got it to idle ;D

I guess the culprit could have been bad gas...or just crap in the carb. Whatever the problem, it seems to have been solved for now.

I maintain, Sea Foam is a miricle juice... a carb mechanic in a can

[torque]

What is your idle speed? If I remember correctly, these things need a cold idle at around 800 rpm or so. Someone correct me if you have the service manual handy. (It could be even higher than that.) Have you confirmed that the auto-choke is functioning properly?

[torque]

Probably should elaborate: I had a "slight" version of this problem -- I just increased the idle speed until it would idle. Then I could observe the auto-choke operation. Ran a little Sea-Foam thru it and it solved my problem. I had to "tweak" the idle speed about every 2k or so.