Modern Vespa

I know this has probably been covered on this forum on multiple occasions, but I have oily black residue coating the engine side of my 2008 2T Stella (I know this is not the Vespa 150 PX engine, but I think the carb is similar in design). When I open the carb box there is a little gas/oil mix in the bottom/back of the carb. From there it leaks out of the back bolt (which I believe is the mixture screw) and ends up all over the engine area. It picks up dirt and debree from the road and just plain looks nasty. I have a carb gasket kit, new float, and new needle that I ordered to rebuild the carb. I thought I remember reading somewhere on this or MB that a bad needle (or perhaps float bowl) can lead to fuel escaping the carb system. I may be off on that. But I was wondering if anyone can point me to a thread and/or video that will show the intricacies and steps of disassembling and rebuilding the carb, as well as reassembly and tuning. Or also, if my uneducated assessment seems way off to you, please feel free to correct me. Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi ! It has happened to me with my 04 stella . Primarily when leaving the fuel tap on . Best to check your needle that is attached to the float. The tip can be eaten away by the ethanol in the gas you may be using. It can then flood the carb and come out onto your scoot from the airbox.

willc.

Thanks Kaveman. I assume the carb should be pulled to address this. Will be doing that this weekend.

First I would replace the float and needle and see what that will do . My current P200e engine and carb I have on my 04 stella frame was flooding out when the fuel tap was left on. I have an older 24-24 carb . Instead of just swaping out the needle and float I replaced the entire carb cover and float mechanism . So far its done its job and I have no more fuel oil spots under the engine or dirty engine when parked .
Just my 2 cents worth !
willc.

http://www.scootermercato.com/Scooter-Parts/Carb-Parts/132369

Just remember when re-installing the carb, to tighten each bolt evenly and not too much ( 14 ft.lbs ) or you'll warp the box.

More info..

http://www.scootercentral.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=19225

Also...
Sometimes it's impossible to get rid of the leak... if it's not too much, then don't worry about it.

Good luck!

http://www.scootermercato.com/Garage/Tech-Tips/Carb-Rebuild_2
This should get you going on the carb rebuild. Remember to work in a clean area on reassembly and torque down the two sleeve nuts to 10 to 13 ft/ lbs.

Thanks everyone. These steps with the pictures make it look easy. I know it won't be for a first timer, but if I just take my time I think I'll get er done. I thought I would be able to get going on this project this weekend. However I have family coming in from out of town to see me son perform in the musical Grease. So, it looks like it'll be fun and frivolity this weekend and start pulling the carb early next week. I'll let you all know how it turns out. And if I run into glitches I'll be back with questions.
Thanks

Honestly, it is a very easy job to do. Just make sure you cover/ stuff a rag into the manifold so you don't drop any screws or dirt down in there. This is about a one hour job, but being it's your first time, plan on two or three(at the most). Good Luck

Roger that. As I understand it, the BLACK rubber tipped float needles are susceptible to attack by ethanol, but if you have a newer RED tipped float needle you should be OK with 'modern' gas. Hmmm, kinda hard to stuff a rag in there while you're pulling the carb, maybe after. I always do this: Pull the aircleaner, open the throttle all the way, look down the venturi w/ a flashlite and rotate the flywheel until you see the rotary valve is completely closed. Now if you DO drop a screw or something down the hole, it won't fall all the way into the crankcase and will be easy to retrieve.