Scooter Not Getting Gas to Carb: Causes and Fixes
Scooters are simple but useful machines. When it comes down to it, these bikes come as great tools for moving around. But before the vehicle travels, it needs to have fuel in different parts of its engine.
The carburetor or carb stands as one of the parts that need enough gas. If the supply drops, it becomes difficult to move the vehicle. When you notice this problem with your scooter, you will have to work on it.
You can take the scooter to a local garage. But with a decent knowledge of the problem, you can save cash and work on the scooter on your own. If you are ready, let’s get started and see what can be done about the poor supply of gas to the vehicle.
Before working on the fuel supply in your scooter engine, it would help if you understood how a carburetor works. Now here are the steps by which fuel travels into a carburetor.
What is a Carburetor, and How Does It Work?
In a scooter, the carburetor combines fuel with air and sends it to a combustion chamber. During this process, the device cuts off air to the combustion chamber and mixes it with fuel. Then, it sends the air/fuel combo to the engine.
As the rider presses the throttle on the scooter, the supply of air increases to this carburetor. After this stage, you get improved air suction and fuel delivery for more acceleration.
Scooter Not Getting Gas to Carb: Common Causes & Fixes
As mentioned earlier, the carburetor combines air and fuel before sending it to the engine of the scooter. With this in mind, it will need to get enough fuel for this task.
However, the carb can have a poor quantity of fuel because of the following reasons.
1. A Bad Fuel Line
As you use a scooter, it tends to gather dirt in its tank. Over time, the mess can clog up the fuel lines and restrict the supply of fuel to the carb. If you have this problem, you might have to install a new fuel filter with the following steps.
Turn off the fuel supply from the petcock valve. Then, disconnect the fuel line from the carb to the petcock valve. Since the line is clogged, throw it into the trash.
Take out the new fuel line and insert one end to the petcock valve. Before placing the filter, think about the proper way to install it. To get a proper fit, set the filter by using the arrow on it.
Separate the fuel line and install one end to the new filter. While fixing the device, make sure its arrow label faces the carburetor. Also, push the filter as much as possible down the line.
Install the other part of the line into the second end of the filter. Then, trim off the excess part of the line before connecting the remaining end to the carb. Round up the adjustment by allowing the fuel to flow from the pea valve.
2. A Dirty Carb
Sometimes the problem might come from a dirty carb. When this happens, you might have sediments on the float bowl. But with a thorough cleanse, the fuel should reach the carb.
You can start by washing the carb with liquid soap and a toothbrush. If you have enough experience, you can also wash the inner part of the device. To avoid any damage to the carb, work with clean hands and surfaces.
Since this task is technical, it would help if you left the wash to a professional. With this in mind, you might skip the DIY route and take the carb to a local garage.
3. A Long Fuel Line
Although it is not a common problem, an oversized might be the cause of the problem. When the line is too long, the fuel might have issues with reaching the carb. But you can avoid this problem by using a few simple steps.
Cut the excess plastic from the line. As you reduce the size of the pipe, do not make it too short as this length can affect the performance of your scooter.
4. An Empty Tank
Before whipping out your tools or heading to the garage, check the fuel gauge on your scooter. When it comes down, empty tanks cannot supply fuel to the carb.
An empty tank has many causes. Apart from using up the fuel with regular use, a leakage can drain out all the gas in the scooter. Instead of repairing the holes with a filler, take it to a professional for a proper fix.
Before using the scooter, ensure you have enough gas in your tank. Also, refill your tank before it runs out completely.
5. Bad Fuel
Sediments from bad/adulterated fuel can affect the fuel supply to the carburetor. After all, these impurities can clog up the fuel lines and the carb itself. As there are no tests to check petrol quality, purchase fuel from trusted dealers.
Extra Tips for Solving Fuel Flow Problems with Your Scooter
There is nothing much to solving the fuel flow on a scooter. But if you don’t take some precautions, it might become an annoying or frustrating task. Here are some tips that can help with fuel supply :
- Do not weld leakages because of explosions
- If you don’t have any professional experience with repairing scooters, take the vehicle to a local mechanic for a fix.
- Do not fill your tank with stinky or dirty fuel.
- Wash your hands properly after working on any part of the scooter.
Wrap-up
Carburetors come as vital parts of a scooter’s engine as they provide an air/gas combo for the engine. Without having enough fuel, the device will not offer the best performance.
In a scooter, poor fuel flow might come from bad fuel, fuel lines, and empty tanks. Besides, an extra-long pipe is enough to mess up the fuel supply to the carb.
These issues can be fixed by replacing or cleaning the pipes. You can also solve the problem by reducing the length of your supply pipe. Furthermore, consider taking the carburetor for a wash and avoid bad fuel.
