Modern Vespa

Picked her up yesterday but she doesn't run yet. I changed the oil and filter and air filter, drained the old gas and put in 90 oct. ethanol free stuff. She only has 1463 Km's showing on the odometer, I know not even broken in. She will start with starter fluid but won't run. The PO said she sat for about 11 months without being run or started. How could someone do this to a wonderful machine like the MP3? I'll tell you how, it sat next to a Ferrari. More money than sense. I'm going to need help with this one so please be prepared. I did find other post explaining what to do with all the fluids and they all will be changed after this thing runs and I know what's going on with it. Thanks in advance, docjones. I'm not a real doctor but I play one on the internet. (aka Tom)

As with any engine, you're gonna need to check for air, spark and fuel. In almost all cases where a vehicle sits for long times it is usually always the fuel system that takes the hit.

I've never ran across a engine that wouldn't run due to lack of air . . . at least not yet.

I know you said you drained the old fuel and refilled, but in all likelihood you are looking at a new fuel pump, fuel filter and possibly injector.

So you maybe right sbaert. After checking fuel isn't getting to the injector. So I'm going remove some tupperware tomorrow and locate said filter and pump. Any easy way to check that pump. We (my neighbor, God love him) have a few hours still to put into this really cool scoot. More input is always welcomed guys.

Once you get access to the tank (without removing the lines), apply +12v directly to the pins for the pump (consult the service manual) and check for any swirling inside.

Pump should be whisperquiet and you should see visible movement inside the tank.

Once again sbaert I didn't get very far. An unexpected plumbing emergency. I removed many screws which I will say I like better than all the plastic push pins Honda uses on their scoots. The manual is a bit harder to follow. I'm sure it is because I'm not use to it. I found something that appears to be the fuel filter about 12 inches above the muffler/tailpipe. That can't be it can it? Another thing that I forgot to mention is the fuel gauge reads empty yet the tank is full of fresh fuel. The other is the warning light for the helmet trunk is always on. No matter what I do. Strange. A faulty switch maybe? I hate to lean on you but you seem to be the only one willing to chat. Thanks again. Tom

If you can't hear the fuel pump 'whirr' for two seconds when you first switch on, then check fuses and relays before trying to access the fuel pump.

The wiring diagram should help you here.

There's your confirmation that the fuel system components rotted due to sitting so long. The pump, filter and sender are one assembly that sits inside the tank. You're gonna need to flush out the tank with chemicals, replace the pump/filter/sender assembly with a new unit, flush out the fuel lines, and you're most likely looking at a new injector as well.

Not sure what this "warning light for the helmet trunk" is. Care to upload to pics?

I wouldnt be pulling pump just yet. I would locate fuel pump relay, see if you have 12v on one of the larger pin pair. if you have 12v then connect the two pins. that should make the fuel pump run. it will be audible. plastic tank setups are great. they survive sitting for long periods. the sender likely will come back to life once fuel sloshes around again.

the fact it starts on prime makes things pretty easy when you have done this type a thing before.

seat light on is a separate problem that has been addressed many times in this forum. but bike should start so finding why fuel pump not running is the first step.

11 months is nothing. it probably sat for ten years.

I will check out all of you tips from above and jerryd that sitting for 10 years is what really scares me. I know this is no Honda Silverwing but my wife's 06 Silverwing had a whopping 932 miles on it when we purchased it 3 years ago. It did a lot of sitting also. I'll give all a report very soon. We hope to ride our Silverwings tomorrow if this hurricane stays away from Jacksonville Florida. Wish us luck.

I just bought a silverwing that sat fore two years. it started right up not changing gas. and it has a metal tank. I just bought a bv350 that seller said he only own for three months but when I get it home I find receipts from parts purchased by him for the bike, dated mid 2019. dont know why people cant be honest.

Can I assume sbaert that I can remove the fuel pump, fuel filter, and fuel gauge sending unit from the fuel tank once the tank is out of the frame? I could remove the fuel tank out of an old Honda Reflex but I did have to contort the frame a little to do so. I did that 3 times so I got pretty good at it. I'm going to do my best to dive into this repair this weekend but I have at least two other projects that I need to share my time with. Thank God my wife doesn't have a honey do list. She is the best. Did I mention she rides her own SilverWing.