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86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 3:45 am
by shredthegnarnia
So, I picked up my new scooter today, a beautiful 1986 Spree 49cc. It ran great during the test drive, I bought it, then I did something very stupid: I put it on its side in my Subaru wagon for the ~1hr drive home. Naturally, when I got home, it wouldn't start.
So, what are the steps to getting this running again?
Re: spree transported on side, won't start :/ what do!?
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 6:43 am
by paulpauly7
remove and clean or replace the spark plug check clean or replace the air filter
Re: spree transported on side, won't start :/ what do!?
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 5:08 pm
by shredthegnarnia
paulpauly7 wrote:remove and clean or replace the spark plug check clean or replace the air filter
So I have taken out both the plug and filter. The plug was a little gunked up (across the gap too), so I wiped it all down with a paper towel. The filter was pretty much dry to the touch but smelled strongly of gasoline. I rinsed it out thoroughly and blow dried it.
Upon reinstallation of everything -- still nothing. The starter motor cranks hard but there is no sign of the engine turning over or starting.
I tested the spark plug already; it is sparking...
What is my next step??
Quick replies always appreciated,
Xan
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 7:06 pm
by CamTastic
Starter Fluid
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 8:39 pm
by treekiller
Yea the carb has an overflow which when the scooter is tilted can drain the gas out of the bowl.. (did your car smell of gasoline?) the problem under cranking often there is not enough vacuum to open the automatic Petcock. this is not a problem as typically the bowl remains full from the last running. however if you drained it, (or tilted it) or put a new carb on, you have to "prime" the carb you can take the vacuum line off the manifold and provide suction to fill up the bowl, but frankly I just squirt a shot of starting fluid in the airbox, this starts the scoot for a few seconds and pulls vacuum, opening up the Petcock. (might need to be done twice, but not often more then twice)
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 10:17 pm
by shredthegnarnia
CamTastic wrote:Starter Fluid
treekiller wrote:Yea the carb has an overflow which when the scooter is tilted can drain the gas out of the bowl.. (did your car smell of gasoline?) the problem under cranking often there is not enough vacuum to open the automatic Petcock. this is not a problem as typically the bowl remains full from the last running. however if you drained it, (or tilted it) or put a new carb on, you have to "prime" the carb you can take the vacuum line off the manifold and provide suction to fill up the bowl, but frankly I just squirt a shot of starting fluid in the airbox, this starts the scoot for a few seconds and pulls vacuum, opening up the Petcock. (might need to be done twice, but not often more then twice)
Awesome guys, thanks! Now, just to be clear, when we say "in the airbox", where EXACTLY does that mean? I assume it means onto the air filter, but I'm not sure. Any chance you could provide a pic?
(sorry, I'm pretty mechanically inclined but very new to small engines so I want to make sure I get it all right
)
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Sat Sep 14, 2013 11:15 pm
by motormike
CamTastic wrote:Starter Fluid
^^^^^^ for a 2-stroke...NEVER... 
Since you are new to this game, I pass along words of wisdom from those far superior
in knowledge regarding the subject. Starting fluid is completely void of lubricating properties
and will cause all the residual oil film to be washed away from the cylinder,
as you crank it over...resulting in metal-to-metal grindage completely un-lubricated.
ALWAYS prime motors with pre-mix fuel.
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Sun Sep 15, 2013 5:45 pm
by patthesoundguy
I find if it won't start on regular fuel its broke, so to speak;-) I use a dollar store condiment squirt bottle with two stroke mix to prime motors. The Bear used to recommend an oil can full of two stoke mix, I keep forgetting to buy an oil can
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Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 6:22 pm
by shredthegnarnia
patthesoundguy wrote:I find if it won't start on regular fuel its broke, so to speak;-) I use a dollar store condiment squirt bottle with two stroke mix to prime motors. The Bear used to recommend an oil can full of two stoke mix, I keep forgetting to buy an oil can
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Again, when we say to "prime" the motor, WHERE EXACTLY are we squirting our oil/gas mixture?
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:42 pm
by donut
hey neighbor,
did ya buy the black or red one?
Both were on craigs for quite awhile.. hopefully you paid a reasonable price...
printing the online manual will help a bunch...
I printed a copy (laser b/w) and had fedex office bind it for $5... well worth it...
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:43 pm
by patthesoundguy
You can do it 1 of two ways. Pull the spark plug and squirt fuel in and replace plug and start it up. But that is a pain. I like to squirt into the carb and then let it rip, I have more control that way.
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Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:17 am
by martynkim
Remove the tube between the carb and the box. Place your hand over the opening on the carb. Crank the engine, it should start.
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:35 am
by patthesoundguy
martynkim wrote:Remove the tube between the carb and the box. Place your hand over the opening on the carb. Crank the engine, it should start.
I just choke it by hand on the airbox inlet, then there is no parts to remove and replace. I can usually do that with out pulling the plastics. Lock the rear brake, reach up choke and start off I go;-)
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Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:43 am
by martynkim
patthesoundguy wrote:martynkim wrote:Remove the tube between the carb and the box. Place your hand over the opening on the carb. Crank the engine, it should start.
I just choke it by hand on the airbox inlet, then there is no parts to remove and replace. I can usually do that with out pulling the plastics. Lock the rear brake, reach up choke and start off I go;-)
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If there are leaks in the box or at the tube that will not work as well.
Re: 86 Spree transported on side, now won't start :/
Posted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:46 pm
by shredthegnarnia
Thanks guys, got it running, what a blast!
So just to confirm, Sprees do NOT have a choke, correct?