spree hard starting

[back2basics]

I went out to go to school today and the spree would not start. It drained the battery and I had to walk........
It hasn't been started for probably 2 weeks. It is a little harder to start if it sits for a while, but I can't believe it didn't after draining the whole battery. The temperatures have been dropping lately and it is only 55 deg F here today. What are the causes of hard starts if the scoot sits for a while?

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

The carb float bowl is vented in order for it to be able to fill - the air on top of the fuel level has to have someplace to go.

Unfortunately fuel evaporates out that vent and the bowl's fuel level drops below what's necessary to permit internal combustion. Weak vacuum at the petcock restarts the fuel flow when you start cranking. But if the bowl doesn't fill up enough by the time the battery runs out of juice, put on your walking shoes. This ongoing evap process is also responsible for the varnish coating on your pilot circuit.

One remedy is to splice in a branch to the vacuum line using a 1-way valve from an auto A/C control system. Be sure to plug the end. Have it accessible under the seat somewhere.

When the scooter's been sitting for more than a couple of days, suck - er, I mean apply vacuum with an EPA-approved device for 10 seconds before you attempt ignition. Instant fire!

[Bear45-70]

Wheelman, a very smart idea for an on going problem for some people. I have never had the battery go flat before starting however, even after the winter lay up and having drained the carburetor.

Another thought, if the moisture in the air has greatly increased (a normal occurrence in the fall), this can causes the spark to arc to ground because the insulation on plug wire is old and mid 80's to now is 20+ years and plug wire insulation just doesn't last that long (I even have a spare coil and wire standing by). To check, with panels off, crank the engine in the dark (I mean dark, not a street light lite street, under a blanket if necessary) and see if you see any arcing around the plug wire. I always use dielectric grease on the plug wire terminals to prevent arcing there.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Quoth The Bear:

Wheelman, a very smart idea for an on going problem for some people. I have never had the battery go flat before starting however, even after the winter lay up and having drained the carburetor.

Thanks Bear! I have added a pic of the valve and plumbing contraption below. The long rubber line routes to any handy access spot under the seat. Be sure to plug the end or you'll lose vacuum to the petcock and/or lean your mixture to the seizing point.

I suspect the reason you've never had the problem is that you maintain or pre-charge your battery.



Deepinnaharta's HOT weather makes for a short (3 years is pretty good) battery life. Uhh, whut's a winter layup?

Sorry I couldn't resist.

[elitedio]

Ignorance is bliss.
Is there no kick start on the Spree?
With the Magneto driven CDI there would be no need for battery.

[Bear45-70]

Greetings:

Quoth The Bear:

Wheelman, a very smart idea for an on going problem for some people. I have never had the battery go flat before starting however, even after the winter lay up and having drained the carburetor.

Thanks Bear! I have a pic of the valve and plumbing contraption somewhere.

I suspect the reason you've never had the problem is that you maintain or pre-charge your battery.



Deepinnaharta's HOT weather makes for a short (3 years is pretty good) battery life. Uhh, whut's a winter layup?

Sorry I couldn't resist.

I have about 8 battery maintainers in use. One for each ATV (2), the boats (2, soon to be 3 again), the lawn mower (1), the emergency generator (1), the camper (1) and the scooter, plus 2 spares for what if. It's cheaper than buying new batteries every year and your toys start and run when you want to use them.

Someday you to will be my age. I know you don't believe it......NOW, but you will. Winter lay up is when you get old like me and the cold makes you even more disabled than normal. As my mother-in-law says, "Old age is not for sissies!" *, when I was your age I used to water ski in January and February and scuba diver thru holes in the ice.

[back2basics]

Well just got home from class and went out to figure this out. Before I was about to take the battery out I thought I'd give it another try. It fired up within 4 seconds AND the battery fired up as hard as normal??? I swear it was dying this morning.

I will definitely splice into the vac line - great idea

[Bear45-70]

Ignorance is bliss.
Is there no kick start on the Spree?
With the Magneto driven CDI there would be no need for battery.

Yes and no. The 1984-85 Spree were sans the kick starter. The 1986-87 Spree came equipped with a kick starter.

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Bear, you forget I'm no more than 5-8 years behind you. Already the effects of age have begun to mess with my mvjnj, sometimse I can hardly fguaihjdh, and right in the middle of a stndianduieswebn[v...

[Bear45-70]

Greetings:

Bear, you forget I'm no more than 5-8 years behind you. Already the effects of age have begun to mess with my mvjnj, sometimse I can hardly fguaihjdh, and right in the middle of a stndianduieswebn[v...

LOL!

[Wheelman-111]

Greetings:

Found that pic of the vac-line/1-way valve plumbing that was on Flashes I & II. Manual-choked Mikuni doesn't seem to have an issue starting, even after 5-6 days untouched. I did keep the vent hoses attached. I wonder if that's the difference?