first time maintenance By offroader (Read 6,081 times)

[offroader]

Hello
I finally put 80 miles on my new 2011 TaoTao ATM50-A and have some questions regarding first time maintenance. The cute little Chinese manual that came with it doesn't help. Specs: www.taotao.us/index.cfm/scooters/atm50-a11/

After I clean the stock foam air filter with soap and water, I need to re-oil it right? Can I use K&N air filter oil? If not, what type? I've read that engine oil mixed 50/50 with gas is used.

I checked my engine oil (with dipstick not screwed in/resting on threads) and found the level is above the high mark on the dipstick. When the engine is cold, where should it be at? I was told, a little above the middle mark. Also, what oil brand and weight is best for my engine?

When I adjust my idle, I put the scooter on it's main stand and stop adjusting just before the back wheel begins to spin?

Is there anything else I should do, like adjust the valves? I would greatly appreciate any help.

Thanks

[Bong]

I would recommend Changing out ALL the fluids and perform your own PDI. This will help to familiarize yourself with all the parts and where they are located. Adjust the valves around 500 KM or if it's hard to start.

Others may have better advice but, Be safe and have fun!!!!

I don't think It's necessary to oil the filter unless you go with a free flow UNI type. The vent hose should be more than enough on a stock air box. I could be wrong though.

[sprocket]

My stock foam filter was not oiled when I got the scooter from the factory. I noticed very fine dust particles in the air box at about 100 miles, so I now oil it and the dust has gone away. Use K&M or UNI foam oil, but just a LIGHT coating on both sides and let it dry well...no gas/oil mixture

What type of oil does the manual say.. I would use 10W40 from break in...make certain it is not over filled... it should be around 750 ml to 780 ml.

Yes, the rear wheel should just want to start to turn... I turn the screw back about 1/8 of a turn when you see it start to move. The engine should have been running for over 3 minutes before you adjust the throttle.

You can check your valves if you want, but I usually adjust then at about 500-700kms... and then again at 1500kms and 3000kms...

[offroader]

Awesome guys, thanks for the quick replies!
I'll change out all the fluids with better brands and make sure they're at the right levels. o_0
I knew that gas/oil mixture was bs.

-edit-
Where should the level be on the oil dipstick? This guy (See the link below) says over the thin part on the dot which is about half way on the entire dipstick
www.49ccscoot.com/oilchange.html

Others say half way on the thin part of the dipstick. Mine came with it on the dot like in the tutorial.

[Bashan]

I have four 150cc GY6 sccooters. Everyone of their manuals says to check the oil level by putting the dipstick in but not to screw it down. However, I have seen a couple manuals that tell you to screw the dipstick all the way in. When in doubt, I use the don''t screw it in method. Do what the manual says if your lucky enough to have an intelligible manual. Rich

[offroader]

Hello EARTHMAN

I was in the process of editing post#4 when you replied. Can I have your opinion of it? Maybe it should read half way up the thin part not screwed in and half way up the entire dipstick (at the dot) with it screwed in.

-edit-
thanks for the info Bashan. I forgot to mention that my manual says to not screw it in but does not say where it should read.

[Alleyoop]

If NOT screwed in it should be HALF WAY up the markings on the Dipstick. If you then Screw it in it should register full.
Alleyoop

[sprocket]

Yup... I agree with Alley...that is the way it works on mine. But if you have doubt, just measure the amount of oil and then you will know...on your particular engine...

[offroader]

Thanks again guys

One more question. My manual says to use 15w-40 oil, which I could not find anywhere. Autozone, Pepboys, Honda Sports and Yamaha do not carry that weight. Autozone did have it for diesel engines. I know synthetics shouldn't be used while breaking in an engine.

My last stop was the Yamaha shop. The guy there said I wouldn't find that weight. He handed me a qt. of Yamalube Performance all purpose 10w-40, which I purchased after he assured it was ok to use.
www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/apparel/apscitemdetail/3/121/all/1/7456/detail.aspx

What do you think? Should I use it, or take it back and buy a common brand with 10w-40 weight? I mean, Yamalube isn't going to "over protect" my engine like synthetics do, which is not good for the break-in period?

[Cruiser]

The Yamalube is a very good oil. Really is overkill for a break-in oil as it is designed to work with wet clutches which are not found on our scoots. The most important part of the 10W-40 designation is the 40 which represents the guaranteed viscosity at normal operating temps. Any name brand 10W-40 dino oil would work well for break-in.

[Bong]

I knew that gas/oil mixture was bs.

Not exactly, If you have a thick filter oil in a small package It is easier to apply if you mix it with gas. The gas will evaporate and make it easier to apply an even coat.

I just use spray on K&N though.

Try to find some "Shell Rotella" if your manual says 15W 40 Available at Wall mart or Kroger stores. Or a decent Shell gas station. It's made for diesel engines but works well for these small scoots. That's what I have used since day 1

I am Planning to switch over to full syn. this summer though.

[sprocket]

Put the foam filter into a plastic zip lock bag and add some filter oil. I use UNI, but K&N is fine too...

Close the bag and work the oil into the filter evenly. Remove the filter and allow it to dry. Throw away the ziplock.. no mess no fuss...

Synthetic oils suck on these engines... they tend to leak from the seals and the case seams. If you want something exotic try Castrol 4T. It is designed for motorcycle engines and is mineral oil based. 10W 40 viscosity. Most guys I know use it in their racing engines.

[Bong]

Exactly Sprocket!!!! That little 1/2-1oz packet of heavy, thick Real Filter oil is hard to get even coverage (even using a ziplock Bag) Adding gas will dilute the oil in a bag an make it easier to get an even distribution of oil.. Gas evaporates and you have even coverage. Or you could use a K&N or UNI spray. Much easier and less messy!!!!!

You can Just Spray on, Intall and be done. Rubber gloves Help To avoid a mess though.

Everyone has opinions about oil but, if the manual recomends 15W40 Try the Shell Rotella It is 15$ for like 2 Gallons. Availible in Dino or Synthetic Blends (AFAIK), and is used by many dealers!!!! Good luck Offroader!! Have fun and Keep On Scootin On !!!!!!

[sprocket]

OK, I thought he was using a spray...sure any solvent to thin it will work... That stuff is SOOOOO sticky...

Oil is oil.. the key is to change it often.. scooters are not cars and changing it every 500-800 miles will increase your engine life...

[Bong]

No worries Sprocket!!!!! Just my .002

Not sure if he is using a spray or not Just pointing out an easy way to get coverage. In fact I think it was you that gave me that tip!!!

As for engine oil I still reccomend Rotella 15W 40 diesel. (Not sure if its SYN or Dino, Wish I knew for sure. I know they make both I think) Just change the oil out every 500M or so. Remeber there is no real filter!!!! I hear good things about Moble 1 if ya do go full Syn. I may try it this Summer

Oil is worse than religon. It all works but, what I use is better than yours