Modern Vespa

live in brigantine nj - flood water got into my fly 150 muffler - when i try to start - it spits it out - any suggestions on how to remove water from muffler - engine ran on quick start spray so i guess spark plug must be ok - just will not keep running ...air filter in and engine intake hoses are dry and clean

Put the end of the trusty shopvac over the end of the muffler and turn the engine over slowly to open the valves. Should suck it dry.

It's possible that water entered the engine from the exhaust. I would drain and refill oil, clean are re-oil air filter foam, and change the spark plug.

The spark plug may be good enough to start on starter fluid, but it should still be replaced.

An engine can run on starter fluid just by dieseling, with no spark at all.

Check to make sure the ignition components are dry and that you indeed have spark.