Bringing a Vespa ET2 out of storage 10+ years

[83_Silberpfeil]

Looking for expertise/guidance here.
I own a 2001/1002 Vespa ET2 Italian motor scooter. It has been in storage for about 10 years since I last rode it. Unfortunately, I did not drain the fluids nor add the fuel anti-gumming additive.

What would I need to do to get it running again --- assuming that it won't start up (kick-start). I plan on changing the battery, drain all fluid remaining and adding new oil/gasoline. Changing spark plugs, and tires.

Anything else?

What is involved in cleaning up the 'gumming' on the carburator/engine, fuel delivery system, etc?

Much thanks!

Here are the engine specs...

Engine type: otto cycle 2 stroke, single cylinder
Engine power: 5.1 bhp
Displacement: 49.4 cc
Bore: 1.6 in. (40 mm)
Stroke: 1.5 in. (39.3 mm)
Compression ratio: 10.3:1
Lubrication: Separate with automatic oil pump

Oil: 2-stroke synthetic oil (Selenia recommended)

[on2wheels52]

I'd just try fresh fuel after you come up with a battery. Then there should be a drain screw for the carb bowl. Run a couple of ounces out and then give it a few kicks. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Jim

[83_Silberpfeil]

Thanks on2wheels --- That's very optimistic. I will try that as first step. Guess it would not hurt; worst is that it doesn't start.

Originally Posted by on2wheels52

I'd just try fresh fuel after you come up with a battery. Then there should be a drain screw for the carb bowl. Run a couple of ounces out and then give it a few kicks. You may be pleasantly surprised.
Jim

[gordner]

I would bet you will be pleasantly surprised. Those engines are quite hardy and can take a lot of storage related abuse. You definitely want to drain the fuel bowl, the new gas should fairly effectively run through the varnish.
If it does not start, consider pulling the carb and doing and ultrasonic cleaning in fresh gas....I did a similiar project, and the carb was gummed, i managed to get it operating doing that with out even pulling the carb apart, just cleaned it as a unit, blew it out installed it and she fired right up.
Some cold start down the throat of the carb will let you get the rpm up some if she does not start, greatly increasing the odds of pulling fresh fuel through whatever varnish you do have.

[Scott Douglas]

I'd see if you can check the operation of the auto oiler before running it too much or you'll seize the engine. It is a 2-stroke after all.

[LakeCleElum]

Clean the carb 1st.....Even if you get it running, the idle and pilot circuit will be plugged. It will run lean and seize on the 1st hard run.......

Once clean, check for spark. Dispose of old fuel. To be safe, mix the 1st tank at 50:1 with 2-cycle oil until you are sure the oil pump is working OK....

I just had a 1960 Vespa 160 follow me home last week for $450.......Needs a full retore....

[83_Silberpfeil]

LakeCleElum --- clean the carb means the fuel delivery tips/nozzles? Or break the entire thing down and clean?

Can you explain the 50:1 fuel/oil thing? Just add the motor oil into the fuel tank after fill up?

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Clean the carb 1st.....Even if you get it running, the idle and pilot circuit will be plugged. It will run lean and seize on the 1st hard run.......

Once clean, check for spark. Dispose of old fuel. To be safe, mix the 1st tank at 50:1 with 2-cycle oil until you are sure the oil pump is working OK....

I just had a 1960 Vespa 160 follow me home last week for $450.......Needs a full retore....

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by 83_Silberpfeil

LakeCleElum --- clean the carb means the fuel delivery tips/nozzles? Or break the entire thing down and clean?

Can you explain the 50:1 fuel/oil thing? Just add the motor oil into the fuel tank after fill up?

Carb clean would be to dis-assemble.....Check main jet, pilot jet and any nozzles for blockage. .....Idle circuit is usually adjusted by a screw/spring you would remove and use carb cleaner and compressed air to blow out all passages....This screw is usually set at about 1 1/4 turn out from being bottomed....

50:1 fuel/oil........Get a gallon of fresh fuel, add 3 oz. of 2 STROKE oil (not motor oil)...and mix well.......this is insurance in case the oil pump is not working.....The pump is usually fine unless you should get an air bubble in the line while taking things apart.......Stuff you learn when you seize your freshly rebuilt snowmobile engine....

[stinkindiesel]

Just went through this with my wife's ET2. She just doesn't ride it enough to keep the modern crap we call gas fresh. I have to completely tear the carb down about once a year.

You should also check the oil line from the tank to the carb. Vespa uses some compound that doesn't hold up well to two stroke oil. A quick trip to the FLAPS will get you a much better grade line.

Gary

[Tishabet]

You guys are singing my tune (see signature), good advice above. Is your et2 the 2 or 4 stroke version?

If you run into any issues I highly recommend the community over at modernvespa.com, good diy bulletin board.

LakeCleElum you need to come west with your 160 this summer for some of the Seattle rallies, a great time.

[stinkindiesel]

The ET2 is a 50cc 2-stroke. Back before the proliferation of pocket bikes, they could be ridden without a license in most states. Now, at least here in Texas, it requires a motorcycle endorsement just like the big boys. I guess too many kids (and adults with small brains) were killing themselves riding the little pocket bikes in traffic.

Gary

[83_Silberpfeil]

Thanks for tips. I'll inspect the lines. Will see if a carb nozzle clean out would do the job. Then go down the road of complete tear down.

Originally Posted by stinkindiesel

Just went through this with my wife's ET2. She just doesn't ride it enough to keep the modern crap we call gas fresh. I have to completely tear the carb down about once a year.

You should also check the oil line from the tank to the carb. Vespa uses some compound that doesn't hold up well to two stroke oil. A quick trip to the FLAPS will get you a much better grade line.

Gary

[83_Silberpfeil]

Thanks Tishabet. I've registered with ModenVespa and posted there about this challenge.

Originally Posted by Tishabet

You guys are singing my tune (see signature), good advice above. Is your et2 the 2 or 4 stroke version?

If you run into any issues I highly recommend the community over at modernvespa.com, good diy bulletin board.

LakeCleElum you need to come west with your 160 this summer for some of the Seattle rallies, a great time.

[83_Silberpfeil]

Stinkindiesel --- ET2s are 50 cc indeed (49 cc to be exact --- which evades the license requirements here in California which applies to 50 cc or more). The ET2's started out as 2 stroke and eventually they rolled out and swtiched to 4 stroke. I believe mine is a 2 stroke version.

Originally Posted by stinkindiesel

The ET2 is a 50cc 2-stroke. Back before the proliferation of pocket bikes, they could be ridden without a license in most states. Now, at least here in Texas, it requires a motorcycle endorsement just like the big boys. I guess too many kids (and adults with small brains) were killing themselves riding the little pocket bikes in traffic.

Gary