Modern Vespa

my 2005 lx50 is suffering from serious fuel starvation and has got to the point where it won't even start unless i physically but petrol into the carb itself, any ideas as to how to solve this problem? do i need a new carb or is there a way to solve this?

I would replace the carb. It's an older scooter so you've got your monies worth out the factory one. Check the lines while your in there. Might want to replace it also. The fuel line gets brittle over time. Whenever i have things apart we look to see what other stuff needs to be done. Hope this helps. Good luck

Well its obviously not the carb as it works if you put petrol directly into it, therefore i would look at the fuel supply side which is obviously not working.

Check the vacuum hose to the tap for perishing, cracks splits etc... if you find any replace it... now try disconnecting the fuel line from the tap and kicking the engine over and see if the fuel flows for a few seconds when the engine is being kicked over, if its not then replace the fuel tap.