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Proper
Scooter maintenance is crucial to getting the most out of your scooter.
You should always consult your owner’s manual as the
following tips may vary from scooter to scooter. If the information
presented here contradicts your owner manual, then you should trust the
manufacture and abide by their specs. Furthermore we remind scooter
enthusiasts to follow safe riding practices and ALWAYS wear protective
gear.
Primer:
When
the scooter is brand new, been run out of gas, been sitting for a long
period or is very cold, it may be necessary to prime the carburetor
before attempting to start it. This is accomplished with the primer
pump bowl located at the bottom of the carburetor. Simply press and
release this pump several times until gas can be seen flowing through
the clear gas return line to the fuel tank. This will help start the
scooter under the aforementioned conditions, however if this is done
once the scooter has warmed up it may induce flooding.
Carburetor:
The
carburetor has many adjustments on it and it is recommended that these
adjustments to be made by experienced persons only; however we will
point out the major points. The carburetor is responsible for pumping
the fuel and mixing it with the air at a precise measurement. The
carburetor does this with very small diaphragms, orifices and ports,
which are easily clogged by contaminants. This is why is extremely
important that you use only clean new fuel in your gas scooter.
Carburetor Adjustment:
The
small gold screw on the side of the carburetor is the idle speed screw.
This screw controls the idle speed; the tip should extend about an 1/8
of an inch (4 mm). Adjust it so the engine will idle at just fast
enough speed to stay running.
The brass
color screw located lower on the side of the carburetor next to the
choke lever is for the high speed mixture. Start by turning this screw
in (clockwise) until it stops. Don't turn it in tight, just until it
stops. Next, turn the screw out two full turns (counter-clockwise).
This is the factory setting. You should be able to start and operate
the scooter with this setting. Once you have it running, you can fine
tune. Never turn the screw more than 1/8 of a turn at a time. Try
turning it IN about 1/8, this will help the top speed
operation. BUT, turning it in TOO MUCH will cause the motor
to run lean at full speed and can burn a piston. Also, running too lean
will cause a loss of low end power. Once you get the mixture set you
can adjust the idle, it should be low enough that the engine doesn't
vibrate. Finally make sure you have the choke lever down completely
after the scooter is started and warmed up.
There is
also a main jet adjustment screw dead center on the top of the
carburetor. This is most always set at 1 full turn out. If this is not
adjusted correctly, your scooter may not run, or run very poorly. Once
again, turn screw all the way in (clockwise) and then out
(counter-clockwise) 360 degrees (1 full turn).
Idle:
If the
scooter will not idle or idles too fast, an adjustment screw is
provided next to the choke. Turning this screw clockwise will increase
the idle speed. Turning the screw counterclockwise will decrease the
idle speed. Remember that an idle speed that is too fast can be
dangerous.
Spark Plug:
The
spark plug is a crucial and vulnerable part on your engine. Your spark
plug can be located on the top of the engine under the protective
rubber boot. Your scooter comes with a tool kit containing a spark plug
wrench for easy removal. The spark plug must be clean, and must be
replaced promptly when signs of wear begin to show. The condition of
the spark plug can tell you a lot about how your motor is running. If
the electrode is white, that can be a sign that your scooter is running
too hot. This can be a result of either running too lean, or that the
fuel and air mixture is too lean. If you are running your scooter to
rich then your spark plug may be black, covered with gas, oil, or
carbon. Another common problem is that the spark plug gets clogged up
with carbon and/or oil and "fouls". This should be checked by assuring
the electrode has a clean gap of .023 in.
Air Filter:
The
air filter is used to clean the air going into the engine. Periodic
cleaning of this filter is recommended to protect your gas scooter
engine against the damaging effects of dirt and abrasive particulates.
Your air filter can be located on the front of the engine and the
protective cover can be removed with one screw. When the protective
cover is removed the air filter is revealed. You can also see the small
workings of the choke and butterfly valve. The filter should be free
from dirt and grease and appear clean like the one shown on the right.
If there are contaminants on the filter it can be cleaned in a
container of gasoline. Allow the filter to dry before re-installing it
into your gas scooter.
Throttle:
There
are two main types of scooter throttles. One is a twist type, and the
other is a hand throttle. Although the throttles are different in
operation, they are essentially mechanically the same. When the rider
applies the throttle, a cable carries this motion down to the engine.
For continued smooth operation it is important to keep this cable clean
and free of obstructions. Should the throttle begin to feel loose and
sloppy, the slack can be adjusted on the cable at the handlebars.
Simply loosen the lock nut and adjust the cable tension via the
adjustment screw. Once the desired tension is achieved retighten the
lock nut.
Brakes:
The
easiest way to adjust your brakes is on the handbrake itself. This
adjustment has two simple steps. To change the tension on the cable
merely back off the locking nut and screw the adjustment screw in or
out accordingly. Once the desired tension is achieved re-tighten the
locking nut.
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