Modern Vespa

Hey everyone,

I got rid of my et4 which I was having problems with and got a mint condition vespa gts 250 super. However, I didn't realize they were fuel injected and so I gave it some gas when I started it. It now sometimes turns on and sometimes it doesn't. I waited an hour after I had done that and it worked but then later tonight it would start up for 3 seconds or so and then start to die off almost like it wasn't getting enough oxygen or fuel. Anyone have any ideas? It comes with an extended warrant and would that be covered? Thanks

What year is the 250?

The throttle position when you started it is not the issue. It sounds more like either the much talked about fuel pump failure or perhaps the over filling the fuel tank which then floods the evap canister. Doing a search for both will yield lots of good info.


Dave

Its a 2009, I was told to keep riding it and maybe the problem would work itself out...Also, would this be covered under warranty if It has an extended warranty on it, for example if I bring it in and a vespa dealership diagnoses it and stuff would I have to pay anything? Thanks

If it's under warranty by all means get it checked out now. Why not that's what warranties are for. Better to catch something before it turns into something big and as with most things it will go south the day after your warranty runs out. Good luck and congrats on the new scooter.

Thanks, I'm hoping its not the fuel pump. I was told I might have fouled the spark plug....but thought that would only affect it from starting not if it was started and then started to die...

Do you hear a "whirr" from the fuel pump when you trun the key on? If not, it is either a fuel pump problem or a problem with the secuity antenna. Either way, it's a dealer/warranty issue.

I believe I hear the whirr sound...can you elaborate on what the antenna problem is? Thanks

Your not gonna foul a plug with a modern four stroke motor.
It's something else.

It started up fine today and I did about 3 or 4 different starts throughout today and no problem. Also drove it with no problem...

I'm thinking fuel pump. Twisting the throttle with engine off would have no effect, as the injector has no fuel pressure with the fuel pump off. I don't think it would be the immobilizer antenna - if the immobilizer wasn't satisfied, the starter wouldn't crank.

When my 2009 gts250ie died on me a few weeks ago, it happened on a hot day with less than a 1/2 tank of fuel. No whirr. The dealer could not replicate the problem once it was brought in. Vespa Tech rep said it was either fuel pump or the antenna, which is near the ignition switch. These keys have computer chips in them - the bike sends a signal with the antenna to a satellite - the key has to be recognized as legit or the bike won't start. The Rep said there have been problems with the antennas and wanted to know if I saw a "code" blinking on the instrument panel. (something you can look for when it happens to you). I did not know to look for a code and did not happen to notice if a little red light was blinking. The Rep authorized replacement of the fuel pump as the most likely problem and told the dealer he may want to keep a couple of them in stock "just in case". It took a couple of weeks to get it here from Italy after he okayed it and I will pick up my repaired scoot tomorrow. (HOORAY!!)

Good luck and keep us informed what it turns out to be!

I was told by a mechanic @ Moto Amore that there is a relay for the fuel pump (don't know where) that has contacts that can be cleaned. This relay is not in the fuel pump. Maybe someone can elaborate on it's location.

So if the satellite fails does that mean there will be thousands of unhappy Vespa owners?

oh,yeah.......

if you overfilled the gas tank the extra gas flows to the evap, it takes a few runs and will burn off. it seems like a studder or a jolt when giving throttle. so next time try not to top off tank