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Stranded
by: nalrac - Jul 25, 2011 20:38:51 GMT -6
Post by nalrac on Jul 25, 2011 20:38:51 GMT -6
I guess I could see this one coming. I came to work this morning and the old girl was running like a champ. However, tonight I got about 3 miles from the office and there was a significant change in the engine and now it won't idle but will run at higher throttle. It sounds like it's "sucking air". Almost like the plug is out. I've checked the hoses and everything is connected as far as I can see. What could this be? PS - Keep in mind my other thread about the oil leak. Could it be related? PPS - I've noticed my fuel economy is getting terrible, about 45mpg. Thanks! - Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 22, 2011 5:56:36 GMT -6
When I first got my scooter I knew that it had been somewhat neglected. That's fairly obvious by my previous posts. However, I DIDN'T know that it had a small oil leak. I've been keeping an eye on it and what started as a couple of drips under the bike when I parked it has grown into a full-blown mess. I now have oil everywhere. It's on everything from the underside of the plastic "console" between the footrests, the underside of the seat, the exhaust, the back tire...everything. I've kept a close watch on the oil level and it's definitely worsening. I've parked the scooter permanently until I can determine the cause of it. What's the best way to determine the source of the leak? Just a note of warning; although I've got some experience in electrical I'm a novice (at best) when it comes to the mechanical workings of the engine. Please be gentle
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Post by nalrac on Jul 21, 2011 7:46:24 GMT -6
Hey Guys, I'm trying to fix my scoot's problems one issue at a time. Last night it rained again and I tried to drive afterwards. When I did it started protesting after about 3 miles at WOT by sputtering and refusing to go over 30mph. I determined there was water in the air intake and realized that, because I don't have a cover for it, my filter was absorbing the splashes like a sponge. I (seriously) used the exhaust pipe to blow the water out and dry it off. It worked like a charm. Now, on to my questions: 1. I pretty much have this exact filter gokartsusa.com/gy6airfiltercn250.aspx without the plastic cover 2. What would you recommend I do? (a) Buy a new system (b) Buy a cover 3. Is the filter I have a decent one? Thanks in advance! - Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 21, 2011 7:34:02 GMT -6
OK Fellas, I believe that we have this one solved. I popped the seat to test the voltage coming to the battery with a new multimeter and was surprised to find that it said 12v exactly. Then, I walked to the front and the headlight WERE WORKING. I wiggled and moved wires to see if I could get them to go off again so that way I would be able to narrow down where the bad wire was. I couldn't find anything so I turned it off and when I attempted to restart the battery was dead (at least that's what I thought). So, once again, I looked at the battery and noticed a HEAVY amount of corrosion had covered one of the wires on the positive terminal. It was the smaller wire with the fuse. So, I took the entire thing apart, stripped, and rewired. Afterwards, I charged the battery for about 6 hours and, when I started it up, the lights were still working. That was 3 days ago and they've been working ever since. They (dash and headlights) DO seem to randomly fade dim to bright. THAT seems to be caused by the dimmer switch. Either way, I feel rather foolish for not cleaning the terminals in the beginning. I'm just glad that we've got this one solved! Thanks for all your help!
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Post by nalrac on Jul 20, 2011 5:34:38 GMT -6
Thanks alleyoop!
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Post by nalrac on Jul 18, 2011 7:24:05 GMT -6
Hey all, I decided to hold off on getting the sliders for another week. However, I discovered, after doing some work on the carb, that I had a loose vacuum hose. After reconnecting it, the scooter (of course) started running 100% better. I now am able to hit 50mph at 3/4 throttle I would imagine that this has been as issue for awhile. However, what made me start checking the carb is that during an after-rain drive it wouldn't go over 40mph. I would assume that it was either sucking water vapor or that it had just come completely off at that time by coincidence. Needless to say, I'm pretty happy about finding this. Thanks for all the suggestions. - Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 18, 2011 6:01:39 GMT -6
Awesome, JR. I can't thank you enough. I drove her to work this morning so, hopefully, I can test this tonight and get some final answers to this puzzle. PS - In an unrelated bit of news, I had posted in another thread that it was "running, but not fast". I posted earlier that I had found a disconnected vacuum hose on the carb. Well, I drove it the first time today after getting it back together and I'm now wondering how long this hose had been disconnected or loose. It's running amazingly well. I could easily reach 50mph at 3/4 throttle. and over 60 at WOT. Now, if I can just get the lights to work I'll be a happy camper - Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 17, 2011 19:23:11 GMT -6
Hey JR,
This is all extremely helpful information. I'm sorry for the short reply but I have just a couple of minutes to reply and plan a more detailed response tomorrow. However, I just wanted to let you know that I tested the battery terminals while the scooter was running today and got a reading of 25vDC. I also tested the green wire at the headlights and tail lights and got a reading of 0vAC. So, what do you think? Bad R/R?
- Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 15, 2011 12:01:16 GMT -6
Sprocket, GREAT info! I'll do that as soon as I get home
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Post by nalrac on Jul 15, 2011 9:08:18 GMT -6
Is there any chance this could be stator related at all?
Also - the file is still a low res version. Looks like the document is over optimized. The labels aren't legible at all. Otherwise, this looks to be an extremely valuable resource!!
Thanks!
- Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 15, 2011 7:45:39 GMT -6
Thanks JR! A PDF would certainly be helpful.
I will take you recommendation and test the connectors with the ohm meter. What should the resistance be between the dimmer and tail light?
I also noticed last night that there are smaller bulbs in the headlight assembly that are burning very dimly. I'm not sure if this is relevant at all.
BTW - I took the bulbs out of their holder in the front after removing the plastic so I'm pretty sure there's no short there. However, I haven't removed the tail lights.
Thanks!
- Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 15, 2011 5:03:53 GMT -6
JR, First...you're amazing. That's a masterpiece Although, for some reason it came through micro-sized in your post so I can't actually read it. So, here's an update: Last night I went home and took off the plastic on the right side and checked the connections. I unplugged and replugged every connector there just to be sure of a solid connection. I found the wires and connector leading to the tail lights (the one with the yellow wire) and noticed nothing out of the ordinary. The ground was connected and seemed like in was in perfect shape. I manipulated/squeezed/wiggled the entire bundle of wires that led up the frame to see if I could get a reaction from the light. After than was unsuccessful I took the front plastic off and looked at the connection there. Once again, everything looked like it was in good shape. I wiggled and reset the connections there with no change. I then went to the handle bars and, once again, noticed nothing. It looks like I'm at a total loss here. How can I test this more conclusively. What's the best way to narrow it down. Can I use a multimeter to test connections? If so, which ones? Thanks for all your help! - Adam PS - The best thing that came out of this adventure was that I found a reason my scoot started running so rough. A hose was disconnected from the carb. Purrs like a kitten again.
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Post by nalrac on Jul 14, 2011 15:51:29 GMT -6
JR, I want to be the first to thank you for your work here! It's GREAT to have this kind of resource. I'm hoping to be a long-time member. I wish you the BEST - Adam
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Post by nalrac on Jul 14, 2011 15:44:58 GMT -6
Thanks, JR!
From my post above (not sure if you saw): Also, you mentioned that I should , "get the plastic off and find the plug with the yellow wire that feeds the head/tail/instrument lights". Where is this on the scooter on an MC-13-150? Is it behind the plastic where the headlights are mounted?
Thanks!
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Post by nalrac on Jul 14, 2011 15:08:14 GMT -6
Also, you mentioned that I should , "get the plastic off and find the plug with the yellow wire that feeds the head/tail/instrument lights". Where is this on the scooter on an MC-13-150? Is it behind the plastic where the headlights are mounted?
Thanks!
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