Spark plug question

[Chimpboy74]

I dont really fancy that..... I'm not great with pain.
!!!

[CHRIS in MARGATE]

You'll know alright !

[coaster]

I dont really fancy that..... I'm not great with pain.
!!!

I doesn't really hurt, not pleasant but I've done it when I couldnt see the spark. Have you tried removing the cap and seeing if the spark jumps from the end of the lead to an earth on the frame? it will need to be held about 10-15mm from the earthing point.

[Chimpboy74]

I did remove the cap and got a spark from the HT cable. I probably should try again as I'm not sure I was that far away. I guess there will be a spark but I'm guessing the distance is key to determining of it's good enough?
If it isn't should I be replacing the CDI as well as cable?

[coaster]

I did remove the cap and got a spark from the HT cable. I probably should try again as I'm not sure I was that far away. I guess there will be a spark but I'm guessing the distance is key to determining of it's good enough?
If it isn't should I be replacing the CDI as well as cable?

The further the spark jumps the better but might only manage 10mm or so whilst kicking. I wouldnt suspect the CDI as they tend to fail and stay failed. The most likely culprit would probably be the low tension coil on the stator, they are renowned for intermittent faults but you are doing the right thing and trying the simple things first

[Chimpboy74]

I'm thinking to try changing the fuel in case that is the issue. I guess I should check the tap and lines whilst the tank is empty.

[Chimpboy74]

I can't help but feel that the fact that it nearly starts first kick after it's been left sitting for a few days should tell me something.

If I leave it for 3 or 4 days and then try and start it it almost starts but stops immediately. It doesn't get even close again until it has been left for a few days again. The plug is definitely wet. I kicked it over a few times with spark plug out and fuel and choke off and a little bit comes out but not loads.

Not sure if anyone has any thoughts on why it might almost start after sitting?

[Warkton Tornado No.1]

I can't help but feel that the fact that it nearly starts first kick after it's been left sitting for a few days should tell me something.

If I leave it for 3 or 4 days and then try and start it it almost starts but stops immediately. It doesn't get even close again until it has been left for a few days again. The plug is definitely wet. I kicked it over a few times with spark plug out and fuel and choke off and a little bit comes out but not loads.

Not sure if anyone has any thoughts on why it might almost start after sitting?

You've hinted @ checking fuel delivery a couple of times, though I'm not certain that you have checked everything

If it were me, whatever carburettor is fitted, I would take it off & thoroughly check it. Take photos as you dismantle it if you are unsure of reassembly.

In particular, check that all jets are clear, the mesh filter (if fitted) is clean & that the float needle does it's job.

Reassemble, probably with a little grease or Vaseline to any sealing surfaces.

Then (if you haven't got around to checking the tap etc) with some fuel in a suitable container connected to a fuel line 'feed' the carburettor with some fresh petroil. You only need a bowl full.

Then kick it over & see what happens

[Chimpboy74]

Yeah. That's definitely next. I've never done it before so need to make sure I have plenty of time to do it properly!

[solostax]

Re: Spark plug question
Unread postby MickYork » Thu Sep 05, 2019 9:03 pm

bite the bullet......put your finger in the suppressor cap and kick it over......you'll know if your getting voltage or not.

I'm being serious by the way.

Hi Mick
Been following this thread on behalf of my Vespa friend who had suffered identical problems,After passing on the advice offered by various contributors I can now report on a favourable result directly due to your recommendation.
Since adopting your remedy on a regular basis his arthritis and rheumatism has improved together with a marked decline in bouts of cramp.However some side effects have become apparent,that is his straight hair has become curly and stands upright, his vision slightly blurry and uncontrolled leg twitching always accompanies a “suppressor cap session”.
Although the engine still refuses to start ,he maintains the unforeseen benefits outweigh the initial pain barrier.


Keep up the good work
All the best

By the way..I'm not being serious!

[solostax]

Further to my previous post regarding the unforeseen benefits of 3000v shock therapy known as “Suppressor cap finger insertion “ I have to report on the sad passing of my Vespa friend who had become addicted to the practice of self energising.
As a member of an underground online fringe group that exchanged various methods of electrical excitement ,he was delighted to discover his old abandoned Vespa could provide him with a seemingly legitimate method of self rejuvenation. Previous to this there have been no reliable means to deliver a guaranteed dose of volts carefully calibrated to just under lethal amperage to satisfy their cravings .(As a footnote it must be mentioned that a far heavier guaranteed lethal dose can be derived from the modern electronic ignition systems).

As we now know there are numerous perverts regularly self energising under the camouflage of garden sheds containing Lambretta and Vespa scooters.Perhaps these players should come “out of the Closet” and declare their true motives for buying old two stroke vehicles.

Unfortunately,my friend overdosed by fitting a modern Vespa engine with electric starter motor to enable a constant flow of high voltage pulses unlike a single feeble kickstart tingle.This update overcame his heart pacemaker and delivered the final “coup de grace”.
His widow did not fully understand his fettish and thought his extended time in the “shed” to be quite innocent .
Now’s the time to be brave and admit if you are a self energiser !

[MickYork]

Was the suppressor cap connected to his penis ? I've also heard of this but mainly from Vespa owners.....

I've also heard (bloke in pub) that Viagra are trying to outlaw this "practise"

[solostax]

Thanks for the reply Mick
I don't know the exact situation he was found in and i presume it was only his finger that made the fatal connection. However your suggestion might have been true as I did interrupt a group of his Vespa colleagues forming a ring and joining hands.. One of the coven was attached by hist groin area to the HT cable.whilst the end member of the circle was frantically kickstarting the unresponsive engine.. Strange or what?

[MickYork]

I've also heard (same pub, different bloke) that whilst "HT-ing" which is apparently the phrase used, they take enjoyment from seeing themselves in mirrors whilst doing this........hence the large amount of mirrors on some scooters. I'm sure if the Sun or Mirror got wind of this this would be headline news

[solostax]

Thanks for the insights Mick....It's now starting to make sense...
PS I'm taking off my two handlebar mirrors forthwith!!