Modern Vespa

Howdy partners,
After playing around with my 2016 Vespa 50 and not coming up with anything of use he mentioned that the issues I'm having could be down to the fuel I'm using.
Anyone know anything about this?
Cheers, Pat

What issues are you referring to?

What fuel are you using and what does your user manual say?

Running really lumpy, dying occasionally, takes a good few goes to start and nauseous to use.
I recently had a new ECU and related work done and I could do with advice from someone experienced for a change.
Constantly going round and round with mechanics and it's getting really boring.
Sorry for the moan.
Pat

I've been using the higher octane option because I wanted to use max power.

Higher octane doesn't give you more power. It may not help, but it wouldn't hurt to try a tank of regular next time you fill up.

That's exactly what I've done because sometimes it affects fuel pumps and other little bits as well.
I'll be double chuffed if it helps.
Pat

I use the higher octane Shell or Esso because it has less Ethanol in it.
Mine run fine on it.

On the same model?

Ok.. octane..
Its simple.. high compression? High octane.
Lower compression (10:1 or less) use lower octane.. Regular.
Or.. what the engine calls for.

Some might not know this.. many do.. but..Octane rating simply put, is a way to prevent the fuel from igniting under compression and the heat of the system.

Diesel ignites without a spark plug, though many use a glow plug to help put some heat into the system.

No-E is a different discussion.
Ethanol.. corn gas.. is hard on our fuel lines and other seals that it contacts. It leaves extra gunk (technical word) in jets and bowls and injectors if its left to sit…adding to the sediment that gasoline already leaves over time. Hence, products like Sta-bil.
So, high octane doesn't improve performance… boost bhp.
It simply allows the atomized gas to ignite later, with a well-timed spark.. and not before, due to compression.. called pre-ignition.

Whats that knocking i hear then?
Thats the fuel igniting before the piston gets to it's desired location in the stroke. It then pushes back down while the crank is driving it upwards.
That's terrible for the engine.
I think i'm pretty close on all of this.

I found this site years ago.. its pretty good for showing the various cycles. https://animatedengines.com/

My getting the maximum amount of power out of my 50cc moped was just a bit of fun.
Just want to know if anyone knew more about my issue.
Pat

Read the spark plug.
Dark.. black.. too much fuel… or incorrect ignition timing resulting in unburned fuel.. and stinky exhaust.
White..ish.. not enough fuel.
Both can result in poor performance.

Is this a 2 stroke or 4 stroke engine? If 2 stroke, regular fuel would probably be fine. The four stroke Vespa engines usually require premium fuel.

From the GOV.UK website .

PIAGGIO.
Most models over 50cc belonging to the Piaggio Group are compatible with E10 from 1.1.2011 onwards. Piaggio does not recommend use of E10 on Mopeds (i.e. 50cc) currently in production.

So only use E5 ( super unleaded )

Thank you