Will not start ..... only 1 month old By knotamechanic (Read 653 times)

[knotamechanic]

I recently bought an IceBear PST150-17 trike.  150cc.   Have only used 93 octane gas.
It has been starting and running great until about 4 days ago.  Became VERY sluggish to start.  I only tried turning it over for 5-10 seconds at a time.  Finally, it would turn over and crank up.  After a decent warmup would run fine.

Yesterday, it just would not start and finally gave up the ghost.  Now, it only gives a single loud "click" when trying to start it up.  Battery voltage reads 12.2

I am good with my hands but have no engine knowledge or experience.

Online research seems to indicate either a bad starter or solenoid.     Does anyone have a clue?  What should I do next?

KnotaMechanic

[cyborg]

May be loose wires or grounds engine to frame,, battery to frame

[tvnacman]

remove the battery and charge it.

John

[jct842]

I think I would go one step further with the battery out, charge it and get it tested.

And after you get it started take a multimeter and measure voltage at idle and at around half throttle (with a trike you will have to lift the rear wheels off the ground so they can spin.) At rest with nothing running you want 12.6, at idle a bit higher and half throttle around 13.5 or so. This is checking your charging.

[knotamechanic]

OK .... thanks.  Will try those suggestions.
I've had the battery on a trickle charger overnight.

Will let you know what happens.

Thanks!

[knotamechanic]

Thanks to all for your replies and suggestions.

Turned out that a major ground wire had broken off and the main positive wire going to the starter had FRIED .... literally ...... was completely burned into and all insulation melted off!  WOW!

This trike was purchased through SAFERWHOLESALE ..... and I'll NEVER deal with them again!  I have filed a claim for new parts (wiring harness, starter ring, starter, solenoid, spark plug) from the manf. and am waiting on their response.  At best it will take about two weeks to get the parts dropped shipped and then more time to have them installed.

My recommendation:  STAY AWAY FROM CHINESE PRODUCTS if you you can possibly help it.

Jim

[rks]

Chinese scooters are not for everyone.... but can be a very dependable machine, and a joy to own. You have to do your homework before purchasing, as well as a comprehensive PDI upon removal from the shipping crate. Failure to do so yeilds problem after problem.

Five years ago I bought my cheap, little, Chinese scooter. It is not, and never will be a quality machine like a Honda, or Yamaha.......I knew this going into the deal.....but it has covered 11,491 miles without a road failure, or breakdown. Shows no signs of wearing out, and runs better than when new. I am more than happy with it.

As far as staying away from Chinese products......I don't think that is possible anymore.

[tvnacman]

If you would like to keep this machine, start looking to source parts elsewhere. I have seen too many stories like your and claims fall unanswered. Your left holding the bag.

John