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Post by spazoo on Oct 28, 2007 8:11:20 GMT -5
The first time I drove the scooter in the rain the engine kept stalling and quitting on me. It seemed like it was not getting any fuel. I managed to get the scooter back home and I drove the car to work that day.
When I got home from work that day (the rain had stopped) I took the scooter out and it ran great. No problems.
Since then I have been caught in the rain twice. Both times the engine started acting up again. Does anyone have a clue what the problem could be? What should I look for?
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Post by 12string on Oct 28, 2007 13:50:17 GMT -5
Check your electrical connections. Make sure the plug wire boots are in place at the spark plug and the other end (the coil). You may have a small (microscopic) crack in the plug wire that grounds out when wet, or even damp. You can water proof the CDI plug ins with standard automotive silicone seal if necessary.
I would replace the plug wire first. This is a standard automotive type wire that you should be able to get at any auto store.
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Post by rerun2 on Oct 28, 2007 15:20:33 GMT -5
Similar problem with a ZUMA just a couple of days ago, in his case, the air filter (apparently) was wet, and any thing above 10mph the engine would pull enough air to suck in some water with the air... sputtering and stalling and all manner of nasty behaviors. We took the air filter off (a Uni type) and put it under a lamp so the heat could dry it out, put it back on the next morning and it was as if it had never happened. Sooo, that might be your case too, the Uni type filter does not seem to be situated on the guy's scoot to really keep from getting wet in anything more than a drizzle. I gave him a sandwich sized baggie to cover it while it was parked.
Hope this helps at least to track down the problem, as stated, moisture to the electrical system could easily be the source of trouble too... in either case, the fix is not difficult, but finding it might be a headache. A spray bottle to dampen the air cleaner could help find the trouble it that is where it is. Same with the electrical stuff.
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Post by hillbilly on Oct 28, 2007 15:57:49 GMT -5
Rerun is right but the scoots that have air filter problems in the rain usually have the aftermarket pod style exposed air filters for higher performance. The stock airboxes do not usually have much problem with rain so if you haven't changed air filters then it will probably be electrical. An extra coil and cdi are a good thing to have around so you may just want to order them anyway for future use and to save troubleshooting and parts order time.
I think the plug wire would be a good first step also.
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Post by spazoo on Oct 28, 2007 17:35:09 GMT -5
Yesterday I noticed there is a hole in the air cleaner box. The box has a plastic fitting that connects to a short clear plastic tube. That fitting cracked at the point where it connects to the box. Maybe water is being sucked in through that hole.
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Post by solarscootdawg on Oct 28, 2007 17:40:48 GMT -5
Hello all. Here is a "tip" on how to test for electrical problems associated with either rain or water. Expose the engine and start/run the scoot for about 5 minutes...you want everything in the engine area up to temp. Use a spray bottle filled with water and several drops of liquid soap. Spray the plug wire first...if you use zapping or the engine rpm's go down, it's the plug wire. If not the plug wire, continue about the various parts of the engine that might get water on them during travel..even the air filter.... I use this "technique" on my trucks, and even the race kart to find those junky plug wires sold today (even Ford is putting out sh!t parts!) Bill
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Post by Jacine on Oct 28, 2007 18:03:39 GMT -5
For small fittings use dialectric grease. Waterproof and conductive.
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Post by scooterollie on Oct 28, 2007 20:24:54 GMT -5
Spazoo;
That clear tube you referred to is to drain oil that finds it's way into the air filter housing by recycling of crankcase fumes. Keeps those nasty vapors from being spread through the environment. You could probably clean up the parts and stick it back on with a good epoxy. Some folks see a slow collection of oil in the tube and remove the plug periodically to drain the oil. Some folks never find any oil there or if there is some initially, it never increases.
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Post by Admin on Oct 28, 2007 21:11:24 GMT -5
Hmmmmm, I just posted on this same scooter problem. Yeah, if the crack is big enough, you surely will suck water into the air filter. If the water penetrates the filter and makes its way to the carb you've got a problem. Fix her right or use duct tape or something. My life is simplified because I don't ride in the rain.....at least when I have a choice. ;D
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Post by spazoo on Oct 29, 2007 21:16:24 GMT -5
I will give all of this a try and report back my results. Thanks much for all of the good tips.
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