(SOLVED/FIXED!) Need a little help...

[Metreaus]

Yesturday, my scooter broke down. I heard a "POOF" and then the scooter brought me to slow stop.

I didn't notice any funny smells or leaks (gas, oil, electrical, etc.) around the engine/carb or near the exhaust, although the exhaust had some smoke coming from under the heat shield. Engine oil was checked (after sitting for 15 minutes) and was at the correct levels.

All fluids were changed to the proper amounts yesturday (12-17/2013) using Rotella 15w-40 (engine) and Valvoline DuraBlend Synthetic 80w-90 (gears). I didn't do valves yet; I was going to have a mechanic do that after removing the EGR system.

Is it possible that a compression ring, headgasket, or valve could've blown out? Or maybe the tranny belt snapped? I'm not sure. If it's the former, I guess it's time to do a top-end rebuild...

[Vivo]

What happens if you try to start the engine...

[Metreaus]

Engine does not start, but does try to crank. It sounds like it doesn't have compression...

[MaryK]

Just curious, did the engine problem occur before or after the oil changes ?

It sounds like a compression test is the next step  and a good look at the sparkplug.

hope you have a fast fix.

[Metreaus]

Happened after the oil changes. The "poof" happened during a test run at about 1/2 to 3/4 throttle.

[Metreaus]

(Just got home from work...)

Dissassembled the seat to check around for the problem.

The culprit.............................................................................................

The Ignition Coil popped off the spark plug (which is a nice brownish-tan, and yes, the carb is set rich to help with the cold)!

Popped it back on, and voila! Instant crank-up.

[Ridiculously small] problem fixed! Oh Ho Ho HO!

[CROSSBOLT]

Glad it was such a tiny problem. One does have the tendency to expect the absolute worst when stuff quits like that. To the point of affecting our troubleshooting skills: compression did not change just because the plug wire took a short hike!

Karl