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1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:29 am
by Pietruck
Hi,

I am attempting to bring a 1988 Elite E back to life that I acquired at a garage sale. I have done the following:

1. Cleaned gas tank.
2. Replaced fuel lines.
3. Replaced petcock - previous owner had installed a non vacuum version.
4. Removed and thoroughly cleaned carb.
5. Check spark plug.
6. Check air filter.

The scooter starts right up with the kick starter. It runs, but is very sluggish off the line and I can't get going more than 18MPH. I know these scooters only do 30, but I should be able to get better than 20 I would think. Once it achieves around 18 MPH, it just bogs down as if there is a governor or something. I welcome any suggestions and recommendations.

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 10:37 am
by swimmingfree
clean the carb again ....i no you did a good job but even i some times need to do it again ...
make sure the pin on the slide is clip at the middle ...
swimmingfree

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:32 am
by Pietruck
Hi swimmingfree,

OK, I will re-clean the carb and see if I get improvement.

Thanks for the quick reply!

Pietruck

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:35 am
by swimmingfree
hay do you have the manual for that thing???
swimmingfree

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:41 am
by Pietruck
Hi,

Yes, I was able to download a PDF copy of the manual which was very helpful.

Thanks,

Pietruck

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 11:46 am
by swimmingfree
make sure you look at the pin to make sure its set wright chapter 4 page 8 its call a throttle valve installation
swimmingfree

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 9:10 pm
by Pete M
Remove your muffler and take a look at the exhaust port from the muffler side. If it os packed with carbon you found the problem. Do not use anything sharp to clear the carbon. I use a plastic shrimp devainer.........lol

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 3:31 am
by Dio89Elite
Did it come with the stock airbox as well? the stock carbs are designed to work well with the stock airbox and will run horrible without them.

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 9:56 am
by Pietruck
Hi,

Yes, it came with the stock airbox. I checked it and it is clean. Good suggestion on the exhaust. It seems the exhaust is flowing freely, but can't hurt to check it.

Thanks,

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2014 11:15 am
by Pietruck
Hi,

OK, I re-cleaned the carb. It turns out the issue was not related to the carb. It is the drive belt and clutch weights (pads). The engine is running fantastic, but the lack of speed is do to the belt and clutch.

Any recommendations for these? I have seen a lot of postings regarding the belt, but nothing on the clutch weights. Are these parts available? Has anyone replaced?

As always, thanks! Getting closer to riding I hope.

Re: 1988 Elite E - Sluggish Performance

Posted: Mon Jun 16, 2014 11:59 am
by Wheelman-111
Greetings:

PatTheSoundGuy knows as much as anyone here about alternative Spree/Elite "E" belts. I encourage you to read his recent thread or send him a PM. A good used clutch should be easy to get. Post a WTB ad in that section.