Post by waterboysh on Feb 5, 2013 15:24:54 GMT -5
Been having lots of problems with my scoot starting and dying at low RPMs; at least until it gets good and warm and then it's fine. Mostly it has just meant that the first time I ride, I just sit there and give it just enough throttle to not die and let it warm up for 3 - 5 minutes and then I'd be good to go. Today though, it took 15 whole minutes for the engine to get warm enough to drive. First, it took roughly 20 attempts to crank, and even then would only crank if I twisted the throttle a little as I cranked it. Otherwise it'd just immediately die. Then, it'd bog down real bad and almost die if I gave it any gas. I could putt around at about 5 mph and that was it. I was getting exasperated, but I just let it keep warming up and eventually it let me give it gas and it'd actually go instead of dying.
After reading a bunch of posts here I suspect the valves need adjusting. I've never done anything like this before, so I wanted to make 100% sure that I'm prepared. I've been reading some guides and watched a few youtube videos on the subject and I think I'm ready (once I buy the parts anyway), but I have a few questions.
First off, here are the 4 guides I've bookmarked:
1) ScootDawg
2) Buggy Parts NW
3) Total Ruckus
4) Youtube
One of the questions I have involves the spark plug. The Total Ruckus guide says during step 4, DO NOT use this method if your spark plug is still installed. talking about spinning the flywheel (I believe this is the correct term). None of the other guides say that. Why would this be necessary and do I need to do this?
What tools do I need? I have metric wrenches, but I don't have a metric socket set. Will I need a socket wrench to be able to access any of the nuts? I know I need feeler gauges; I plan to pick some up at the auto store.
Do I need a torque wrench? I remember a thread here back a little while ago where there was a lot of fighting going on about how much to tighten the bolts for the valve cover, and a lot of people saying you should really use a torque wrench because of how easy the screws are to strip. I'm horrible at telling if I've tightened something good enough, so I'm thinking I should use one.
My last concern is about getting to the valve cover. Most of the guides and videos I see have scooters with a floorboard that extends across the whole bottom. Mine has a hump down the middle with 2 foot rests. You can see what I'm talking about in this picture and this picture. It seems like I might have a harder time getting to the valve cover.
That's all I can think of for now. I'll probably try to do the adjustment over the weekend so I can use my wife's car if I need to run somewhere. Advice and opinions are welcome, especially if you think my problem is something else entirely
After reading a bunch of posts here I suspect the valves need adjusting. I've never done anything like this before, so I wanted to make 100% sure that I'm prepared. I've been reading some guides and watched a few youtube videos on the subject and I think I'm ready (once I buy the parts anyway), but I have a few questions.
First off, here are the 4 guides I've bookmarked:
1) ScootDawg
2) Buggy Parts NW
3) Total Ruckus
4) Youtube
One of the questions I have involves the spark plug. The Total Ruckus guide says during step 4, DO NOT use this method if your spark plug is still installed. talking about spinning the flywheel (I believe this is the correct term). None of the other guides say that. Why would this be necessary and do I need to do this?
What tools do I need? I have metric wrenches, but I don't have a metric socket set. Will I need a socket wrench to be able to access any of the nuts? I know I need feeler gauges; I plan to pick some up at the auto store.
Do I need a torque wrench? I remember a thread here back a little while ago where there was a lot of fighting going on about how much to tighten the bolts for the valve cover, and a lot of people saying you should really use a torque wrench because of how easy the screws are to strip. I'm horrible at telling if I've tightened something good enough, so I'm thinking I should use one.
My last concern is about getting to the valve cover. Most of the guides and videos I see have scooters with a floorboard that extends across the whole bottom. Mine has a hump down the middle with 2 foot rests. You can see what I'm talking about in this picture and this picture. It seems like I might have a harder time getting to the valve cover.
That's all I can think of for now. I'll probably try to do the adjustment over the weekend so I can use my wife's car if I need to run somewhere. Advice and opinions are welcome, especially if you think my problem is something else entirely
