Why will my scooter only run on starting fluid?

by Scott
(Portsmouth, VA)

I have a 2011 TaoTao 49cc scooter.It would die shortly after I started it and die 3 or 4 more times, then quit. Did this for about a week.


So I took off the carburetor, cleaned it, put it back on and found the fuel filter was on backwards, so I put on a new one. Now the scooter won't run unless it has starting fluid in it. Any idea what is wrong with it?

Comments for Why will my scooter only run on starting fluid?

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Jun 04, 2018
Runs on starter fluid no gas NEW
by: David

I cleaned the carb twice

Jun 04, 2018
Runs on starter fluid no gas NEW
by: David

I cleaned my carb n jets everything is clean my fuel pump is new I got compression n spark fully charged battery n gas does drip from the drain screw by the crank case any ideas vacuum lines r good I can c light through every hole of my jets

Jul 10, 2011
Petcock
by: Jim Zeiser

Underneath the fuel tank is the fuel petcock. It has two lines, one fuel, one vacuum. Take off the fuel hose and suck on the lower, vacuum line. Gas should squirt out. If not either the petcock is bad or the tank has crud in the bottom covering the petcock opening. If it does, then hook it all up and find the drain line at the bottom of the carb. It's usually wrapped in a spring and has a screw at the bottom. Open it up and try to start the scooter. Gas should come out the hose. If not, then your float needle is stuck and needs cleaning. If gas comes out one of your carb jets is still clogged and needs cleaning.

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