Modern Vespa

Hi Everyone! I just purchased a (new to me) used 2003 ET2 50cc with Malossi 70cc kit installed it has 1770 miles on it with one previous owner. It's not running yet and was stored in a temperature controlled basement for the past 8 years. Seems in good condition. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions/kits on what I should do to get it back running again? Looking forward to being a member of this group.
Donna

Welcome to MV!

Not familiar with that vintage/model so likely not much help, but what have you done so far?

Hi Donna.
To start, here's what I'm thinking:
- drain all fluids (petrol, engine oil, transmission oil, coolant)
- change the tires
- change belt
- change air and oil filter
- a new candle
- a new battery.
In short, a good interview

welcome Donna from Harriman Tn.

hit me up in a private message as I am not far from you, I live just off sugar grove valley rd.

I think Viso is on the right track with his suggestions for a very complete servicing. A couple of comments. The ET2 is a carbed, air cooled scooter and, I believe, a 2-stroke. Assuming a 2-stroke would mean no crankcase oil or oil filter. Also no coolant to change, but definitely a thorough carb cleaning. Also, with a scooter that old with extended storage, all rubber parts are suspect - not just the tires and cvt belt, but other rubber parts such fuel lines.

After 8 years if the fuel wasn't drained from the tank and carb, it could be pretty nasty in there. I would definitely pull the carb and check inside the bowl and look at the jets. I recently acquired a 2019 dirtbike that sat for almost 3 years and the ethanol ate parts of the carburetor interior. Had to throw the carb in the trash.

This is a two-stroke engine, which is a relatively simple thing to get going and operate. It doesn't have engine oil but it should have an oil reserve tank, from which a tiny pump draws to spritz oil into the fuel downstream from the carburetor. This is an important distinction: you don't have to CHANGE oil, but you do have to PROVIDE oil.

Before you do anything else, get the engine running by draining all the old gas, cleaning out the fuel tank with acetone, ensuring there is two-stroke oil in the tank (I use Motul 710), and making sure the air filter is intact (replacing if necessary).

Then see if it'll start. If not, meticulously disassemble and clean out the carburetor and try again. Feel free to clean the carb earlier, but there is no point in doing that if the upstream fuel tank is cruddy or has old fuel in it, and maybe the engine was put away with a dry carb.

Once it's running, THEN worry about the transmission oil, front brake fluid, vacuum and fuel hoses, and tires.

Wow.....You are all awesome! I really appreciate all your input and instructions. All I have done so far is pick her up yesterday, put her in the garage and register her. I wanted to see what I need to do before I messed anything up. This is my first motorcycle/scooter ever. I will definitely reach out to the local member. I'm sure I will be on this thread/forum a lot showing you my progress and asking for all your valued advice. I'm going to clean her remove the battery and drain the fluids first. Rolling up my sleeves and getting to work!

Post lots of pics!

Thumbs up to OLD as Dirt for offering local help. You may need to add a rubber intake manifold to the list as they tend to crack with age. But I agree Juan, get a decent battery installed, go thru his other suggestions and see if it will run. And take up Old as Dirt offer on the help.

I would be more than happy to come over and give it a good look over for you. I did a 70cc kit for a guy in Nashville a few years back on his. took it from 35 mph to 55 mph and he could climb hills with traffic in the area. He has since upgraded to the 300 but that little 50 converted to 70 was pretty quick.

you didn't by chance buy it from a person named John that lives in the nashville area?

Donna -- as you've no doubt realized, the folks here at MV are fantastic! You have gotten some splendid advice simply 'cause that's what the members around here do. And BajaRob is right -- post LOTS of pics. We LOVE pics!

As the proud owner of a newly-running-again '01 ET2, I'll simply say I love mine. She's as much fun to ride as my '24 GTS Classic, maybe more in some ways. With that Malossi 70 kit, yours oughta be a runner. Well, once you get her running again. Perhaps there's a Malossi 70 kit in my future, too.

The advice that's been passed along to you sounds right in line with what my mechanic did for mine to get her on the road again. (I can turn the key, pull in the brake handle, and push the starter button -- that's the extent of my mechanical abilities. I'm also pretty well-versed in handing a credit card to my mechanic!)

I look forward to following your progress. And, of course, we ALL look forward to your pictures!

Victor