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Post by guyruss on Dec 3, 2007 0:09:43 GMT -5
Aero,
That almost sounds like a hole in the piston. Make sure the new plug is properly gaped, and make sure you are using the correct one. Compare with the stock one and see that it is exactly the same length.
Russ
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Post by bob on Dec 3, 2007 2:33:43 GMT -5
Picked up scooter today, and it is as good as new, litterally! Turns out that the piston had siezed up and needed replacing, but since they said it would have taken a while for that parts to come in, they just replaced the engine, and will rebuild the other one (not sure what they are going to do to it though). They said it was caused by not changing the oil often enough. What weight rollers do you have now, or did they use your old rollers? I think I would ask them where the oil was coming from. Bob
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Post by 90GTVert on Dec 3, 2007 9:36:04 GMT -5
I am very impressed that they replaced the engine at no cost. Very good service for a Chinese scooter! One thing that I do take exception to is them telling you it was caused by not changing oil often enough. This is pure BS, if you changed it at 1000 mile intervals after the first 300. They didn't have time to get oil analysis results back, so I have to believe they are just shooting from the hip since they have nothing to back that up. I seriously doubt this was an oil failure. More likely a cold seizure that went bad. Be sure you warm the engine up before taking off when cold, and when you have a leak, fix it right away. With less than a quart in a GY6, you don't have any room for loss. Stan Picked up scooter today, and it is as good as new, litterally! Turns out that the piston had siezed up and needed replacing, but since they said it would have taken a while for that parts to come in, they just replaced the engine, and will rebuild the other one (not sure what they are going to do to it though). They said it was caused by not changing the oil often enough. I thought I was (700miles was what I'd shoot for, but more often it would be near 1k before I could get the time), but I guess I will change it at the suggested 300 mile mark from now on. Just for notes, I did change it at 50, 150, 300 for break-in then went to the above incriments. I guess it wasn't enough... Anyway, I am very happy with what they did, and they even replaced a few odds and ends that had been MIA (rubber gromet on muffler mount, keyhole plastic, something else I think ). Anyway, I have to give them props for doing all this. All in all, great customer service! Aero
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Post by jspencer on Dec 3, 2007 15:54:04 GMT -5
More likely a cold seizure that went bad. Be sure you warm the engine up before taking off when cold, and when you have a leak, fix it right away. With less than a quart in a GY6, you don't have any room for loss. Stan Stan -- Can you explain the concept of cold seizure? I have heard the term in reference to scooters before but have never heard it in many years of dealing with car and airplane engines. I know that some aircooled engine cylinders have a certain amount of "choke," meaning the upper cylinder is a little narrower than the lower cylinder. The assumption is that as the engine warms up it expands to the nominal size. And I know that putting a lot of power to an air-cooled engine without proper warm-up can wear cylinder walls and rings, and possibly break rings. But I've never heard of it causing any type of seizure. Jon
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Post by guyruss on Dec 3, 2007 18:15:07 GMT -5
Jon,
I believe what Stan is saying is that if a little air cooled engine is started after being cold, and not properly warmed up for agout 60 seconds, and then ran real hard at high RPMs, the piston (aluminum) could expand alot faster than the cylinder in that 60 second time-frame, and causing the gases that pass from intake to exhaust ports is in that extrem temp range, and could cause from extreme heat a radical, fast burn -up of rings to cylinder walls with possible explosion affect with all this causing engine siezer failure.
Aero, Allways let the little engine warm up for a good 60 seconds, and always watch that oil level, and don't let engine run to lean, and always use good high octane fuel because that also helps to kep engine running cooler, and still watch that spark plug also. Remember got to kep that engine cool, and lubricated.
Russ P.S. Always pay close attention to what Stan says and follow his advise, because he probably nows these scooters more that any of us.
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Post by bob on Dec 9, 2007 11:50:48 GMT -5
Aero, How's the new engine doing and did you find out what rollers are in it?
Bob
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Post by Aerostudent on Dec 10, 2007 1:47:48 GMT -5
Hey all, thanks for the comments and advice! It will always be well accepted! Bob, the engine is running great! In fact, I think there may have been something wrong with the other one from the start, as this one performed better before being broken in than the other did after a good long break-in. I am holding speed on hills a good 5 mph faster than before, which is nice. judging from the overall RPM's I am 99% sure that the rollers are my old 11g's, but I think I will up it to 11.5 (maybe 12) soon, just to be safe. I am also looking at the PFS oil cooler kit and am curently working on a cooling scoop that a few here use (45* 4 inch PVC elbow on fan intake, for extra air at speed).
I always tried to let the engine warm up before riding, now I make sure it is warmed up good! I have never used anything less than 91oct fuel. I am using an Ix plug that is the equivalent of the stock plug, just NGK and Ix (CR7HIX I believe). It is the exact length (Double checked again). If this is a problem, please someone speak up. The wierd thing about this was that I had run for about 10 mile without a peep out of the engine (figuratively speaking, of course) and then, blam, put, put, put... The piston itself looked in pretty good shape actually (a little blackened, but it is an ICEngine), it just wouldn't pivot on the crankshaft at all.
Again, Thanks for all the help and comments! I am always interested in learning about scooters and engines/maintainance in general. Thanks!
Aero
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Post by guyruss on Dec 10, 2007 2:30:50 GMT -5
Happy for Aero, and merry christmas
Russ
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Post by tcxjwagoneer on Dec 26, 2007 20:11:53 GMT -5
Just before christmas I emailed Lance scooters about my broken airbox...it was my fault lifting it and it broke the mounts. They are replacing it for free. They called today which was very fast for the holidays and they got it out today with tracking info...A+++++++++ for scooter factory. I also have used their online help and they did great with tips. If you are considering Lance and scooterfactory they have so far for me been the real deal.
Tommy
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Post by Aerostudent on Dec 27, 2007 2:06:54 GMT -5
Just wanted to pipe up again and say that the new engine is working great still. It has a noticeable amount of more power nothing huge, but it has a little more get up and go when I need it. I have about 3250 miles on the scooter total, and about 400-500 on the engine with it breaking in quite nicely. I am going to clean the carb and install bigger jets in the near future, as well as an MRP intake and a few well placed holes in the exhaust ;D. On a different note, I would have gotten to it sooner but I have been working on the Honda (see signature) which I actualy rode the other day (pretty nice ride by the way, but a bit heavier than a scooter). I need to revive my Performance Tuning "Blog" I had going in the 125+ section instead of posting all this stuff here. Bottom line, the scooter is doing better than ever!
aero
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Post by newc77 on Jan 12, 2008 18:35:56 GMT -5
That's great Aero, and good news from Tommy too. I love the Lance line and I am sold on S/F. They have done well for us too. Tom
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Post by guyruss on Jan 18, 2008 2:43:33 GMT -5
One of my co-workers, just bought a scoot from scotersfactory, and will be getting it monday. He got the Lance Venis, and is really excited. He is also joining this site.
scoota-rollin Russ
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Post by newc77 on Jan 18, 2008 11:35:22 GMT -5
Looks like those retro Lances are really catching on. Tom
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Post by Aerostudent on Jan 20, 2008 18:50:32 GMT -5
That cool! My mom is looking to buy a Lance Venice here soon, she likes the style the best which is nice 'cause it's also the cheapest that S/F sells and one of the smaller scooters, which is good for her. I'll post about it when she gets it, let us know how your co-worker likes it!
Aero
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Post by guyruss on Jan 20, 2008 19:01:25 GMT -5
Sure Aero,
He is supposedly a member now, but have not seen him on here. I will harrass him to get on line. he seems ecxited about getting it monday, and will help him prep it.
Russ
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Post by basementjaxx on Jan 20, 2008 19:24:23 GMT -5
Hey Russ,
That is cool you're helping him out. I just recently purchased a Lance Vintage and had to do it myself. Though all I really figured out where the required basics, battery, etc. Though I do not know how to get the trunk on... any suggestions? I'm also sad it is 8 degrees here... I haven't been able to take it out for a ride but once when it was above freezing.
Hi Aero,
Thanks for your prolific postings about the lance scooter you have. Its nice to hear so many interesting details and know there are few of us out there that I could ask questions if I have problems in the future.
Jason
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Post by Aerostudent on Jan 22, 2008 1:21:48 GMT -5
Your welcome! Glad I could help some! As for the trunk, I have a Lance GS-R which is different from the Vintage in quite a few ways, so keep that in mind when hearing my suggestions, as the actual stuff/info/etc might be different. Anyway, The trunk is kindof a pain to mount right, but mine mounted in about 15min. If they gave you two brackets and four nuts/bolts you should be good to go. On mine there was only one way that the brackets would line up with the holes for the bolts, so naturally I mounted them that way, I think it was side-to-side (and not front-to-back). I don't have my trunk on currently as it rattled partially off and I lost one of the brackets, which brings up my next item. I would make some kind of over all bracket (can be traced from the underside of the truck/rack-that-it-mounts-to) and use lock washers and/or locktight. One more thing, be sure to put something inbetween the trunk and the rack, as mine is a little scratched up from the trunk rubbing on it (mines painted/ plastic, I think your's is chrome/metal). Just some things to think about.
Aero
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Post by newc77 on Jan 23, 2008 7:39:50 GMT -5
Had some ratttles on the trunk of my Lance 250 which were nicely fixed with some foam rubber underneath and some window moulding on the lips of the lid itself. Tom
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Post by guyruss on Jan 27, 2008 23:36:17 GMT -5
Hi Jason,
Good choice on your scoot. Sorry haven't responded quicker, but been real busy. The seat is a little tricky, and I actually needed to adjust a little bit were the latches hook to were you lock it. I even filed the hole holding r-side mount front nut. The plastic hole on storage compartment wanted to not realign quit right. My friend John (wishbone) on this sit is still trying to get together with me, but he has been watching his daughter, and been raining real hard, but is suppose to stop by my house tomorrow for some assistance.
Good luck and if you need any advice at all on the Vintage will try to help.
Scoota-Rollin-Friend Russ
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Post by guyruss on Jan 27, 2008 23:44:25 GMT -5
buy the way from what wishbone told me the scoot came in perfect condition, and started right up. And scooters factory was excellent on giving him updated information, and he even changed the color request after he allready ordered, and scootersfactory made sure that he got the color he wanted, and only took I think 4-days for him to get the scoot.
Russ
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Post by basementjaxx on Feb 3, 2008 10:41:57 GMT -5
So it's time for me to change the oil... could anyone provide more details than what is in the vintage manual? What size tool do I need for removing the oil plug? (ie " or mm measure) Where is the oil filter they say you should clean? What solvent/method should one use for cleaning the filter? And just to dbl check, when checking the oil level you warm the engine up, then let it cool down a short period, pull the dip stick out, and then put it back in w/o screwing it in to obtain a proper reading based upon the marked levels?
Thanks for any info,
Jason
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Post by tortoise on Feb 3, 2008 12:43:48 GMT -5
it's time for me to change the oil Related video. Use the forum search to review previous related discussion.
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Post by wishbone on Feb 3, 2008 14:03:14 GMT -5
Hey dude so what do you think about my scooter?
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Post by guyruss on Feb 3, 2008 18:06:14 GMT -5
Hay Wishbone Your scoot is even better than what I expected. I have your new yaussa battery fully charged up for you bro, and will drop it off at work. Tell everyone how your experience is so far with scootersfactory dude. Russ
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Post by basementjaxx on Feb 4, 2008 20:23:45 GMT -5
Hey Tortoise,
Thanks for that video link... exactly the kind of thing I needed... and that scooter in the video is made by the same company as lance... so even the sizes of the sockets I'll need should be close.
Much appreciated,
Jason
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Post by basementjaxx on Feb 5, 2008 21:06:20 GMT -5
So I figured given that this post is suppose to be about scootersfactory I would post my experience with them in this post... I will review the bike separate in the 125cc+ forum.
In calling I wanted to know about what kind of fuel system they used as I was reading a review and someone was bashing how bad vacuum pumps are for feeding fuel. In asking the question I misrouted a few times, but eventually got put to a parts guy who knew the answer and told me they did use a vacuum, but that they had used cheaper models before, but now used better ones etc (kinda generic but at least he sounded like he knew what he was talking about). I also asked between two models I was looking at which was more appropriate/better. He actually told me what the common problem was with one line of their product, and said there was no one major problem with the other product line. He also told me not to buy the more expensive product as it was "too much power" for a beginner, and for my needs I did not need it. Which having ridden my 150 I would agree with so far. The ordering person was helpful, and wanted to make sure I was aware of their no return policy on helmets before ordering. She also heavily emphasized visually inspecting the scooter before signing for it, else they could not get damages from the shipping company. The shipping company was great, arrived the day promised as planned in advance.
Putting it together... about the only instructions they provided was a warning sheet explaining not to remove the tie pinning the front break until it was fully assembled, else you could leak air into the breakline which causes problems. While this was explained in clear english those are the only instructions I received. On calling tech support I reached one guy who seemed to think everything should be self explanatory and was a bit condescending about it. So I got to figure everything out myself. I have however remained in contact with the tech support person who answered my original question who has been extremely helpful and supportive. So my verdict, just like any company there are those there happy to help, and others who rather be picking their butt and collecting a paycheck for nothing. The sales girl who transfered me to tech support in the first place wanted to know the answer for her own personal edification as well which I took as a positive.
Ability to obtain a bill of sale... well they ask you all these weird questions you should not have to answer, other than verifying the VIN... since they should have it all from your invoice. So I just picked random answers for make/model. It came super fast and mighigan's SOS (like DMV) accepted it just fine.
That's all for now.
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Post by busta on Feb 22, 2008 10:16:25 GMT -5
When got my scooter from here they were selling roketa then.I messed the mangto up and sent it back and they fixed it for free and split the shipping with me .IT DID TAKE ABOUT 4 MONTHS for the repair.other than that im happy.I HAVE 06235miles on it.
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Post by raymond1024 on Mar 6, 2008 18:29:11 GMT -5
Im so glad u all were happy with Scootersfactory as i bought a Lance 250cc Duke Touring from them. Get on the freeway and its fun fun fun. Had an issue with a light bulb and when i got in there they treated me as if i was a new customer ready to buy. Michael and Richard in the parts department was nice and they got me off and going in 5 mins from what i needed. I was suppose to pay for the bulb but they gave me 2 for free. Thats great service. I agree with all you guys about scootersfactory and the Lance line. Its definitely a product i would recommend.
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Post by newc77 on Mar 21, 2008 13:02:37 GMT -5
Raymond: have a Karma for being a fellow Duke 250 owner. Enjoy it. I love mine. It is a great, trouble free bike all in all. Can't wait for the weather to clear here in NE Ohio so I can hit the road. Ride safe and God bless bro! Tom
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Post by Robvious on Apr 5, 2008 2:09:23 GMT -5
Hello All,
Im new to the forum and just wanted to add my experience in purchasing a Lance scooter. I purchased a Milan 150 from Gio at scootersarecool.com because I wanted the absolutely lowest price to my door and after shopping around he gave me a good deal. After the purchase, I called scooterfactory since I knew they were the distributor and they treated me like I was their customer and answered all my questions and expedited my paperwork so I could insure my scooter.
In talking to the people at SF I realized that they are VERY busy these days and the staff is still learning how to handle the volume of work and maintain good customer service. Calling seems to be generally better than email, and I would highly recommend the "you get more flys with honey than you do with vinegar" theory when you call. (IE... BE NICE)
Im excited to hear some people posting have 2K plus miles (kilometers?) on their Lance scoots. I have a little small engine experience from racing motocross as a kid so Im not real worried about changing oil, cleaning filters, doing small mods., etc.
Ill keep the group posted about my experience.
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