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UTC

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Vespa ET4
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Vespa ET4
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UTC quote
I am experiencing recent trouble after letting the battery die on my vespa. I went to start it up, the lights came on tried to turn it over with nothing. Then I hear this starter motor kick in. I try onnce again and it seems to now be stuck grinding away. Tried the kill switch and nothing. I had to pull the battery cables to get it to stop. I then slow trickle charged the battery with the small battery charger.

The big problem now is I can't connect the battery back or she just keeps grinding and trying to start as soon I hook up the cable. I can get it to start up and gear up the trottle and everything, but I don't know how to kill it from constatly running the starter or something. That grinding electrical noise won't go away.

suggestions? new starter motor? bendix gear? switch?
@benito avatar
UTC

Moderator
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
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Location: Toronto, Canada, Fort Lauderdale, Florida
 
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@benito avatar
2010 Dragon Red GTS 300 Super, 2018 Grigio Titanio Piaggio Liberty S 150
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Moved to General discussions.
@woodenhead avatar
UTC

Molto Verboso
GT60
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Location: Fraser Valley, BC
 
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GT60
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Location: Fraser Valley, BC
UTC quote
Never mind
⚠️ Last edited by woodenhead on UTC; edited 1 time
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UTC

Moderaptor
The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
 
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The Hornet (GT200, aka Love Bug) and 'Dimples' - a GTS 300
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Location: Pleasant Hill, CA
UTC quote
The starter relay needs replacing, or at least removing, dismantling, and internal contacts prising apart and cleaning, as they have welded shut. This is not uncommon, and can be provoked by a dodgy battery. This is what happens:

1. The battery has enough volts to engage the starter relay.

2. It can't sustain the current drawn by the starter motor, and the volts drop below that required for hold-in for the relay. Relay drops out, volts immediately rise, back to 1 above.

This will sound like a buzzer. If you are lucky you notice this symptom and replace the relay, or:

3. The arcing across the contacts eventually welds them shut.

4. Starter therefore runs all the time when battery connected, regardless of any switches or fuses.

That's it, the whole shemozzle.

Replace the relay, very cheap, job done. It's a standard automotive relay but make sure any one you buy is capable of switching at least 30A at 12V DC. Even cheaper ones are normally 10A.
UTC

Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
Joined: UTC
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Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
 
Hooked
ET2, ET4, in Mexico GTS-250 in Ca
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Posts: 173
Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mx Los Altos, Ca
UTC quote
More than likely the starter relay. If you can get the engine to start, disconnect the battery cable. The starter should stop turning and the engine will continue to run. That is what happened to my ET2. Strange but true. Keep us updated. Do you know where to find the starter relay?
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UTC

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Vespa ET4
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@burkester avatar
Vespa ET4
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UTC quote
Big help thanks!!, I will definatly look into replacing the starter relay first. It's gotta be it. I've located it under the battery panel. Will need to get one soon....keep you posted.

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