Dies and now won’t start

[Jeff t]

150 miles into running in a new build Quattrini, Phbh carb, SIP vape ignition, yesterday went a mile a so no problem, put petrol in and set off 300 yards or so scooter dies. I got it started but again just died, so stutters to stop not just cutting out. I limped home cutting out 3 or 4 times on the way but managed to get it started. I have checked the obvious spark looks ok, carb all looks clean, petrol flow looks good, read valve looks ok. I’ve Checked to see if the key had sheared in the flywheel but all good. Before I strip the head could the ignition switch be the issue, so would it still spark if it was going to earth. Tried yesterday and today and I can’t get it to start oh and compression seems ok when I kick it over.

It had done something similar the week before when I first started it but I didn’t take it out so it’s not the petrol i put in.

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

Presuming that the tank cap is breathing & the carburettor float/needle not sticking then eliminate the ignition switch by unplugging the 'kill' wire @ the CDI & try again.

[L111amo]

Diesel?

[Adam_Winstone]

As above, if it was running fine before adding new fuel, suspect the fuel!

A pal of mine had exactly this scenario and discounted my suggestion of fuel as he couldn't imagine that the fresh fuel from local petrol station could be a problem.

Anyway, he stripped the motor down, rebuilt with new seals... same issue. Asked a dealer, spent several hundreds of pounds in new crank, maghousing, fly side bearing, seal ang gaskets... same issue!

As a last resort he hired a van and called in a favour for me to look at it. I asked him to run me through events, step by step, which lead me to drain tank and float bowl, put in some fuel from one of my bikes.. problem solved, immediately.

You should never assume that fuel from a petrol station is good or uncontaminated. He learned an expensive lesson.

[Jeff t]

As I filled up I bumped Into mate testing his GP had a long chat as I filled up and it’s a petrol station I don’t use. Going to walk up in a bit and check the pump I used.

[hullygully]

stick your nose in your tank, that'll tell you straight off (I also learnt the hard way, twice )

[MickYork]

Change the fuel regardless, eliminates a suspected problem.

[Jeff t]

Yep diesel it is, can’t believe I did that don’t even have a diesel car. Take if I clean it out it should be ok ?

[MickYork]

How much do you want for the diesel

[Solid Air]

Been following this thread with interest. Basically it's your mate's fault cos he distracted you when you were filling up!

Seriously though, glad you got it sorted

[Fast n Furious]

Don't be too hard on yourself, I did the same myself a few years back.
Had the same symtoms as you decribe. I found that by putting the choke on that it would run and it got me the 15miles to home. My mates weren't best pleased though cos I was trailing bad smoke all the way and those behind me all stunk of diesel when they got home.

Was it a BP Fuelstation by any chance Jeff?

[ULC Soulagent]

Yep diesel it is, can’t believe I did that don’t even have a diesel car. Take if I clean it out it should be ok ?

We’ve all been there including myself but I still blame the outback service station in France for not having colour coded handles like we do in Uk and me not knowing more French

[Jeff t]

Would love to share the blame but no all my fault, it did limp home and your right needed choke luckily only a couple of miles. It was a shell station but obvious when you look at the pump. What is a pain in the arse is getting rid of 8l of fuel local council won’t take it so need to find a garage who will take it, then we wonder why people fly tip etc, so easy to put somewhere you shouldn’t.

[Fast n Furious]

Ah. I didn't waste mine. I diluted it down with petrol and burn't it in my old, near knackered, lawnmower. Adding a touch of castrol R to each tankful made it bearable.

[L111amo]

Glad you got it sorted, used to be a ford technician for donkeys years and before the new easy fuel type fuel receptors we used to get countless vehicles towed in with non starts and apart from obvious stuff to check we would take a sample out and set it a light on floor if it burnt off completely (petrol) if it left a residue ( diesel) .

[duncan1958]

I use diesel as a cleaning agent with a bit of petrol.
Doesn't evaporate like petrol and lasts for ages if you strain it through an old sock before storing for the next cleaning operation.