Spree nq50 1985 only turns once!

[velgorth]

I have a 1985 nq50 50cc spree. I purchased it as is, and rode around on it for about 50 miles. The previous owner didnt fill the transmission casing with gear oil, so after running extremely dry, the back wheel seized. I took off the shell,the pully casing and the muffler. I then filled the transmission casing with wd-40, and now it seems to rotate ok. But, when I finally try to crank it to start, the motor only turns one time and does nothing else. I tried recharging the battery thinking that was the problem, but its fully charged. The clutch is operated by holding down the rear brake, so I dont know if that also has anythiung to do with it. Any help will be greatly appreciated!!!

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

The Manual specifies regular motor oil 10W-30 for the gear case. 90cc or 3 fl. oz. I'd get that WD-40 out of there if it's still present.

If the rear wheel seized, all the bearings are probably notchy. In particular the inside end of the clutch shaft is a "plain" bearing consisting of precisely-sized machined steel spinning in aluminum, with a channel carved into the aluminum "socket" to feed oil between the sliding surfaces. If that hole is enlarged and/or out-of-round as I suspect, the shaft may jam with only the starter driving forces. (I forget if the Spree is set up that way for sure)

In any case, engine removal and dismantling the gear case again seems warranted. If there is a plain bearing there, it won't be easy to fix this plain-bearing issue because the aluminum part of the bearing is cast into the engine case. Hope I'm wrong. If on the other hand there is a standard-size 6202(?) bearing, it can be removed and replaced. It should, along with all the others. The bearings are all under $20 from Honda, cheaper if you can match them at your local Bearings "R" Us.