Why won't my winterized scooter start in spring?

by Dennis
(Edmons, WA)

I have a Buddy International that sat all winter with a battery drip charger on. Now, it won't turn over. The electrical system seems to be working fine. The ignition switch seems to be working.


It has gas. I am holding the brake down and the kill switch is set properly. Is there something else I need to do?

Comments for Why won't my winterized scooter start in spring?

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Jun 11, 2011
 Do you add the sea foam to old fuel
by: Heidi

Dennis,
This is very helpful. Thank you for the insight. My scooter has been sitting for a few months and does not start. Did you drain the old fuel first or add the sea foam to the sitting fuel? Any help is appreciated. Thanks
Apr 12, 2011
 Two Days Later and $200 Richer
by: Dennis

It may seems strange for me to answer my own post but I wanted to share this with others who may experience the same problem.

I figured the fuel must have fouled my carburetor. The darn thing would not turn over. I went to my local auto parts start and purchased a product called Sea Foam: Motor Treatment. It says when added to gas it cleans injectors and carb jets. I put an ounce to a gallon of gas and rocked the bike back and forth to mix it in the tank. I then turn the bike on and turned the accelerator handle several times to give it some gas. I then press the start switch and it did not start. It did as before. Would come close to turning over but not quite. I figured the treated fuel was working it's way through the injectors and carbs. I kept trying to start it until the batter became weak and stopped. Hooked the battery up to the Batter Tender and waited until the battery recharged.

An hour later the scooter started with no problem. I let it run for a bit and took it for a scoot. It sounds like a normal run. No pings or rough running. I figured I saved about $200 for a carburetor cleaning.

I hope it works for you.

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Battery Tender Junior in package

A battery tender like the Battery Tender Jr. can make all the difference in whether your scooter will start right up each spring, after being stored for months.

Just about every scooter owner needs to have a battery tender, sometimes called a trickle charger. Unless you are lucky enough to live in a climate where you can ride all year long, chances are your scooter will be put on ice, figuratively-speaking, for at least a couple months every winter.

One of the key steps in winterizing a scooter is to protect your battery from draining during its "rest" period. This can – and will – happen if you leave your battery sitting untended in your cold scooter over the winter, even if it's in a garage or shed.

Read our review or go right to Amazon.com to buy this highly recommended Battery Tender Jr NOW...



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