Need Help with Non-Honda Scooter Please!

[Pat Anderson]

A few years ago, I bought a "Lambretta" UNO150, actually it is a re-branded Adly Noble from Taiwan sold by Maharaja Motors, live and learn. Anyway it ran fine for awhile if somewhat lame. Then I got my Forza, and gave the fake Lambretta to my son, who didn't like it, so it has just sat for the last two years. I just brought it back to my garage to see if I could get it running in order to sell it.

I drained the gas and put fresh gas in, changed the spark plug, changed out the blown fuse and got a new battery, but when I turn the key on, there are no lights on the instruments and the engine does not turn over. It actaully seemed to fire once or twice when I tried the kick starter but it never started.

I don't have a clue what I should be looking for, somehow it seems as though there is just no electricity reaching anything. A loose or disconnected wire? Some component in the electrical system? I don't want to spend a nickle on a repair shop any any thoughts on what I should be looking for would be appreciated!

Thanks!

[DailyRider]

I don't know much about such things,
but http://www.scootdawg.net/ might be a better place to get help.

[Mel46]

An engine needs 3 things in order fire. Pull the plug connection and hold it close to the top of the plug while trying to turn over the engine. There should be a spark that jumps to the plug.
Next check that fuel is going to the carb, if it has a carb. If it is injection, make sure the holes are not stopped up.
Third is air. Make sure the air and fuel filters are clean.
If you have old gas in the lines you make have sludge. Clean the fuel lines.
Someone else can go from there on this thread.

[kramnala58]

You say it seems as if there is no electrical system. Depending on where you parked it, is there a chance a mouse built a nest in it an gnawed at a wire or two?

[Alibally]

Appears to be an electrical fault. My first step would be to check the battery terminals, making sure there no wires disconnected and work forward from there. I presume there is battery voltage?


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[Dufus]

Appears to be an electrical fault. My first step would be to check the battery terminals, making sure there no wires disconnected and work forward from there. I presume there is battery voltage?

I agree. Unless you installed a lithium ion battery way back when, chances are excellent that the battery is stone cold dead after sitting for two years.

[DailyRider]

Unless I'm misreading the OP, he says he put in a new battery.
But otherwise yes, those do sound like low battery symptoms/electrical problems.

The blown fuse suggests the scooter has been exposed to unknown excitement, unless there's a short and the new one is blown too.

[Mel46]

I missed the part about the blown fuse. That definitely means something shorted out. It may take a few fuses to find this problem. You mentioned that it might have caught a couple of times when you kick started it, but it didn't do much m9re than that. Well, it needs electrical to continue running...so I would say that you need to look throughout the wiring for a burnt spot or an open caused by a mouse making a home. Electrical problems are tough, but if you do a visual inspection first, with all plastics off, you might get a hint. Also look for any place that looks like someone had spliced the wires or wrapped them in electrical tape. Some home grown repairs are not done correctly and could come apart eventually.

[DailyRider]

I'm cynical these days because of my recently stolen scooter.

If the fuse didn't blow again, perhaps some fool tried to hot-wire the scooter with a car battery,
frying the electrical system.