Why doesn't my 150cc scooter kick start move?

Question

I bought one of these scooters a couple days ago. I drove it around fine for a day now the kickstart won't even move. The kick start is stuck in place and won't budge. Kill switch is off. Some gas leaked on the engine from us trying to kick start it so much. Also this tube is disconnected. http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/9127/a1a81vr5.jpg Could this be the reason?

We would appreciate some help thanks

Answer 1

i would ask you if you can put it in high gear and push start it? You want to make sure the engine is not seized. If it is a two stroke engine oil has to be mixed with the gas otherwise the engine will size. The kick starter is in a bearing that can also seize. If the engine is okay and the piston moves up and down freely the problem is not serious. Take out the spark plug and turn the engine over by walking it in high gear. The cylinder may be full of gas and unable to turn. You did say fuel was leaking from the carburator.

That tube must just be a vent for the crankcase or a battery if it has one.

It must have a made in china motor which is a copy of some other motor. If you could get a model number off the motor plus a manufacturer, it may be possible to find a parts schematic online.

Answer 2

Is there any oil in the engine?

Answer 3

You don't give enough information really.  Need make, model, age, mileage.  

"Won't move" doesn't say enough.  If you mean when you try and start it, the kickstart does not turn the engine - then there is something jammed.  It could be a broken kickstart spring, but that's not very common.  Unfortunately it might be the worst case scenario - that the engine is seized.

This happens through lack of lubrication, lack of maintenance, and/or overheating and/or over-revving the engine.  Can't tell if it's two stroke of four stroke without the make/model - this is a more common problem with two strokes, but is easier to fix.  Less common with 4 strokes, and more expensive to fix.

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Added after extra information:

It's an automatic so you can't use the gears to check how the engine is turning.

It's a worry that it's only done 50 miles.  You have been gentle with the engine haven't you?  Used the running in procedure for the first few hundred miles and not using max throttle and max revs?  If not, worst case is it might have seized. This means that the piston welds itself into the cylinder as a result of overheating due to friction. Or in simple words, the engine is dead and needs a rebuild.

If you have followed the running-in procedures, then there could be a different problem.  It should be under warranty and as it's so new it could be a teething problem like a jammed spring.  If you know what you're doing, you can take the kickstart and the cover off and have a look. But, why not get the dealer to do this for free under warranty?

Answer 4

Take the transmission cover off of it.  The kick starter mechanism is jamming up and possibly just some oil or grease can free it up...  I have had this happen on my scooters over the years, but usually after they have many miles on them...  Just a touch of grease usually does the trick...