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Scooters - 50cc => Agility 50 => Topic started by: Urbestfriend on January 03, 2009, 02:29:10 PM

Title: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Urbestfriend on January 03, 2009, 02:29:10 PM
 Anyone have a comment on why (in this colder weather) it take about 5 minutes warm-up
to get any power.  It starts right up.  Couldn't seem to find anything in the manual.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Agil on January 05, 2009, 05:25:47 PM
...move to Hawai...or to Croatia.. ;D..here is a photo from my yesterday riding ( beutiful sunny day -8 deegres Celsius )

(http://www.imagesforme.com/out.php/i291822_P1040009.JPG)
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: yvg on January 10, 2009, 10:46:17 AM
Quote
Anyone have a comment on why (in this colder weather) it take about 5 minutes warm-up
to get any power. 

It is OK, I have the same on all GY6 50cc engines here for temperatures below +4..+5 Celsius, tested down to -20 Celsius.

You anyway have to warm it up for minimum 5 minutes before you ride at neg. temperatures.

Yury
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: phin63 on January 25, 2009, 03:07:41 PM
I've gone for a couple of rides recently (December/January) here in the north east region of the U.S., and even if I let it idle for for five or more minutes it still doesn't really warm up until I ride it for ten minutes or so. We're talking about a small air cooled engine so I just think that it is the "nature of the beast". If you ride in cold weather then you must give extra attention to road conditions. Even a small amount of ice or snow can be dangerous.  Paul
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Urbestfriend on January 25, 2009, 07:20:28 PM
Apparently Kymco is prone to this "Cold Weather Warm-Up" issue.  I expected someone to
comment about a carburator / choke issue.  I also have a Vino 125 that starts right off everytime.
I too am in Midwest USA.   Any day it gets above freezing  (32F/0 C),  I'm out riding,  even if it's a
few miles.   I usually commute to work (12 Miles) leaving home at 5:00 a.m.,  but it's mid winter
right now,  so I drive the truck or car.   All my rides have extra LED lites,  plenty of reflective tape
and I wear an ANSI Fluorescent coat (like London Police).   Haven't had an issue yet.

By the way,  I enjoy the international comments.  This forum is slow,  but can be interesting.
I also have an 84  Yamaha Razz.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: CROSSBOLT on January 26, 2009, 10:53:30 PM
I have noticed the Agility 50 is a bit "cold-blooded." I think this relates to the electric auto choke which is a programmed event unrelated to engine temp.

Karl
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: jprestonian on January 26, 2009, 11:24:25 PM
If it's any help... my Yamaha Vino Classic 50 2-stroke is much the same way. I have no problem starting it in cold weather, but letting it idle for even 10-15 minutes has no real effect. Only after being ridden for 10 minutes or more does the throttle response behave normally. Prior to that in cold weather, it bogs, nearly dying... acts almost as if it's getting slightly flooded. My scooter guys seemed to think it may need a jet change for cold weather.
.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Whitewolf on January 30, 2009, 03:54:57 PM
I got the same "problem" when starting at close to freezing temp.Riding it "cures" it faster. What bothers me is that when temp drops in the same "area" the starter turns but doesn't engage the engine.It takes 4 or 5 tries before doing its job. Any body has knowledge about this? Thank you!
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: CROSSBOLT on January 30, 2009, 04:54:38 PM
Yeah, Whitewolf! I know the answer to this one: take your starter bendix out, clean it up if it needs it and lube it LIGHTLY with low temp grease or oil. Probably a graphite product would be the best choice. Let us know what you wind up using and how it works.

Karl
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Whitewolf on January 30, 2009, 06:59:14 PM
CROSSBOLT,I appreciate your help. My 1000 km service is coming shortly. As soon as they are done I'm gone let everybody(on this site) know what they did. Regards.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: OldGuy on January 30, 2009, 07:00:34 PM
I've been giving this topic much thought since it first appeared, and now believe that the problem ya'll are having  isn't with "warming up" per se, but with the amount of time it takes for the fuel enrichment circuit (The choke although it's technically not a choke. If you have experience with old carburetors you remember that the choke was a simple plate that reduced the amount of air the carb would flow thus enriching the mixture.) to shut off.

The actual warm up time is, simply put the time it takes for the engine's metal parts to get warm enough to insure that the fuel vaporizes. (Liquid fuel will not burn, fuel in vapor form does.) When starting cold, the fuel enrichment circuit (For simplicity, lets just refer to it as the choke.) adds more fuel than is normally needed to make the engine run. More fuel increases the likelihood that enough fuel will vaporize to get the engine to run. That's why most vehicles produce more emissions on start-up.

If the engine is warm and the choke doesn't shut off the engine runs rich and produces the symptoms you describe.

Since I would suspect the the controlling device is nothing more than a heating element and a bimetallic strip

(see here:
http://home.howstuffworks.com/home-thermostat1.htm )


for a solution I would start at the electrical side and check all the connections to the "choke" and make sure that they are in good, clean condition and making good contact. Any added resistance in this area will keep the heating element from warming the bimetallic strip at the expected rate and slow down the shut off of the choke. :D



Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: phin63 on January 31, 2009, 02:29:05 PM
 I like the more specific answer answer from "Old Guy". I was thinking in a more general way. The motor being small (generating a relatively small amount of heat) and air cooled (with cold winter air) was just being overwhelmed initaily. I think that we all appreciate the input.   Paul
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: yvg on February 03, 2009, 09:34:31 PM
Well, in my case it is not necessary to drive to get accelerator reacting. If I warm up for 10 minutes at -5 Celsius, it definitely goes well. Few days ago I had a fun ride on a pure ice with summer tires, it took approx. 15 minutes to make 1,5 km with a lot of fun, but I have to admit that engine was performing and reacting quite well.

I believe that for colder weather you shall re-adjust the carb, which is anyway rather simple procedure and especially on Agility 50 does to require any disassembly - you just need long enough screw driver (OK, I use 40 cm flat one), and another one (cross) to adjust the idle RPM. I still believe that you can live with the same jet both summer and winter.

Yury
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Auld.Nick on February 05, 2009, 02:34:46 PM
I have exactly the same problem.  Takes the bike 10-15 minutes to warm up.  If I try to ride it before it is fully warmed up it will not respond when power a re-applied.  Usually happens as I'm pulling into a junction, scary!  Took it to the dealer in Northern Virginia and they charged me $150 and told me to let it warm up fully.  Got a cock and bull story about there being a wax part that needed to melt before driving the scooter.  I left in disgust.  I suspect that they never tried the scooter outside their climate controlled work shop. 

I've got some online advice .  I've been told to check the auto bystarter (which as best I can tell functions as a choke).  Down load the service manual (it's available online as a pdf) and look at section 5


The advice I got was to check the plunger for corrosion. 

Remove the  auto bystarter and apply 12 volts to the terminals and see how long it takes for the plunger to move out.  The auto bystarter should get warm very fast.     I'm going to try doing this this weekend and report back to my 'advisor'.  I'm not sure how long it should take for the plunger to move etc.  I'll post back what happens.  The service manual appears to have a similar test (see below)

Hope this might help someone as I know you pain and frustration.  If anyone out knows if this make sense or knows of a solution I'd love to hear about it.  Seems like this might be a common problem with the Agility.





The service manual has the following

AUTO BYSTARTER
OPERATION INSPECTION
Measure the resistance between the auto
bystarter wire terminals.
Resistance: 10? max. (10 minutes
minimum after stopping the engine)
If the reading is not within the limit, replace
the auto bystarter with a new one.


Connect a hose to the fuel enriching circuit of
the carburetor. Connect the auto bystarter
yellow wire to the positive (+) terminal of a
battery and green wire to the negative (-)
terminal. Wait 5 minutes and blow the hose
with mouth or vacuum pump. If the passage
is blocked, the auto bystarter is normal.
Disconnect the auto bystarter from the
battery. Wait 30 minutes and blow the hose
with mouth or vacuum pump. If air can be
blown into the hose, the auto bystarter is
normal.

REMOVAL
Remove the set plate screws and set plate.
Remove the auto bystarter from the
carburetor.

AUTO BYSTARTER INSPECTION
Check the auto bystarter valve and needle
for nicks, wear or damage.
If any faulty part is found, replace the auto
bystarter as a set.

INSTALLATION
Insert the auto bystarter into the carburetor
body until it bottoms.
Position the set plate into the groove in the
auto bystarter and tighten the screws.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: OldGuy on February 05, 2009, 06:44:22 PM
While we're on the subject of warm-up thought it worthwhile to mention one other thing. All gasoline engines, no matter what the size do not warm up well by being left idling and doing so is not good for them.

At idle, any gasoline engine uses a very rich fuel/air mixture primarily for two reasons. The energy needed to overcome frictional losses and low port velocities. This is true even when the engine is warm and the problem is exasperated when the fuel enrichment circuit is activated. The excessive fuel actually has a cooling effect due to evaporation and the excess fuel washes the lubricant off the cylinder walls.

The problem is even worse with a 2-stroke engine since the oil injector pump puts out less oil at low RPM's. Seems like I read somewhere that at idle the oil/fuel mixture falls as low as 100:1.

My advice; Let the engine idle for about 30 seconds at most and drive off at a moderate pace. The engine will warm up quicker and be happier. ;D
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: yvg on February 07, 2009, 06:26:10 AM
Well... in my case after 30 sec I can not even go slight uphill of 5%...

I plan to make a simple test - to warm up a carb with electric air heater to, say, +15. I believe that we have complications with a) rubber membrane that controls vacuum inside carb - it is becoming too hard, and b) casoline is evaporating quite slow from cold carb. So I think that the scooter does not run well until carb is getting warmer, and this is slow because of we have termal insulator between cylinder head and carb entry pipe.

Yury
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: OldGuy on February 07, 2009, 02:53:40 PM
Might work, but I'd be awfully leary of doing that since gasoline has a flash point of about -40 degrees. (Interesting side note: -40 C. = -40 F.) Has anyone tried bringing your scoot inside overnight?
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Urbestfriend on February 07, 2009, 03:04:38 PM
It's up over 50 deg. F here today for the first time since I wrote
the first entry.  I'll be going out to the storage shed to see if there's
a significant difference in the Temp. vs. Start performance.

The "Choke Instructions" are most appreciated.  By the way,  this is
a 4 Cycle.  In the original entry,  NO power could be gained when
giving it any throttle.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: redlights on March 25, 2009, 01:43:32 AM
Hi I am new to the forums. (found them through twitter- anyway)  I have the same problems starting up in the morning here in Maryland and unfortunately have to go up hill to get out of the neighborhood. I have to say that I like the advice that "Oldguy" gave and hope to use it later this week.  (I am also fortunate enough to work at the same place as my wife - so we can carpool at times.)  I'll definitely keep an eye on this thread.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Urbestfriend on March 25, 2009, 07:59:17 PM
Since I originally entered this thread on Jan. 3rd.,  there have been a lot of good comments.
Here we are,  March 25th. and the weather here is now 60 -70 degrees F.   Now....Let's take
about two weeks ago on Sunday morning.  About 35 degrees.   My driveway is downhill and several
hundred feet long.  Should be enough to warm up without using much gas because it's rolling.
Then I hit the sidewalk to ride an 1/8 mi. to the gas station to get a paper. (Not worth pulling
onto 5 lane highway to go that far.)  Had to constantly mess with the throttle to keep it
even running.  Now let's take a warmer day (50 or above).  Starts and runs super.

This has the cut CDI wire and came home close to 50 mph.  Again, I  appreciate the comment
and instructions about the choke.  Will be doing this in the near future.

Heck.....It's really not a warm-up issue or idling or whatever,  It just plain won't run when it's cold.

You know,  I've been thinking about the Grandvista 250,  but everytime I ride this 50,  I just love it.
At least when it's warm.
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: juice on March 25, 2009, 08:10:00 PM
You might want to read the posting by cmike in the people 50 catagory . I think it is relevent . Good luck .
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: ltf3 on October 19, 2009, 08:31:39 PM


Heck.....It's really not a warm-up issue or idling or whatever,  It just plain won't run when it's cold.


HI

Any more on this?

I've had my Agility 50 (unmodified) for 2 years now, through 2 winters. Urbestfriend is right. If it's cold the scooter just won't go. In temps below 40F I usually have to pump the throttle many times (usually 50x if it's below freezing) to get a quick ignition. Then I have to leave the engine idling for at least 10 minutes. If I try to ride before this time the engine dies as soon as any load is applied as the throttle increases.  If I do get off, I might lose power abruptly at any time for the first 10-15 mins of the ride. It becomes a game of throttle control!

I'm sure a heated garage would be great... but it isn't likely!

So, bad for the engine or not, the warm up period is compulsory ... unless someone discovered something?

Thanks

Lee
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: zombie on October 19, 2009, 11:35:45 PM
You hit the nail on the head with that post oldguy. For auld.nick The 10? would be ten ohms restistance, measured w/ an ohm meter between the terminals. For the cock,and bull about melting a wax part, I believe the reference was to a wax expansion plug. All automotive thermostats are controlled by the expansion of a wax nodule inside the thermostat. Oldguy referred to a bi metal switch which MAY be inside the choke control, I do not know. The kymco dealer was most likely referring to a wax nodule controlling the choke. Most all of our scoots. have a jet/atomizer that IS the fuel supply for the choke circut. The plunger simply opens or closes the passage to this jet. Oldguy is exactly right in stating the warmer the intake system gets the better the burn. Also cold air is quite a bit denser than warm so many border line running scoots. will not perform well at all in cold weather. There is a world of info. on this forum. YOU GUYS ROCK!!!
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Shaka on October 20, 2009, 12:35:44 AM
I have learned this trick from having to do it on my car because of a cold air intake.  I let the engine warm up at idle for maybe 3-5 min then I kill it and let it sit for another few minutes.  While it is sitting the heat from the motor slowly warms the surrounding metal including the throttle body, or in this case the carburetor.  Actually warming the intake happens very slowly while the engine is running due to the constant stream of cold air being draw in and accelerated through.  ;)
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: wordslinger on October 20, 2009, 10:49:53 AM
I have learned this trick from having to do it on my car because of a cold air intake.  I let the engine warm up at idle for maybe 3-5 min then I kill it and let it sit for another few minutes.  While it is sitting the heat from the motor slowly warms the surrounding metal including the throttle body, or in this case the carburetor.  Actually warming the intake happens very slowly while the engine is running due to the constant stream of cold air being draw in and accelerated through.  ;)

..That's been my S.O.P. for the last two winters...I ride 16 miles at 5:30 every morning...year round...

..in the winter, I warm her up...shut her down..adorn my head-sock, wind deflector, helmet, gloves..etc..

..when I'm all bundled up i just fire the ol girl up and put'r in the wind...

peace
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: ltf3 on October 22, 2009, 03:00:16 AM
..That's been my S.O.P. for the last two winters...I ride 16 miles at 5:30 every morning...year round...

..in the winter, I warm her up...shut her down..adorn my head-sock, wind deflector, helmet, gloves..etc..

..when I'm all bundled up i just fire the ol girl up and put'r in the wind...

peace

Thanks for the suggestion! It worked great this morning .... not too cold but a nip in the air that normally would take a long warm up.  Unfortunately  my joy was short lived... 2 hours after arriving at work I went out to scoot across town for an appointment and my scooter was gone!! Stolen I guess ... the giant 1/2 inch braided steel cable and block 'o steel lock nowhere to be seen. Right out of the parking garage ... no one saw a thing.  What kind of cutters can slice a chain like that so quickly?

And if they can is there any point getting another scooter. They'll take that too ! :-(((((((((

Lee
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: Shaka on October 22, 2009, 03:19:53 AM
Man, that really sucks! Truth is just about any lock can be broken if you have some decent cable cutter though!  We have a small pair called Knipix no bigger than a pair of pliers at my shop we use to cut locks off when customers lose the key.  They will cut through those big 3/4" steel braided cables in 2 snips!  The hardest ones to cut off are big chains, and U-locks.  We use an angle grinder for those!  If someone wants something bad enough, all it takes is the right tool!  Best of luck!
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: zombie on October 22, 2009, 05:11:18 AM
That TOTALLY SUCKS!!! It really makes you wonder what the f is wrong w/ people. That is the kind of thing that would never happen if the criminal justice system wasn't a revolving door. It may have gone straight into a van/ pickup. Perhaps your town has " Traffic" cameras that could be checked. (If you can get a doughnut eater to check it out) Freon is commonly used the freeze those big locks. One shot w/ a hammer and they're toast. I truely hope they get caught!!!
Title: Re: Too Long to Warm Up
Post by: wordslinger on October 22, 2009, 10:40:05 AM
...dang..It's sad, and it happens all the time..I live in a good neighborhood, and my scoot still sit's in my living room every night...when I get to work in the mornings..right inside the building we go...Two guys can heft one of these into the back of a pick-up truck before you can blink an eye...

..I feel for y' man...Damn the criminals....