Modern Vespa

I'm having all kinds of problems with my Piaggio Fly150. Several people here have strongly recommended removing the evap system, and it sounds to me like this would certainly help.

I mentioned this to my local Vespa/Piaggio dealer/ mechanic - which happens to by the only one in the city! - and he basically shuddered at the idea, saying that it's an ultra bad idea. Seems they won't do it there.

So the problem is, I am not a handy person at all, and I really don't think I should get into this kind of thing; my authorized dealer won't do it either. So, should I try to bring it to a motorcycle mechanic somewhere instead?

What do you guys think? Just looking for opinions here.

Removing the evap system isn't as invasive as it sounds. You don't actually remove anything - you just disconnect a hose from the carburetor and that's that. Some (myself included) chose to filter the newly-opened port on the carb, while others (i.e., 100% of Europe) leave it alone. You can do it.

Per your post on the evap hose disconnect, this is covered under the Wiki library.

https://modernvespa.com/forum/wiki-evap

It's really up to you if you want to pursue the disconnect.

Personally I've done both the evap hose disconnect (at the carburator) and the overflow hose disconnect (filler neck to evap canister).

Hope this helps!

Well NathanielSalzman posted a quickie alternative: just drill a small hole in your gas cap.

Details here Easy fix for overfill/evap issue



Harvey

I have a 07 FLY 150 got new May 08 problems running early on. Removed hose to carb, took all evap system off put in box in attic. Over 6800 miles now runs great with no problems. I do my own work so I dont worry about warranty. Lots of good help at MV need help just ask. Good luck!

What Masala said:

You are not removing the system, just disconnecting it by removing one little hose. I did this a few years ago and it solved all my problems (well, at least all my scooter's problems )

Anyway, if you want to reconnect it, just put the hose back on, right? It's easy and, believe me, I'm no one's definition of a mechanic.

I can't speak for the dealer, but they may (rightly) believe that disconnecting the evap system themselves may be a dealer no-no?

That fixes part of the problem, but not all of it, not by a long shot. On a carbureted bike especially, drilling the cap is much more invasive than simply disconnecting a hose.

Hey, that link https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic43435?postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0) made for a very interesting read.

Ok, I think I'm almost feeling brave - and desperate - enough to go out and find this offending hose to disconnect. If that doesn't do it... maybe I'll go for the drill!

I had a super scary commute back home from work yesterday, where I was in rush hour, going up a long busy hill with literally NO shoulders on the side of the road... a bus following me too closely all the way. The scoot was spluttering, trying very hard to die!! Prob as going 15 km/hr max at most points! SOOoooOOO scary!

Sounds like a lot of people on MV have had this experience.

I've not had the severity of the problems like yourself or on some other posts. However I had an inkling that it would happen...hence I disconnected the evap hose and overflow hose from filler cap.

What prompted this? I was careful on filling up my tank and at one time did come close to topping off and IMHO heat build up...fuel went via the overflow hose on it's way down...what concerned me was the fuel that was in the bubble closest toward the center of the scoot...removing the air filter...there was fuel...cleaned it out...treated it and proceeded with the evap hose and overflow hose disconnect...so far running well. Unless it's just my imagination...seems that the scoot is a little more "peppy"...as you can tell I am not a mechanic...

I am SO happy!!
Just went out to do it - disconnected hose, turned on, went for tentative-feeling scoot.
It ran beeeyoootifully, so I went a little faster, and it was still perfect.
Tried out some faster road stretches. Great.
Went up the hill where I was almost stalling out yesterday. Took it like buttah.
Went up and down some other hills. Perfect.

THANKS everyone for being so patient and helpful!
I know now that this question/issue comes up time after time on the forum (now that I know how to search for things...) so it is great that you are all generous with these answers!

Ya, that makes sense to me actually.

You might want to clean your air filter. If you have been having that much problem, it may have fuel in it.

Fixed it for ya'.

Drilling the gas cap alleviates the gas tank venting issues but is irreversible as compared to removing evap hoses, while retaining the hose to the evap container still allows overfilled gas to flood the air filter box? Are there other effects you were thinking of, Jess?


Harvey

Yes. Sucking raw gas into the vacuum inlet on the carb generally makes the bike run badly.

Even blocking that inlet (on some bikes, but not all) will cause the engine to stall, which is what's happening when the canister gets saturated with gas.