50cc TaoTao won't start
 

Hi all, thanks for any help.

I acquired this scooter in an as-is condition so I am getting what I deserve.

Just because I had a brand new one handy, I replaced the carburetor. First, I did disconnect the fuel line and cranked it and got fuel flow (so I established that I have vacuum and a good fuel cock). That didn't help so I switched to the spark side. I determined that I'm not getting any spark. (By removing the plug and cranking while the threaded part of the plug as touching the engine) so I then replaced the spark coil, the CDI and the plug (because I got a good deal on all three at a large online retailer). Still not getting any spark.

One problem... the original CDI had the regular connectors, 4 pin and 2 pin, but also had 2 extra wires which were crimp spliced to 2 wires from the scooter. I can't trace the two wires. I also can't find any CDI's with the extra 2 wires in any online market place and I also can't find any Chinese scooter schematics that show the 2 extra wires.

What's next? Thanks, Jim

EDIT: I just remembered another symptom that might be very important. The start button doesn't work. So far I have been shorting the solenoid to get it to crank. I did take off the cowlings to check for loose or broken wires, but I didn't do any electrical tests with my multi-meter.

First question. Are your brake lights coming on when you pull on the levers? That might explain why the starter button isn't working.

Even more basic. Is the kill switch on or malfunctioning?