Hey,
I got a 1968 Sprint 150 from Ontario before the winter really kicked in. It needed a new piston and cylinder quite badly, one of the circlips looked like it got out and did quite a bit of damage. I replaced the piston and cylinder and had my father clean out the carburetor and got it running. I, having no registration or license yet, learned how to ride it around the neighborhood but when the fuel first ran out, it started and persisted coughing even with more fuel added. For a week or two, when riding it without the engine on down my driveway, i could hear a grinding noise, as if the clutch or a gear was being engaged. This went away on its own but then my Vespa wouldn't start. I did some tinkering with the carb settings and it was running fine for a day or two but now it won't start again. It does leak a bit if is left with the fuel rod in the open position. Any ideas would be helpful. I did get it insured a few days ago but now need an out of province inspection to get it registered. I know that Sherwood Motorcycle does inspections but is there a closer location that would also do some maintenance on my Vespa? Is there a mechanic on this forum that could help me or a shop that is actually open (tisk tisk Top Gear Vespa)?
Sprint: The Storm Has Not Yet Passed
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Sprint: The Storm Has Not Yet Passed
Last edited by Yarko on Sun Jun 12, 2011 8:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Update
Right, I completely took apart my carb today, cleaned it, replaced the seals and changed the spark plug. Through this process, I learned that the "Off" position on my fuel rod doesn't do anything. Tire pump is the best source of compressed air if two people are present. But now it runs much better than before, starts first kick and doesn't die when idling. I didn't find a way to adjust the float height, apart from bending the plastic on it a bit. Any suggestions about the fuel rod or the float? Just wondering, is it possible for a mechanic go to my place to work on the Vespa, get it ready for the inspection?
Sounds like you need to remove the fuel tank and have a close look at the fuel tap. It is mounted to the bottom of your fuel tank and controls whether the fuel flow is off, on, or set to reserve. They are inexpensive to replace.
Your fuel tank may have some rust in it which is flaking off and then flowing into your carb causing your starting and running problems. Open the tank and peer inside with a flashlight. If the metal is clean and shiny, no problem. If it is rusty and corroded, you'll need to remove the tank to get it cleaned and coated (or replaced).
The best place in town to get an OPI done is CycleWorks on the corner of 75 Street and Roper RD (tail end of 51 Ave). They are sympathetic to vintage machines.
However, your scoot will need to be in excellent shape, not just running OK. Brakes, bearings, lights, etc will need to be working and in good condition.
I'd be glad to help you out with any minor work that might be required but it is now my busy season and any major work will have to wait until next winter. Feel free to PM me.
Your fuel tank may have some rust in it which is flaking off and then flowing into your carb causing your starting and running problems. Open the tank and peer inside with a flashlight. If the metal is clean and shiny, no problem. If it is rusty and corroded, you'll need to remove the tank to get it cleaned and coated (or replaced).
The best place in town to get an OPI done is CycleWorks on the corner of 75 Street and Roper RD (tail end of 51 Ave). They are sympathetic to vintage machines.
However, your scoot will need to be in excellent shape, not just running OK. Brakes, bearings, lights, etc will need to be working and in good condition.
I'd be glad to help you out with any minor work that might be required but it is now my busy season and any major work will have to wait until next winter. Feel free to PM me.
They won't have ready access to parts so it's better that you go over the bike completely before bringing it to them. Maintenance items on older Vespas can be quite daunting to someone who is use to working on motorcycles: cable replacement is a good example. Labour rates are now over $100 an hour. The OPI alone is just under $200. Add in three hours labour to "sort a few things out" and there's $500+.
If there is just surface rust in the tank, get "concrete cleaner" from a hardware store. It is dilute phosphoric acid. If it's pretty grim inside, then you'll be better off having the tank hot tanked and coated at a radiator repair specialist.
If there is just surface rust in the tank, get "concrete cleaner" from a hardware store. It is dilute phosphoric acid. If it's pretty grim inside, then you'll be better off having the tank hot tanked and coated at a radiator repair specialist.
So the Sprint passed the OPI. I changed the oil this morning and after half a kilometer, it just stopped going and the kick-start could not even move. After removing the cylinder head and looking for any signs of a seizure, there were none. I put everything back together and after making sure the piston was moving as well as the flywheel, I tried again. After the first kick, the same thing happened. Any ideas? The flywheel doesn't move either but the piston seems to be in perfect shape. Trying to move the flywheel by force just knocked out a piece of the fan. Could it be lack of lubrication somehow from the oil change? It was riding just fine that morning and the days previous.
Last edited by Yarko on Sun Jun 12, 2011 9:12 pm, edited 1 time in total.