Vespa Not Starting

[trev]

Need some help here with the Vespa PX125 - 15 years old.

Took it for its MOT which it passed. Did say that the front indicator wasn't working so it needs checking and the bulb is ok.
So driving it on the way home as I was cruising and then it just cut out, died and wouldn't restart. Got a transported home.
And now I can't get it to start at all!!!!!!
I have had problems in the past but worked through them with help from you lads.

So this is what I have done over the past few weeks.
I decided seeing I had time I would replace the cruciform as the bike was making a funny clunking sound as I rolled it backwards and forwards and the gears where hard to change into 1st and 2nd. (by the way it still making the same noise???)
1. First time ever I cracked open the engine and replaced the Cruciform and put it all back together. No problems
2. Replace a broken piston ring which I broke trying to get the thing in.
3. I have replaced all the gaskets as I went.
4.Checked the stator plate and the timing is all lined up. Everything looked ok, no damage.
5. Gear cables refitted.
6. Put everything back together nothing left out but still not starting.

But its still not starting with kick start or electric start.

7.The starter motor only gives me are quick whirl and then stops.
8. Have checked the spark plug which is fine.
9. Have checked the petrol and oil feed and that is fine.
10. Have replaced the CDI with a new one - doesn't make a difference.
The only thing I have not replaced is the clutch plates (surely it can't be this)

I am about to check the electric with a meter but what I can't get is surely it should kick start.

Is there anything I am missing or should check?

Please help with any ideas as I want to solve this rather then take it to a garage.
Thanks
Trev

[ianmartin40]

start with the simple stuff
is spark good when kicking over, try new/different plug anyway.
When kicking over with spark plug in, then remove plug, does it smell of fuel/is it wet? is fuel getting through?
Air filter blocked/dirty.
these are the easy checks that you can do in 10min and often it is something simple before moving on to more complicated issues.
Yes it should kick start, sometimes worth bump start attempt

Ian

[scooterg]

Give your battery a good Charge
Save your leg

[morelli]

As above plus is HT lead & spark cap in good condition?

[mijapxman]

Trev, is the carb air hole under your seat blocked? ( waterproofs, cloth etc?)
Is the breather hole in your fuel cap blocked?
If none of the above could be a faulty stator as they are well know for failing when they get up to normal running temp.
Could you borrow a known working stator to try?

Mij☺

[trev]

Thanks everyone.
Yes to all the above, and been through everything.
I have had the Stator off and checked it and seems fine. Nothing loose, no damage, looks fine. Is there anything I can check with a meter - readings ??
Please keep the ideas coming.

[trev]

UPDATE
So today I took out the Carburettor and cleaned it including the jets and also make sure the float was ok. Everything was ok.
Also checked everything with a meter and couldn't find any breaks so that's all good.
But still not kick starting or electric starting.
So...
I tried bump starting in 2nd gear and it came to left!!! Got s few reaves in and about 10yards before it died. Tried a couple of times but not revving up.
By back breaking so left it for the day.
I was also wondering about the clunking noise I hear when I roll it along.
Do you think this could be bearings that need replacing? Which ones?
Will it mean opening up the engine again?

[scooterg]

Why not stick a post on saying where you live
And maybe someone on here can come round and have a look
You might be overlooking something silly
Or you might be fecked 😩

[trev]

UPDATE
Went out this morning, give a turn to the fuel ideal adjuster screw and fired up first time with the electric start!
But....let it run for few minutes and tried to adjust it abit more. It ran ok, but then it just died.
Back to square one again as it won't start.
Going to leave it over night and see what happens.
Any advice/pointers please

[scooterg]

1 do you get a spark at the spark plug kicking or elec start
2 is the fuel getting to the carb
3 is there fuel in the carb, remove and check if the bowls full

[trev]

Yes to all 3 FACE.
Even checked if the fuel was flowing.
When I electric start it the starter motor does go for very long, sort of Whines but not turning the fly wheel.
Seems this has got everyone scratching their heads.
One thing, when I was putting the piston back onto cylinder head I broke one of the rings and replaced it.
Would this have any bearing?
(Is there a secret knack of sliding that thing back through the cylinder head apart from gentle wiggling with 20 odd attempts?)

[mijapxman]

Trev, when you were driving back from the mot, did the rear wheel lock when the engine cut out?

Did you fit a brand new spark plug and suppressor cap?( If you haven't, I would)

Check the stator using the values here 👇

www.scooterlab.uk/stator-rebuilds-lambretta-vespa-workshop/



Sounds like one of these ;

Faulty stator (check link above)

Faulty carb ( borrow one to try)

seized (piston rings trapped on piston by smeared alloy from piston.)

Good luck.

Mij☺

[trev]

The end just died away with no rear wheel lock up. The same the other day when I finally got it running, just died. Hasn't started since even with a bump start in second.
Going to get another spark plug and suppressor cap too.
Going to use that link and check the readings on my meter.
Have striped and cleaned and checked the carb so it seems fine. Can't see or think what would be wrong.
Going to order new piston rings and put them on just to make sure (any tips please)
Also going to order and replace regulator.
Thanks again.

[scooterg]

Engine off...Remove spark plug and then kick start,,see if you have any compression

[trev]

NEWS FLASH NEWS FLASH!!!
I may have found my problem.
The low rings on the piston rings is broken.
Now
Any tips on replacing them.
On the first one in but the next one snapped. I've already broken two arrrr.
Is it easier to take the piston off the arm and then refit it once its in the sleeve?

[trev]

WOOOOOOOWW UPDATE
It looks like the bike is fixed.
So heres what I think was wrong.
First - I had the wrong Spark Plug in. The one I bought from Halfords wasn't the correct one and the one I sent off for , they sent me the wrong one. NOTE - check you manual, check your order!!! Arrrr
Also I put a new lead and Spark plug attacher thingie on so that might of helped too.
Finally I had to put new piston rings on as when OI removed it one was broken.
Finally got it going with a bump and a few kicks.

[scooterg]

Well done 👏👏👏👏👏

[morelli]

Fixed by thy own fair hand too ........ highly satisfying !! Well done 👍🏼

[trev]

Knew it was too good to be true.
Been starting and ticking over nicely but as before took it out round the block and again after about 10 mins just died and wouldn't start.
This is the last time I will be pestering you lot before its shipped off to garage to get sorted, then sold!!!

[scooterg]

I’d try and get someone on here to fix it before I went anywhere near a garage

[chanster]

Have you checked the readings on the stator? I’d think about replacing the CDI first and then trying the stator if problems still exists?

[scooterg]

Trev where about war you

[trev]

Bike all fixed.
The problem I had was the bike would die after about 15 mins riding and wouldn't start.
Everyone said CDI issue but I had put a new one on.
So.....these two green wires, I took one out while the engine was running that was ok.
Put it back in and took the other one out (second one in) and the engine just died.
So this was the main power one.
I restarted the engine and I notice that when I move it the engine would cut out.
So snipped the Connector off and replaced and
its been fine.
THATS BEEN THE PROBLEM ALL ALONG!!!!!!!!
Happy bunny now so I can now sell it.

[citydaz]

well done for persevering.
seems a shame to sell it now after all your hard work!!

[ironsloth]

I agree, you might as well enjoy a few rides on the thing! Stick a for sale sing on the side panel and go for a few cruises.