Modern Vespa

Hello

I have a P200E 1982 Vespa that was completely restored two years ago, including new fuel tap but using the existing fuel tap lever (the plastic one).

Here is what I have noticed. When the tank is almost, but not quite requiring it be flipped to reserve, if I let the scooter sit for several weeks, it has on more than one occasion completely emptied itself of gas. The tank is bone dry. The fuel was shut off.

Now, under the scooter, there is no sign of gas. At least not that much gas.

What I have also noticed is that when the tank is full, I cannot turn the lever off enough to stop the flow of gas. It will just run and run.. If the tank is less 3/4 full or less, then I can run it dry. Not sure it's related..

Any ideas as to what is going on ?

Sounds like a semi-functioning fuel tap doesn't stop the flow, allowing a slow leak. You need to replace the float needle to fix this. It's flooding into the motor and evaporating from there.

It's not making a mess because your bike is autolube, so the gas evaporates without leaving enough residue to notice.

I'll take a guess. The fuel tap is leaking.

The rubber seals in it are shot allowing fuel to drip into the tunnel and evaporate from there.

I'm sure you're seeing a little bit of gas on the floorboards where it's leaking out from the tunnel?

My advice... rebuild the fuel tap or get a new one...

BTW - got a picture of your scooter? We all want t see it!

Yes, the floorboards always have a sheen of gas on it!
Ok, I will order a new fuel tap and I think I will replace the lever too for the Euro style instead of the plastic one I have now.

Thanks so much for your help. Here are the before and after:

1982 P200E Restauration

Yes, I remember…

Fast.

Bold.

Intrepid Orange.

Hello

I am about to place an order and I want to make sure I haven't made a mistake.

I wasn't sure which needle I needed, the one with the round end or the square.. I ordered both.

When replacing the needle, do I need a gasket that goes under the float bowl ? The carb is 1 yr old if that helps. If so, which gasket ? I can't seem to find it.

Ignore the mirrors. I got tagged with a $150 ticket for not having mirrors.. Managed to ride two years without them without getting in trouble.. But today was my unlucky day.

Ideally, I just need two mirrors as cheap as possible that don't need to work, just keep the fuzz off me.

Thanks !