Hello!...and help

[abe froman]

Hello

I was really hoping that my first post on these boards would be a showing off of my new Series 2 Li125. However, in order to take some nice photos in a scenic location, she needs to run.

Please bear in mind I'm totally new to Lambretta ownership, my Dad had one when he was young so thought I'd pay homage. But I can see it's going to be a steep learning curve.

The issue:
She has been running, but not regularly. I did go out for a short ride at the weekend and all was fine...a bit lumpy and needs a bit of work but on the whole ok.

I added some new super unleaded with a 3% mix.

Started her, but running late so didn't warm up, first gear and off we go. Get 50 yards down the road and engine dies. Will not start again.

Pushed back, took car to work.

Just home now and removed plug, cleaned, checked spark (strong) put back in. Started but died after 10 secs, won't start again.

Repeated: plug out, dried, fitted. Tried to start. No joy....and now won't...at all

Air filter looks fine, fuel getting in, screwed the mix around a bit but made no difference.

I appreciate this could probably be a thousand things but I need some pointers.

Also, does anyone know any good mechanics (just incase) near Wantage (between Oxford and Newbury)

Thanks and hi again. Static photo attached.

[P D: SC Chester]

Welcome.
I'm fairly new to this site too. But the help and advice from seasoned scooterists on here is second to none.
And I'm sure an expert will be along shortly.

[coaster]

Welcome to the forum Firstly, it could be a number of things but you need to check and cross them off in a logical order and a bit more info about the engine would be useful like:
Has it still got points or has it been converted to electronic?
Is it a standard engine or has it been 'kitted'

Right, things to check:
1. Check if the tiny air hole is clear in the underside of the filler cap handle. If that gets blocked the vacuum in the tank will stop fuel flow.
2. remove the fuel pipe from the carb and check the fuel flow into a container. Time the flow over 30 seconds and report back how much was collected.

Another point to remember when starting is to keep the throttle closed, do not be tempted to wring the throttle open as you kick it.

Others will offer more ideas

[abe froman]

Thanks guys.

I'll check those first and report back.

It's a 1960 completely standard. 6v

Thanks for the tip on starting...been doing the complete opposite!

[coaster]

....Thanks for the tip on starting...been doing the complete opposite!

We've all done it, the hand book used to say choke on throttle closed and it does work, the engine will usually fire after one or two kicks but you might need to rev it as soon as it fires up, that depends on how well the idle has been set up.

[ToBoldlyGo]

Flywheel needs remagnetising, coil breaking down, air flow restricted. To be honest a completely original LI 125 S2 probably isn't the best starting point and most people would probably gut the engine.

[MickYork]

Buying a Lambretta manual would be a good investment. "The Complete Spanners Manual", also known as "Sticky's" is considered the best. Contains useful tips and help with fault finding.

Try running with the air filter disconnected......does it make any difference ?

[Adam_Winstone]

Stick a wire coat hanger up the exhaust and give it a good wiggle, which can clear a blocked exhaust and allow it to run again... certainly enough to identify whether this is the issue. The symptoms you describe are on par with this issue and, unfortunately, a number of others.

What plug are you using? If magnetism has dropped on an old original flywheel then closing up the plug gap, so giving the ignition a shorter gap to jump, can really help.

Best of luck. BTW, there are plenty of Lambretta riders in this neck of the woods

Adam

(Oxford Roadrunners)

[abe froman]

Thanks all. I've tried without the air filter but no difference. I'll run through the other options tomorrow and update.

Plug is a champion RN9YC

I did buy a haynes manual but having done a bit of lurking it does appear to be liked much?

Thanks again. This is exactly the support I need. Then I can pass the acquired wisdom down to my sons...when they are my age!

[Adam_Winstone]

Until tonight I had never heard of your grade of Champion plug so did a little research and found the link listed at the bottom, however, as covered in the link, this is not a common plug for Lambretta or Vespa use so I would be tempted to get one that the rest of us know of and have experience of. I would suggest you get yourself an NGK B7ES, which you can get at many/most motorist discount stores. The B7ES sparks pretty easily and is a good all round plug for most standard Lambrettas and most applications, especially is you are having issues with it not firing easily.

Note that the standard recommended Lambretta plug gap is fractionally smaller than most plugs will be supplied with so just close it up slightly by tapping it lightly.

Keep talking to us and I hope to get you up and running to join us at one of our local Tuesday club meetings. Unfortunately, most of the ORRSC are of an age that we're tied up with parental duties, therefore have less time to offer anything hands-on, but search us out on FaceBook and we may be able to offer you another local alternative... NOT THAT THIS LCGB FORUM SHOULDN'T BE YOUR FIRST PORT OF CALL

Adam


http://www.scootercentral.net/forums/vi ... php?t=8586

[MK Monty]

Forgive me basics first fuel on choke off.. put it on reserve just in case. The reserve tube can be tall so it can have half a tank of petrol but need to be on reserve to use up the rest.. then it's fuel in the carb, clean jets, give them a blow out.

[abe froman]

She lives!

I switched the fuel off, opened the throttle wide and kicked her over half a dozen times. These seemed to do the trick...after me stripping her down and measuring fuel, etc.

Thank you all for your suggestions and help. Runs lovely now...however...

I do have a small fuel leak coming out the top of the carburettor. (see below)

I'd imagine its the washer/gasket. What do you guys use here? Paper gasket? My local motor shop only had sheets of paper in.

[rossclark]

There should probably be a rubber sealing ring under that cap or a fibre washer.

[abe froman]

Thank Ross,

Yes it has a fibre washer but still leaks.

Would a rubber one be ok?

[rossclark]

Check on a flat surface to see if it's flat, they can distort.

Try a new fibre washer or try two.