Hey gang,
Per some of my other threads, now that I've got the LX50s sorted (aside from one LX50 now needing a twist of the throttle to get it started instead of just immediately firing up), I'm finally trying to bring it on home with a new-to-me 2001 ET2 that I bought where it wasn't starting at all.
I spoke with George at Scooterpartsco (he's amazing!!!) and he's pretty confident that it's my top-end that needs a rebuild. Compression test was 60psi; he said it should be 110 or more to actually fire up.
Obviously I need to do that, but before I make any purchases - I wanted to check with the rest of the gang here per last-minute suggestions, as my budget is a bit strained given the LX50 and the ET2 purchases in the first place. The pressure is on for me to get the ET2 running, as I need to quickly sell one of the LX50s.
It's a stock ET2 with the 12mm Weber carb. Has about 8K miles I think, but no formal service in the past nine years? It needs some TLC, obviously. Was apparently working just great up until 6 weeks ago, so I'm doubting it's the carb. I don't believe the the previous owner was stranded somewhere, so I doubt it's a total soft-seize situation or a CDI. She just tried to start it one day and it simply wouldn't go.
After dropping in a working battery (the previous owner used the kickstart for a long time), the motor runs and sounds like it's running cleanly. The carb is getting gas; there was slight amount of gas at the spark plug after repeated starts. Again, the starter motor runs just fine, but it won't fire up at all. Haven't tried the starter fluid test in the throat of the carb.
Here's where the scooter is at per my initial repairs:
* petcock replaced (it was stuck open) and I good gas put in tank.
* brand new iridium spark plug installed with an NGK (3981) BR9EIX (good experiences with iridium on the LX50)
* vacuum line replaced
* fuel line replaced
* new clamps
* battery replaced
* starter relay replaced
Given that there was a bad gas smell in my garage as soon as I bought it, the first order of business was to make sure there were no gas leaks (I don't want a fire or to upset my neighbors with gas fumes). With the new petcock, vacuum hose, fuel line, and gas cap gasket, I think things are set there.
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2001 ET2 not starting...top end needs to be redone?
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So I'm thinking the next step is to see if I'm getting spark, as it looks like I'm getting fuel.
I would think that despite the low compression, it should at least turn over, correct?
Per the top-end job, I'd love your suggestions. Per modding, here's where I'm at:
* If I have to go in and do this, I might as well spend ~$100-something and at least get a 70cc kit now (although I can't afford to also buy a 17.5 carb and a new pipe immediately.
* I don't want to regularly make pre-mix, but would rather up-adjust the auto-lube to compensate.
* I don't have either the funds or the time for major tuning right now, but would love that option down the road.
* I do want more power than my LX50, but don't need a monster scooter either. I already ride a motorcycle for days when I want to go fast. Basically, I want close to the same fuel efficiency, but more power (maybe faster?) and not needing to go to the gas station more regularly. Maybe I just need a good 70cc kit and be done with it? If so, which one?
Many thanks for fast replies; I'd like to order whatever I need ASAP and have stuff here later this week. Thanks!