Old Gas--Now What?

[layoungs]

Help: What do I try next? Piglet, my NPS50, won't start. My bad-I gave it old gas. I always put gas stabilizer in, but this time the can sat too long.

I drained the gas tank, changed the fuel filter, and cleaned/gapped the spark plug. No joy.

I changed/gapped the spark plug and charged the battery. No joy.

I checked if the spark plug is sparking and it is...and the gas is certainly getting to the cylinder, based on the smell.

It's pumping fuel and sounding just like a regular start--turning over, but it just won't catch. ...same whether electric or kick start.

I'm the original owner of this 2003 Ruckus that just rolled 200 miles. I use it for running to town (3 miles) and running errands when RVing (hitch rack). It is unmodified and the only thing that has ever been changed is the oil.

OBTW: When I purchased it, I couldn't get the dealer to tell me any chronological service interval--just "600 miles." What would the recommendation be for calendar rather than mileage maintenance intervals?

Please help--I hate to cave in and take it to the dealer. It's usually something simple--someone has to have an idea.

Lori

[chanito]

An annual oil change would be a good idea on low milage ruckus
Go to the auto parts store and buy a can of starting fluid, and remove the air filter cover and air filter, then try to start it, while spraying starting fluid into the carburator intake, if it does not, just wait 5 minutes and try again

[Dandy Dan]

Maybe it's mad you called it piglet?

[layoungs]

She lives! I drained the carb and squirted carb cleaner in and on it. Cranked right up. Thanks to this wonderful forum with great directions and pictures that show where things are. I've learned tons just fishing around for the answer to my questions.

I do change the oil annually--no way was I going to listen to the dealer when they said I didn't have to do anything to it until 600 miles. I may be another 5 years before I get there.

My sister tagged her "Piglet"--other people have Hogs and I have a Piglet. It's my 3rd motorcycle and the smallest by far--it's my little baby hog. It's an honorable name.

Beep and wave if you see a 52 year old gray haired woman riding a red Ruckus with basket and "slow tractor" triangle on the back--that's me!

Lori
...gotta go put the American flags on the back so I can ride it in town for the 4th of July parade...see ya

[chanito]

;D Great to hear Lori congrats ;D
And officially you are

[kairesq]

Kind of going with this. I have to drain the gas in my ruck to ship it with the moving company.. Is there anything I should do specific and or any problems that can occur draining the gas and leaving it like that? Thanks in advance my ruck needs to know it is being take in care of.......

[Delpheus]

Um...how did you drain the gas? I have a ruckus and I want to get it running again, but it's been at least a year and half since it's even been started, so the gas has to be old, right?

[planker]

thanks for the info layoungs - what model hitch rack do you use for your ruckus? i want to get one of those too -- advice appreciated!!

[seyaat420]

right on great to hear its fixed, but be careful starter fluide, or ether, is very flamible, be hella carful, keep your face away when your useing it. When I was younger I use to play with ether, and spray, a 6 foot fire ball, from the can. I soon stoped, this, when I learned, that any can you are useing like that can exploded at anytime, and send, little piceeses, of metle through your body...................so yea be CAREFUL, ETHER WORKS GRATE, BUT ITS HELLA DANGEROUS. BE SAFE............chris

[jshizzywizzy]

every time you store it, use stabil in the gas! and keep the tank full during storage to prevent rust. at this point, now that its started. use a cup of seafoam in the gas to clean the system out!