Scooter 911: Find out why your scooter wont start by answering 3 questions!

Video Highlights:
0:55 - This scooter wont start
1:07 - An engine needs 3 things to run
1:19 - Fuel and air delivery
1:42 - What is compression?
2:10 - What is ignition?
3:07 - Question #1: Does the scooter crank?
3:49 - Can I just kickstart it?
4:15 - Question #2: Is the engine getting fuel?
5:03 - How to test question #2 using an external fuel source
7:36 - Interpreting the results of the external fuel source test
8:39 - Question #3 does the scooter have spark?
9:17 - Where is the sparkplug?
9:47 - How to remove the sparkplug
10:14 - How to test for spark
12:07 - Interpreting the results of the spark test
13:22 - Bloopers
There are many reasons your scooter's engine wont start. It could be something as complex as damaged piston rings, or something as simple as bad fuel in the carburetor. I created this video to be a compass to point people in the direction of the route cause of their problem.
If you need to replace your sparkplug use the NGK CR7HSA: scooter911.com/shop/ngk-cr7hs...
You'll need a ratchet and a spark plug socket to perform the spark test in this video.
3/8" ratchet: amzn.to/2U4oACV
Spark plug socket: amzn.to/2z22byK
Instagram: garretseesingofficial
Facebook: garretseesingofficial
Twitter: @seesinggarret
#Scooter #Scooter911 #Genuinebuddy

[@nickdifranco8531]

My Genuine Roughhouse 50 Scooter would crank but wouldn't start after sitting for a couple of weeks. Watched this video and followed your instructions. Took off the filter cover and sprayed the carb with the cleaner just as you showed. Started right up and now starts instantly. Best video on this topic on KZbin. Got my scooter running and taught me a lot about how it runs.

[@Scooter_911]

Thats so great to hear!

[@s.b.6010]

I am having trouble starting my 2015 Roughhouse 50 Scooter too. Are you able to explain where the carb is for me @nick difranco?

[@nickd1978]

S. B. On the left side of your bike underneath the logo there is a plastic black covering. That’s your air filter. You need to remove all the screws and the cover should pop right off. In there you’ll see a little hole like a small tunnel, just like he shows in this video. Your carb is in there so that’s where you spray.

[@robertalston4609]

Scooter shut off while riding. Starter turns but engine not catching or turning on

[@makeroomfordavy]

@@robertalston4609 same. Anyone have tips? More gas? Lol

[@ieatcheetos2046]

This is a very underrated channel. This man not only knows his stuff, but really takes time to break down the whys, ifs, and buts. Youve probably saved thousands of scooters ending up in the junk yard. Truely great stuff, keep it up!

[@vasiledintrebile2308]

Hello, my scooter been sitting for a couple months and when i turn on ignition there is no sound coming from the fuel pump do you have any idea what the problem could be ? Thank you

[@ieatcheetos2046]

@@vasiledintrebile2308 I'd check the wiring to the pump first, maybe even tap it with a mallet a couple times, and send seafoam thru it too, pumps can get gunked up with old bad gas. Maybe check your gas filter too? They can clog and mess with the whole system. But with it not sitting long, my first guess would be it got chewed on, or it got wet and might be rusting over on a connection or ground. Definitely check wiring first.

[@vasiledintrebile2308]

@@ieatcheetos2046 Hello, thanks for your reply, I’m not really a “pro” in this this is my first scooter i ever had and it worked just fine but i stopped using for like 2 months and before whenever i turned ignition on it would make a sound which i guess it was coming from the fuel pump but now when i turn ignition there is no sound at all, so I’m guessing there is a wiring problem is there any way i could bypass that so i know for sure that is a wire problem. Thanks a lot

[@vasiledintrebile2308]

@@ieatcheetos2046 also i removed the fuel hose and there is no fuel coming through

[@miguelpedraza5064]

This man produces by far the best content on scooter repair And that’s Fax, no printer 😤

[@gregwiddicombe7036]

Carb cleaner in the air intake was EXACTLY what was needed to the "My scooter won't start" issue. Hardest thing was removing the air filter cover! Thanks for the very informative video!

[@demo3942]

What can i use if i dont have the carb clraner

[@zakariaameur7138]

where do i get the carb cleaner

[@theriflehawk9337]

@@zakariaameur7138it is super cheap (5 dollars) at auto stores lime autozone and even sometimes walmart. Got mine at Autozone

[@espencer181]

Garret, you are the absolute BEST. I watched your videos over and over for weeks so I could get an old scooter up and running. Now I’m out riding all the time so haven’t been back for a while but wanted to thank you for your clear, informative and entertaining videos! I’ve never worked on a combustion engine in my life and my friend said yes, I could work on her 150cc that hadn’t run in years. Garret to the rescue! You helped me troubleshoot and solve. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@Scooter_911]

Wow thats so great! Nice work!

[@JamesLacroixx]

This is literally the first time I've ever watched a video about how to troubleshoot my scooter that explained what things were and showed what they looked like so that someone like me who is not remotely mechanically inclined actually knew what the hell you were talking about. Thank you for that. I'll try cleaning the carburetor now that I know what that looks like and how to do it. Hopefully that's all my scooter needs. It's been sitting for several months due to the pandemic removing any opportunity or reason for me to go anywhere lol.

[@Scooter_911]

right on! let me know how it ends up!

[@cubixman9676]

How did it go

[@JamesLacroixx]

@@cubixman9676 Unfortunately I just wasn't able to get the filter off because of the model, (chassis was in the way, would have had to pull a lot of it apart to get there) ended up letting the shop do it so I didn't break anything, lol.

[@Raymondgogolf]

@@JamesLacroixx Hi James 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends?

[@charlestonbrown148]

Always start scooters at least once a week

[@PleasantlyDisturbing]

One of the best DIY channels I've come across. Helped me feel confident enough to open up the ol scooter and try to fix minor issues. Great job! Subscribed.

[@flyingwithfroggy14]

Thank you so much, Saves so much time instead of having to watch like 100 diff videos to find the right info, i think i run into a new problem every 4 months and learning it like this is really helpful and actually a bit fun, Keep making more of these simplified videos!

[@kennethberends9749]

Thanks again for a very straightforward plain English informative video, and thanks again for all your personal responses when my CDI went out last month. Had my neighbor watch your videos and it got me up and running again.

[@rickchristensen3636]

Thank you for taking the time to explain the procedure's of trouble shooting different issue's for getting the motor started.

[@TOMMIETR7]

thanks, bro! i never worked on a scooter before, in my life. with your help, i was able to get a scooter going, that has not run in years. your a great teacher, my friend!

[@richardtrude7562]

Hey, Never had problems with my scooter before, worked on cars and tanks but this little thing threw me for a loop. Your video was a big help, thanks!

[@matrixxART]

How to lol: 1. Wait a minute 2. Hold on 3. Slow down a second. Great sound effects! I gotta subscribe !~

[@mikedproducer]

Dude, you are the best. Your videos are informative and entertaining. I’m looking forward to the carb maintenance video. I need to do this to my new project scooter.

[@ahmeterdemir9097]

Excellent video. Good thing I found this channel. Best scooter videos on the web.

[@cindyrusch6689]

You got my 250 scooter running again with your wonderful videos. My bike sat for three years due to a accident. Filter was the last thing holding up it running. Without your help it would still be sitting there. Your my best friend now. I watched all your 911 scooter videos. You rock!!! 💗😊

[@Raymondgogolf]

Hi Cindy 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends?

[@cheyennecornett2218]

Was your scooter okay after doing this?

[@seanholmes6791]

Thank you. Mine was the fuel issue. Did exactly what you did, and it started up. Beautiful. Great advice!!

[@leokim8015]

The best scooter troubleshooting video indeed... fixed mine through the concept that you explained... works great.. Thanks

[@andrewmcmahon9232]

Very well presented and very clear instruction.

[@jukeswow5564]

I just bought a scooter from a friend and this video was an amazing find great video well explained and funny edits good job man!

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@tomford2631]

Thank you Garret for another great video. I really would appreciate advice on quality replacement parts like you did on this video on NKG spark plugs. I'd like to see what carbs, exhaust ,cdi , vacuum line ... common parts that go out so I know what the pros use. thanks again !

[@vincentofduty]

Greatest scooter troubleshooting video. Learned a lot from here

[@tomhecker9792]

Good job great video for those who don't know a lot about engines ! Also presented very well !

[@johncoelho7105]

Great information ,helped me get my scooter going today. Thank you, great video!

[@edwardhatfield4358]

Why am I just now seeing these videos. I have been looking up things about these scooters for over 2 years now and its really a good thing to be able to use for reference. Its a little surprising tome I haven't seen them before now. However. Very good to know that someone takes pride in making a good tutorial even on something not so popular. Most other videos are hard to watch or understand. Not these videos. They are good quality and very informative. I m sure ill watch every one of them.

[@tomstewart440]

DANG!!! I just watched another scooter video!! Keep the content flowing.

[@kenjohnston1013]

Can't wait for your pending new videos on carb cleaning. Thanks for the concise video. I have a 2002 Vespa ET2 that has been sitting for years. No spark, waiting on CDI to arrive and hopefully not stator.

[@mycollectshawn3995]

Great Video. All these videos are great. I like your quote at the end. If actually motivates me to figure it out and work on my scooter. It all makes sence once I figure it out thanks again

[@johnathansheridan6519]

This video was very thorough and accurate and it describes a lot that i feel like i really needed to learn.

[@cmac5280]

Dude! Thanks, carb fix worked like a dream only after I had already changed the spark plug needlessly! Cheers!

[@martyart84]

You’re thorough, I love it man

[@jjean-baptiste5065]

Very good explanation. You did break down all the steps and job well done God bless you

[@Slotshaker]

Loved it. Short simple complete. Thanks forinfo about carb cleaner. I didn't know that would work.

[@fra_ggs]

You’re amazing and might’ve just saved me a ton of money! Thanks.

[@LanceSimmons-vw3un]

If I could get you to answer one question I will be forever grateful. I have learned so much from your channel but I'm stumped on this one. GY6 bbk 100cc I got the three I need. Fuel,spark, compression. When I try to crank it about every third rotation of the motor it shoots a flame out bottom of head exhaust port. I've set valves and timing twice but still same thing. I ordered a stator thinking maybe it was sending firing signal to late but it has good fire. Keep up the good work. I'm a 52 year old man that has learned all the basics then some on the GY6 engines thanks to you. Peace out and thanks G!

[@RustyGlovebox]

That should be good help with folks experiencing scooter problems🛵 . Last years fuel left in the tank can be a big problem too sometimes. Keep up the good work

[@Scooter_911]

Thanks!

[@millybilly4607]

What should I do to fix that proplem

[@Denniisboi]

Thank you, i followed you step by step and it worked :)

[@alex5390]

Excellent job at explaining things. I'm looking forward to your video on cleaning the carb... Have a Kymco People S200

[@newelthomas1053]

Amazing work man, keep it up

[@poppinskulls]

You are the greatest teacher.

[@jacksonlloyd-spencer2717]

Great job! Loved this!

[@adarbar]

Great video, very nicely explained!

[@alj5431]

You are amazing, I really liked your videos. Great diagnostic ways.

[@ANTICHRIST4LIFE1]

Thank you for showing me the carb trick. Saved me so much time and money.

[@Raymondgogolf]

Hi Janice 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends?

[@gravellesimon]

Another great video brokendown so I can understand it!! Thanks!

[@georgeburlakos7046]

Great video very informative thanks George

[@patrickphippspa584]

Tooo funny! Garret you make your info-packed videos so entertaining and fun. To me, the blooper section is like dessert, just can't wait to get to it and in some cases, skip the meal and head "schtraight" to the dessert. I'm Dutch. Oh, LOVE your dog. More of that gorgeous creature please. Thanks buddy! I'm still laughing.

[@Scooter_911]

Glad you liked it! And even more glad you like my dog!

[@kidzzone7356]

found out what was wrong with my 1988 yahmaha jog 10 mins after watching your vid thnx bro you get a like and def a sub!

[@reginaldb.campbelljr.2492]

Thanks again you a great help because I try to do it myself and save some $$$ that's why I watch guys like you the pro's thanks keep doing what you do!!!

[@kronandank6007]

This was so helpful, thank you

[@sikonertoltec6607]

Great video, really helped me confirm a couple problems

[@martinuglow116]

You are a brilliant teacher

[@SignedDiamond]

Can you do a special episode on more vintage scooters? Many of them are incredibly hard to find manuals for and general troubleshooting information for old kickstart scooters would be greatly appreciated.

[@peterryan7827]

Excellent video straightforward no messing about, thanks so much ,I am about to buy a new scooter here in the UK ,and was wondering how many miles with regular servicing should i be able to run from new without problems , is there a sort of rough guide before we start hitting problems ,many thanks,

[@harishg6148]

Thanks a lot. That's an awesome video. Very helpful

[@syahirahkm551]

Thank you very much. My scooter wont start and the carburator cleaner technique solved it! May God bless you ❤

[@gregcruz5287]

Great video bro I very much appreciate the time work and effort to make this video.

[@Scooter_911]

Thanks for the appreciation dude!

[@chepazzaragazza]

This is awesome! My scooter died at a stoplight on the way home from work tonight and this video was so clear and easy to understand that I can troubleshoot the simple stuff before I try to get it to a mechanic! Thank you!

[@Scooter_911]

Glad we could keep your sled shiny side up!

[@mohamedaliameur8676]

thanx bro... a gy6'er from Algeria , so helpful your videos

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@user-fp9yi4dn1m]

Valuable Information Thank U

[@devinmink3916]

its absolutely downpouring rn and my garage is packed with my other bikes but i think you solved my problem 😭 W video, def gained a sub

[@Scooter_911]

So glad to hear my friend! Keep it shiny-side up!

[@browndog7446]

Legend !!!! Great video !!

[@themanlyacademy]

Awesome video bro! Keep it up!!

[@johnbailey2078]

Bought my husband a 2009 Silverwing 600 for our anniversary. Your help has been awesome. We are stuck at the turnover but will not complete and start engine. We checked EVERYTHING. Put a new starter relay on and cleaned starter switch button and got new battery. Battery drains fast. Storage Light is disconnected. We don’t have carburetor so don’t know how to check fuel injectors. At least we went from no sound at all to that turn over sound. Worked fine when bought the bike on Sept 4. Todd a few times, then nothing. Krr we or trying every day and about a week later, started right up. Turned off and on several times and rode a couple blocks again. That was few weeks ago. Has not started since. At least now, it turns over but does not start. Sparks too. Lights work, kickstand up, brake grid tightly. Checked electrical supply with meter. Kinda out of ideas.

[@rosscuellar3774]

YESSS! Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@jayt2473]

Thanks for this video! I have liked and Subscribed! We just bought my son a 2009 PGO Big Max and I will be back I am sure! We will go through these steps to check the issue! Cheers

[@gamefreakdanielBIGD]

Very good videos bro, really helps out definitely subbed good quality video

[@UnclaimedStorageTreasures]

Great video, I learned a lot. Thank you for the videos.

[@tedbryson-um7yc]

Your video’s are great for guys like me that don’t have a background in vehicle repair. The video explained how even I can check what the possible problems could be. Gonna buy some carburetor cleaner just in case and I can check the plug easily. Compression might be a bit harder. Thanks!

[@Scooter_911]

Good luck my friend! You can do it!

[@gogos869]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! The carb cleaner worked! Well done!

[@Scooter_911]

So glad it worked! But credit where credit is due congratulations on YOU getting your scoot back on the road!

[@Raymondgogolf]

Hi Victoria 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends?

[@freemovies3179]

Definitely just saved me some money. Thanks man!!

[@Scooter_911]

Glad to hear it!

[@MrAnthonydag]

Wow man. You're video helped me get my bike started. It cranked but no start. After spraying carb cleaner it started!!! Thanks!

[@Scooter_911]

Nice work my friend! Now keep it shiny-side up!

[@cristianchiari2697]

You are a great teacher

[@RadekRaVoS]

Thanks for this video with good info and nice edit :)

[@whythecows]

I appreciate the information. You break it down to digestible bits. What if my scooter has a fuel injector instead of a carb?

[@Ulbre]

Great tutorial buddy :)

[@arnevandervegt]

hello Garrett, how to clean the carburator? thank you for all your great DIY-videos

[@andreawilliams3016]

YOU ARE AWESOME! Good looking and hysterical... wait! That’s not what I was going to say. 🙃 I LOVE THE BLOOPERS AT THE END!

[@Raymondgogolf]

Hi Andrea 👋 I hope my comment didn't sound as a form of privacy invasion your comment tells of a wonderful woman with a beautiful heart which led me to comment I don't normally write in the comment section but I think you deserve this complement. If you don’t mind can we be friends?

[@pablocarela7158]

Thanks man i took your approch and i found out it was the fuel and air issue. Thank for the help

[@shellilogan771]

hi Garrett yes I did already watch this video before I watched your other one with the valve job adjustment changing out the spark plug seemed to help out a little bit I will also make sure all the hoses on the carb are tight as well to make sure there's no air leakage and I'll spray some carb cleaner in there and see if that helps to

[@southernfoods7302]

You are the best Channel I ever come across and I only watched one video and like 30 seconds of another video. I've got this cool looking Ruckus replica & hybrid Chinese scooter and I'm figuring out why after riding it it's having trouble to start but man that starter fluid lit it up and it's starting and turning over again and again and again. I'm going to figure out after another ride.. see what it does and go from there I'm rewatching your video when searching other ones to figure this s*** out thank you so much brother you are the best Channel by far on all this💯

[@petelugo2681]

Great instructional vide. You should be teaching at my local community college.

[@trevaugnsegar2463]

Thanks bro you helped me a lot

[@PlainLazyZitu]

Amazing video. Helped me immensely.

[@Scooter_911]

So glad to hear it! Thanks for watching

[@PlainLazyZitu]

​@@Scooter_911 Interestingly my 2016 Buddy 50 died again today mid-ride. I added the cleaner again, and it started fine but died mid-ride. It basically dies whenever I let go of the throttle. I am not sure what would be a permanent solution.

[@lolobodi75]

Thank you, keep on the good deeds.

[@GarrickVance]

Looking forward to a scooter carb rebuild video!

[@cindyrusch6689]

He knows his stuff

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@owenmould930]

Hi , I appreciate the time and effort that has gone into this video. I have a problem with my Kymco Agility 50 (2009) where I’ve recently changed the spark plug, put a new crank case with all new parts on and the engine is still yet not starting electric and kick. Is there another principle I’m missing out on as I’m not a mechanic I’m just trying to learn from videos?

[@Hexsyn]

Would like to hear your suggestions about which octane to use (if your manual doesn't specify) and additives like fuel stabilizer, cleaning additives, etc.

[@georgealvarez8390]

Can't wait for the "failed spark" video at 12:00. No, literally, can't wait. On to the stator video!

[@williammalysz2357]

I coild really use your help with my scooter i have tried very thing

[@toplistcrew7645]

Your videos are the best on scooter 911. I just got a Chinese sunny 49cc scooter that’s sat for a lonnnnng time. I replaced the carb, bendix, stator, cdi, starter,spark plug, ignition cable, battery, and rebuilt the kick start. As it stands now it still won’t start. So now I’m onto the valve adjustments. Fingers crossed!!!

[@Scooter_911]

Good luck! Sounds like you're on the right track!

[@1983bigfrank]

When you say a very informative video from top to bottom this is the standard that all video should be include my videos

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much! Hope it helps you out!

[@TheUnitedSardines]

Thank you very much I just resolved my start pb did all the steps you showed and it works, carb cleaner and a startbutton relais cable switch I’m too far out to find a mechanic 👍👍👍💪 now i just have to do my nails because scooters and nails don’t go together 💅

[@lizbecerril2046]

Love your videos

[@Vederano]

Thank you, this video have been really helpfull.

[@msamechanics8510]

amazing very helpful thanks...

[@Scooter_911]

Thanks for watching!

[@TezcatlipocaMountyRailfan]

I have a Kymco People 50cc and I have tried absolutely EVERYTHING. I’ve checked the spark plug and it had no fouling. It was basically brand new. I checked the valves and compression, and it was perfect. I checked the air fuel screw on the carb by turning one half turn right from factory position(no start), then turned it one full turn left from factory position(no start). I then turned it back to factory position by 1/2 turn right again(no start). I siphoned the fuel out and put new fuel in to make sure there was absolutely nothing wrong with the gas. I made sure the fuel pump did its thing(yes, Kymco 50cc’s have a fuel pump). Basically, I am at a loss. There is absolutely NO reason for it not to turn over. Nothings clogged. Nothings fouled out. Compression is good, so there’s no leaks at the valves or head. There’s oil in it. Gas is good. It gets spark. Battery is good(running a little high at 13 volts tho). Starter turns. Keys aren’t chipped, so there’s no automatic lockout that’s key specific. Basically, it’s an $1,100.x Facebook marketplace mess. I may just swap the engine. For now I’ll just continue to drive my Honda XR150L if I want to have some fun. The Kymco is just gonna have to wait.

[@quinton7854]

have to say i have learned alot of these vids i got a honda ruckus for 500 with a starting issue, and since im in the military im just now able to work on it, so will try this and find out, since i was told it could need a new stator

[@johnnyevans1143]

Great video it helped.out a lot thanks