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I'm a noob. :/  How do I check an engine ground?  How do I tell whether it is loose/not connected/AOK?

I appreciate your advice, man.

(5) video of me trying to start engine;



(6) video of me trying to start via kick-start

All, I have to wait until my socket set arrives tomorrow before I can get the spark plug out and look at it/test it for spark/etc.

In the meantime, because Guitarman asked for pics and vids, I've attached them here below.  Not sure if they will help.  Forgive the dust all over the internal parts.  Needs a wipe down.

What you see here are:

(1) overhead view of engine, standing at right side of scoot;



(2) overhead of battery, with spark plug to left of frame;

[img src="i34.photobucket.com/albums/d115/tom_morris2/Mobile%20Uploads/3fddf869-496a-49f1-aa05-3e758eb10cf7_zpsydjgd837.jpg" alt="" src="" style="max-width:100%;"]

(3) spark plug, with cover off;

[img src="i34.photobucket.com/albums/d115/tom_morris2/Mobile%20Uploads/20150405_140435_zpsa9vmhsqy.jpg" alt="" src="" style="max-width:100%;"]

(4) shot of carb from left side of scooter.

[img src="i34.photobucket.com/albums/d115/tom_morris2/Mobile%20Uploads/20150405_140805_zpstroffyfe.jpg" alt="" src="" style="max-width:100%;"] 

(5) video of me trying to start engine;



(6) video of me trying to start via kick-start



More to come after i check the spark plug.  Thanks for all the input so far.

Thanks alleyoop! I'll give it a shot.

Hi all,

I have a question about why my 2007 (I think) TGB r50x wont start. I tried to start 'er up after the winter, remembering that in November she wouldn't start, and not knowing then either what was the cause. The old problem had been that, (1) the scooter never would start via the ignition key, and (2) it used to be starting fine via kick start, but that by November it wasnt working that way either. As a noob, I tried looking through the forum and manuals, mainly getting frustrated by what I did not know.

Now, after the winter, I noticed the problem was even worse. When I tried to start via ignition, the engine turned over VERY slowly, and then not at all. I noticed that the battery just kept losing its charge even though I kept also plugging it into the trickle charger. So, I replaced the battery. After doing that, I noticed that the fuse had burned out (probably because of the installing of new battery?), so I went ahead and replaced that as well. This made a noticeable difference -- when I turned the key the engine properly turned over at full speed, no lagging or sluggishness. But alas, no start.

I did manage to start the scooter via kick start, after maybe the third try, and kept 'er running for a good five minutes, revving and idling, and checking my air/fuel screw to make sure it wasn't completely out of whack. I then took 'er for a ten-minute drive, with ZERO problems on the ride (no bogging down, no cutting out, etc.), BUT when I got back and tried to kick start 'er again, no luck at all, even after several tries. Thinking I might have flooded the engine, I waited for 10 minutes or so, then tried to kick start again, and still nothing.

So, I feel a hunch that some part of the electrical chain of command before the spark, is to blame. (For example, I have heard here and elsewhere that at some point, maybe 2006 or 2007, the R50x had stator issues, where they had to be replaced. Could just be a bad or intermittent stator.)

I also suspect that there might be a SEPARATE issue only to do with the ignition start, as I spent all summer last year, my first months with this second-hand scooter, being able to start it by kick start but NOT with the ignition key.

Anyway, I'd love to hear suggestions on what you think I should try next. Feel free to ask me whatever questions you want to help me diagnose my issue. One thing I'm going to do is follow the helpful prompts from the admin from a different forum, listed here: 49ccscoot.proboards.com/thread/647/start-troubleshooting?page=1&scrollTo=8057. My goal is to start from "section 8," titled "turns over but won't start," and do each check outlined there.

It starts with checking the spark plug, some thing I have never done because I still haven't figured out how to get a socket wrench with an attachment that can reach the bolt around the plug, which is deeply recessed inside some black plastic housing at the front of the motor. So... if anyone has tips on HOW I can get in deep to get a spark plug bolt untightened, I would love to hear it! Specifically, which size AND length of socket is needed, if anyone has this exact year and scooter.

PS: I have all the manuals already.

Tx for reading!

Rich,

Sorry I keep asking questions.  The "valve cover" -- what exactly is that?

Also, what is the significance of what color the spark is?

Also, can you explain the principle as to why I should remove the spark plug and crank when doing some of these tests?  Wouldn't removing the spark plug interrupt a key part of the whole charging system?

Finally, what tool do I need to remove the spark plug? Can they be bought from any old auto store? Are they pricey?

Thanks Alleyoop,

Got 'er charged and maintained overnight.  After disconnecting the Schumacher, and waiting for an hour or so, I checked the DC output with my voltmeter.  Previously it was at 12.15 DC volts. This morning it was at 12.82.

Definite improvement.  After work i will re-connect the battery (I had to take it inside bc I ain't got no garage), and see if she starts and does not die on me.  


If she stays alive, I'll assume the problem was solved. If she dies like she did before, I'll do the charging system test again with my voltmeter.  If there continues to be a low reading with the engine revved (last time I checked it was no higher than 12.5 at high rpms), then I'll run through the individual stator/rectifier tests you both recommended, using Rich's very helpful identification of the wires in my photo. 

Tx as always.

T.