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 😤

[@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!

[@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

[@Katozuka4]

I just bought a Baotian BT50 with no mechanic experience and you've answered all the questions I have in one video, in a way that I actually understand. So I'm just here to say you're awesome.

[@Scooter_911]

Wow! So glad to hear it! Keep it shiny side up!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@rickchristensen3636]

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

[@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!

[@seanholmes6791]

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

[@vincentofduty]

Greatest scooter troubleshooting video. Learned a lot from here

[@matrixxART]

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

[@tomstewart440]

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

[@leokim8015]

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

[@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!

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@martyart84]

You’re thorough, I love it man

[@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

[@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.

[@ahmeterdemir9097]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@andrewmcmahon9232]

Very well presented and very clear instruction.

[@johnathansheridan6519]

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

[@newelthomas1053]

Amazing work man, keep it up

[@cmac5280]

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

[@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

[@jacksonlloyd-spencer2717]

Great job! Loved this!

[@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 !

[@fra_ggs]

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

[@adarbar]

Great video, very nicely explained!

[@Denniisboi]

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

[@poppinskulls]

You are the greatest teacher.

[@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?

[@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!

[@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!

[@gravellesimon]

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

[@martinuglow116]

You are a brilliant teacher

[@kronandank6007]

This was so helpful, thank you

[@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!

[@Slotshaker]

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

[@alj5431]

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

[@sikonertoltec6607]

Great video, really helped me confirm a couple problems

[@jjean-baptiste5065]

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

[@georgeburlakos7046]

Great video very informative thanks George

[@themanlyacademy]

Awesome video bro! Keep it up!!

[@rosscuellar3774]

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

[@harishg6148]

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

[@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!!!

[@UnclaimedStorageTreasures]

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

[@gamefreakdanielBIGD]

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

[@alex5390]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@freemovies3179]

Definitely just saved me some money. Thanks man!!

[@Scooter_911]

Glad to hear it!

[@syahirahkm551]

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

[@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?

[@browndog7446]

Legend !!!! Great video !!

[@gregcruz5287]

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

[@Scooter_911]

Thanks for the appreciation dude!

[@user-fp9yi4dn1m]

Valuable Information Thank U

[@mohamedaliameur8676]

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

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@itsmephil2255]

That intro was "hee-lair-ious"!!!! Brilliant vid 👌

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@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.

[@cindyrusch6689]

He knows his stuff

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@Ulbre]

Great tutorial buddy :)

[@GarrickVance]

Looking forward to a scooter carb rebuild video!

[@MrGadgetMotorCo]

Your presenting skill is marvellous

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@MrGadgetMotorCo]

@@Scooter_911 I am doing a small garage.. and I learnt many things from you..that knowledge is priceless!

[@Scooter_911]

Thats very cool to hear!

[@RadekRaVoS]

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

[@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.

[@pablocarela7158]

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

[@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

[@lolobodi75]

Thank you, keep on the good deeds.

[@trevaugnsegar2463]

Thanks bro you helped me a lot

[@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!

[@georgealvarez8390]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@CesarrrScreamer]

You are a God amongst men.

[@msamechanics8510]

amazing very helpful thanks...

[@Scooter_911]

Thanks for watching!

[@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

[@tommythunder9491]

AWESOME VIDEO ....VERY HELPFUL

[@Scooter_911]

So glad it helped you!

[@ZeroOMhert]

atlast a very good and educational channel to subscribe to

[@lizbecerril2046]

Love your videos

[@lawoftheuniverse8089]

Amazing Video Bro...Thank you for this...!!!

[@Scooter_911]

Hope it helps you out!

[@Raymondgogolf]

Hi pretty 👋 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?

[@Vederano]

Thank you, this video have been really helpfull.

[@leeclark776]

Nice information

[@blakestewart5057]

We need more of the French horn guy!

[@Scooter_911]

Oh I don't think you've seen the last of Denis...

[@Scooter_911]

@jeff evers hahahhahahahahhahhahahah

[@paulwall9943]

I put the spray in and all is working except it's not starting

[@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💯

[@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,

[@raybansohaat]

love the music! awesome scooter content

[@Scooter_911]

Thank you very much!

[@petelugo2681]

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

[@johnnyevans1143]

Great video it helped.out a lot thanks