Vento Scooter will not start unless tipped on its side.?

Question

I have a Vento Zip r3i. I bought it in 2005, brand new. I have to tip it on its right side (almost laying it down) for it to start. I have drained the carb several times, but it won't help. The dealer is giving me the run around. Now the waranty has expired. Any suggestions. Once it is warmed up it runs fine, it just takes a while for it to warm up, and if it isn't laying down it will stall.

Answer 1

All I can think of is the float level in the carb.

Answer 2

I agree that it's probably a fuel delivery problem rather than spark.

Try tipping it on its side to start it.

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

I assume you've tried various choke positions without success. Don't be offended that I started with the overtly obvious, but hey, who knows, you might not know to use the choke in this age of electronic ignition.

A dirty fuel filter would prevent a sufficient amount of fuel from reaching the cc even when choking. Try cleaning it or replacing it.

It's possible the float position is wrong, but it's not likely. You could try removing the float bowl if that's possible. Adjust the float position so that the float is level when it shuts off the flow of fuel.

Mechanical things are sometimes unpredictable. All indicators point to a lean condition that tipping it somehow resolves, but it could be an over-rich condition fouling the spark plug that tipping resolves. A couple of kicks with the choke on, then turn off the choke and try again.

Who knows . . . could work!

Answer 3

My guess is that you have an automatic choke, and it's stuck.

When you tip your bike on its side, the float overflow vent dribbles some gas into the carb and it's acting like a tickler on an old Triumph. The dribble of gas is just enough to cold-start it without a proper choke.

First, be sure the choke mechanism on the carburetor moves freely. If it takes effort to move it, clean it and free it up. If that isn't it, if your choke is electric, look for broken or loose connections.

If you can, rig it so you can operate the choke manually.

Otherwise pay the big bucks to the mechanic to fix it.

Answer 4

Mine did the same thing .easy fix with the scoot on the center stand Lossen the clamp on the carb on the intake side twist the carb appox 3/8 of an inch to the right. and tighten the clamp. there are 2 floats in side the carb they need to float together to work properly.Thats all I did to mine and it starts and runs like a champ I hope this helps

Answer 5

Something with the choke circuit, piston and rings worn or reed valves leaking. 2 stroke dirt bikes are like this.
-Electric choke - check operation
-Carb circuit - clean carb and make sure fuel pick up for choke is clear.
-Reed valves - remove and hold up to light. make sure they are sealing.
-Piston & rings - remove exhaust pipe and look in exhaust port with mirror and flash light. Any wear, scoring or carbon blow by under rings - repair top end.