Modern Vespa

Hi Friends,
I posted several weeks ago about a problem I was having with my 2012 GTS (5000 miles). Well, it has become a bit of a nightmare. Initially, I would be driving and when I hit the throttle, the engine would die for just a bit and then come back. The second time, I was merging onto a busy highway and it was scary. Several of you posted tips, including the possibility of a bad wire to the spark plug. Needing its pre- winter oil change, etc anyway, I drove to the dealer in Northern Connecticut. They looked at it but couldn't find anything; said they test drove it and no problem. I picked it up and about 5 miles from the shop, it pretty much completely died. I could start it, but it would always stall out. Yellow engine light and red code light. They sent out a trailer to pick it up and a week later called and said the "Intake Fitting With Depression" (877930) was warped. They ordered the part and replaced it. Test drove it with no problem. I picked it up last Friday in lovely sunshine and warmth. It did the same thing about 6 miles out. Cruising along at 45, flat road, even throttle. It would die for a few seconds and then come back. Limped back to the shop. I think they are a bit out of their depth, as the tech only has limited Vespa experience. I need to get it back and am thinking of trying the Vespa dealer in Schenectady. Original dealer called Vespa tech rep, and they offered no support. Even though the scooter is not officially part of the fuel pump recall, I am wondering if any of you think that might be the problem. And I still haven't had them replace the wire to the plug. / This whole thing is seriously bumming me out, and I am hopeful some of you might have ideas. Thanks so much. Jon

As long as you turn the key and can hear the fuel pump pumping, even for a quick second it shouldn't be the fuel pump.

My BV250 was having a problem very similar to this where the spark plug and cap were blown out of the head. I would just check it yourself if you aren't confident in the dealer's abilities.

Have they checked the valves?

But I do know that terrifying feeling of cruising around 80 on the freeway and suddenly dropping to 35 in semi-heavy traffic

My 2014 abs 300 was off the road for 6 weeks nearly, with similar weird issues, turned out the wiring harness was routed too tightly to the throttle body ? They opened up the loom to check for damage, routed it differently and it's never missed a beat since !! They tried fuel pump, valves, injector, and a relay, no difference until the wiring was sorted !! According to my local dealers they looked at the wiring because there had been reports of similar issues on a few MP3's ?

Tony

P.S still love it 8)