Modern Vespa

Hi all, I am the owner of a 1996 PX200E. Today I took the rocket out for a spin and after a couple kilometres I had complete loss of power. The only this that I have done differently is go from a semi synthetic oil to a full synthetic, Motul 710 premix/oil injection. Once the power went I would pull the clutch in to stop the rear wheel locking up and then re kick it and it would start. Once it was going again it would travel for about 500 metres and do the whole thing again. There was not spluttering or warning every time it did just power loss.

Hey, Ralphy, I'm glad you joined MV! I'm sure someone here has the answers you seek. While you wait, post some pics of your PX rocket. Pictures usually inspire faster responses from those in the know.

The first thing that came to my mind was debris clogging up the fuel system or possibly bad gas. However, I'm not known for my mechanical prowess.

Youve seized up the motor. Oil wasnt the cause. Jetting is too lean and the motor has hard locked.

Im sure now its difficult to start and runs poorly. The piston has smeared on the cylinder wall and lowered the compression so much it runs poorly.

Remove the 4 nuts and pull the head. Look for vertical streaks of aluminum.

Hi MJ, it has been jetted up and the heart drilled out of the air box, sip road 3 exhaust fitted. It still runs great and starts like a dream. I might have to drain and go back to the semi synthetic.

The fact that the rear wheel locked up multiple times doesnt sit right. Youre running a performance exhaust and drilled out air filter which lean out the jetting from stock. Pull the head and look down the cylinder for smear marks. You'll need a 13mm deep socket to remove the nuts and you can see.

Thanks MJ I'll check it out in the next day or so. Cheers

Sounds like you have seized it. What size main jet?? Keep the 100% synthetic. Motul is the best!! This wouldnt cause it to seize. Weather can alter the jetting too.

Definitely was seizing, the oil line had disconnected itself from the carburetor. Thanks all for the assistance.

Damned this was pure bad luck. This is one case to add to a few I know about issues with autolube. If it was me, after fixing the problem I would deactivate autolube and use only premix.

So, what part of Aus are you from?

Shoot. Sorry man. Plan on seeing seize marks around the entire piston.

Best to replace the entire top end. Any Boxing day sales still going on?

A jubilee clip on the oil line is like a cotter pin in the hub. Don't leave home without it.

I'm with SoCalGuy. no issue with your autolube system at the carb. a simple 50 cent clip would have prevented all this damage. I use a tight zip tie on mine.

I did the same thing to my 200 engine. I had a hose clamp on the oil line but it was loose. I had just had the tank out to replace the fuel tap.

The oil line hadn't fallen off, but it was a loose fit over the metal tube on the carb. It was the correct hose but I think a smaller diameter hose should be used. The hose should be pushed right up to the rubber bung and clamped tightly. I think the bung helps to seal it. The reason I knew it was the oil line was because it was full of air afterwards.

Or just put a worm gear clamp on there and it won't ever come loose

I'm still to pull the head off of it but if its stuffed I'll probably upgrade the head to a Malossi 221 or similar.

The Malossi is not just a bolt on upgrade. You have to relocate the ports in the cases of you do it right.

If it still runs, you may not be totally stuffed, but if it's lost compression, then you may need a new piston and/or cylinder. You won't know for sure until you open it up and get a look at it, though.