Modern Vespa

Hi, I've been the proud owner of a P150S (VBX1T Vietnam) for a couple of years it it has been for the most part ever reliable.

It died while idling at a set of lights last week.

It has no spark and I'm at a bit of a loss how to troubleshoot it as it doesn't have a battery. Apart from checking continuity at the ignition switch I'm not sure how to proceed or what is the most likely component to look at replacing etc.

Any ideas?

Toby

Yip, give us a few pics of scoot, ignition system, switches, spark plug & whatever else may help us

First guess... Points gap has closed.
Second guess... Plug gunked up or has crapped out

Thanks. Plugged another spark plug into cap and no spark. Tried holding the end of HT lead while kicking over and felt the slightest tingle. Almost imperceptible.
No battery on this model. What are the possibilities? Stator? Ignition Unit? Is there anything else? Is there a way of testing one or the other?

P150 S

What I THINK is the ignition control unit.

The last photo is your Voltage Regulator. Your CDI (ignition unit) looks to be that black box where the spark plug wire is coming from off the back of the motor. I would try checking the green wire that plugs into it and make sure there is no rotting of the wire housing, you could have a short in the kill wire. Or your CDI could be bad. If you have access to a new CDI try swapping it.

Make sure all of your connections are tight as well.

When y find it.. Unplug it & try it again

Also.. Change plug

Pretty sure these have a 2-part coil/CDI that is a bit unique. Zep66 knows a fair bit about them, I'll see if he can't add something.

Coil just has one wire coming from it, pink. pic attached. Goes to the other side of the scooter. Is this the CDI? Pic attached. If so, are my possible causes of no spark, 1. Stator 2. Coil 3. The black CDI box?

Any tests?
What should I replace first if trial and error is tho only option?

Thanks.

CDI?


CDI?

That last pick is the CDI - similar to an LML 2 part CDI/HT.

I would first disconnect the 'stop run' wire (the one that runs to the kill switch) just in case there is a short some where on that line.

(Assuming you tried a fresh new plug and spark plug lead/cap is OK)
If that fails, then I suspect your CDI or HT coil is next culprit.

I have a spare of that type if you need one.
Another option is to convert it to a Ducati style CDI/HT in one (the common Blue ones on Vespa)

PM me if you get stuck - your in Sydney?

Zep

BTW: your rocking a Indonesian Dan Motors Vespa Strada.

Thanks Zep.

Bypassed the ignition and still nothing.

I will try and find some specs for coil resistance and check that but I'm thinking the CDI the likely item.

Yes I'm in Sydney, near Manly. I take it by profile you are Melbourne.

I'll try to source one of that type CDI. If you are local and I can try your spare that would be cool. I'll start looking for one online but if you want to sell yours and it's known good, let me know.

Toby

yup its a strada for indo and not from vietnam, ur cdi unit should look like this


and it located on top of ur engine right next to the carb cover and above ur fan cover

see that black boks

good luck on the bike and cheer Mate

Thanks everyone for the help. Yes Indo not Vietnam. I have Vietnam on the brain after a recent visit.

On closer inspection the wiring coming from the stator looked in pretty bad shape. Insulation was deteriorated and bare wire showing in several places.

I removed the stator and replaced 4 of the 5 wires soldered to the coils. Just got it back together now.

Spark at the plug!

Third kick and it's running again!

Double Yay!

Thanks again
Toby

I've been playing with my Vespa a bit lately and I have an idea the coil is playing up. The scooter wont idle and the spark is really weak. My P150s has factory electronic ignition like this one and the coil is a KGD unit with FL502AC stamped on it. I'm assuming these are different coils than the models with a points type ignition. Does anyone know if there is a coil available that will work on my scooter or do I need to source one of these. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Cheers Coops