How to Make a 2-Cycle Scooter Motor Last

1987 Vespa Scooter

The cost of fuel is rising all the time. The costs of living also go up as we try to avoid slipping into a full blow recession. With such serious topics to consider, it's no wonder that many people are turning to more economical means of transportation. One of the more popular choices for many people is to use a 2-cycle scooter for daily transportation around town. Most 2-cycle engines can strain easily and wear out quickly. This makes it important to take proper care of your scooter to make the engine last as long as possible. Your 2-cycle scooter can last for 300 miles or 30,000 miles. It all depends on how you take care of it.

Things You'll Need

• 2-cycle motor oil Fuel filter Spark plugs Gapping tool

Instructions

1. Stick to a strict maintenance schedule. Unless otherwise specified in the owner's manual for your scooter, you should plan to change the oil every 2,000 miles and to give your 2-cycle engine a complete tune up every 5,000 miles.

2. Use higher grade fuel in your 2-cycle engine. You may get a better price by buying 87 grade fuel, but it is not as clean as the more expensive gasoline. The 93 grade is refined to a much higher standard of quality. Using this fuel will help keep the inside of your engine clean and in good working order. It is also helpful if you use fuel that has been blended with detergents or items that prevent corrosion, since this will help clean the inside of your 2-cycle engine.

3. Change your oil as outlined in the owner's manual for your scooter. This is typically done every 2,000 miles, using quality engine oil that is formulated for 2-cycle engines. The manual will say what specific oil the manufacturer recommends. You should also consider using synthetic motor oil. These cost more, but will make your scooter last much longer.

4. Change your fuel filter regularly. The carburetor on a 2-cycle engine has smaller passages than larger engines. This means they are more prone to blockage from particles, and having a good fuel filter is key to preventing this. You should replace the fuel filter on your 2-cycle engine every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Also pay close attention to the screens over the air intake valve. They should be cleaned on a regular basis.

5. Check your spark plugs frequently. 2-cycle scooter motors are known to generate a lot of heat. This burns away the electrodes on the spark plugs quickly, which changes the gapping on the plug and can even alter the timing. Check your spark plugs every 2,000 to 3,000 miles and regap them with a gapping tool. You may sometimes need to replace the spark plug entirely.

Tips & Warnings

• Your 2-cycle scooter motor will last much longer if you simply watch your speed. Many people wear out their engines prematurely by pushing them to maximum levels in order to maintain higher speeds. Simply leaving a few minutes early and traveling at lower speeds can drastically increase the life of your scooter motor.