Modern Vespa

Hi all,

I have a Px 125 vespa. circa 2002 model that I have just taken out of retirement. Its been in covered storage for the past 3 years and now it won't start.

The battery is flat, its been filled with 5 ltrs of 97 octane unleaded fuel with about 80ml two stroke oil in the fuel mix. I put a new spark plug in too. The engine kicks over.

When i kick the engine over it generates a spark (check it - purple spark) but it just won't start. The engine isn't seized which good news, the engine has compression. There appears to be fuel in the carby.

Not sure what the problem is....so would appreciate some advice. Would love to get my vespa back on the road.

If anyone knows a local mobile vespa mechanic to Archway (North London) that they can recommend that would be very much appreciated.

thanks

R

Since its been sitting for 3 years I'd start with a good carb clean using carb cleaner and compressed air. Clean it and try to start it again. Don't forget to top off the tires as well.

Do the above & give it a try. Be sure you have gas coming to the carb when the tap is open. When you kick it over now and if it doesn't fire up or even pop once or twice, pull your spark plug & see if it's wet or dry.

If wet, dry it off & before reinstalling, kick over motor several times to blow out the motor.

If dry, pull the airbox cover & filter to put a spoonful of gas down the carb throat to prime things. Now if it revs then dies, you're back to cleaning the carb & checking that you're getting gas to it.