Kymco Like 200i won't start

[powl4evr]

I have two like 200i scooters, they have been sitting for about 4 months and neither one will start.  Both have gas, oil is good, battery is charged and cranks, and the kill switch is in the "on" position.  Any suggestions?  Thanks

[big blue]

It's amazing that you have 2 Likes that won't start! Obviously the first things to check will be spark and fuel. Remove the spark plug cap and plug and ground to  engine or frame while cranking with the ignition on to see if there is a good spark. If no then the plug or lead may be faulty. It could also be that the kill switch may be bad or stuck. If there is spark then the fault would most likely be fuel delivery. I would drain all the fuel and replace with fresh. You might also add a product such as Seafoam to clear the fuel injector if clogged.   Is there a slight humming noise when the key is turned on? This will indicate that the fuel pump is functioning. If you can get one running it may help you with the other. Lots of luck!

[boo]

for scoots to not start after sitting that long without being run.

If they were mine, I would use starter fluid to get them up and running.
Run all the bad gas out, or drain it out. Fill with high octane non ethenol gas, add octane booster, and gas stabilizer.
Run it long and hard to clean the spark plug, or pull it and clean it.
Then see how it goes from there.

ps: Don`t over do it with the starter fluid.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Hello,
This is odd.
Since you have both kill switches in the "ON" position - Please try turning both kill switches to the "OFF" position - now crank the engine with a bit of throttle added - like 1/8th > 1/4 of a turn on the grip.
Anything?

Even in the "OFF" kill switch position my LIKE200i will sound like it is trying to fire & is about to start! - but it won't.

Nothing?

OK, with kill switch "ON", and you're certain -  (this little thing still puzzles me on both my scooters - which is off...?) - let it sit to clear a flooded wet plug, then try after 20 mins with no throttle added....only a quick try. These things fire/start quick - so stop after a short try, or you'll flood the plug.

No go?

OK, now add that 1/4 throttle & start it.

No go?

Wait 20 mins....give full throttle and try to start.
No Go?

Put battery on a battery tender over night & try again with no throttle added.
Electronic Fuel Injected engines need a very strong battery to fire.
Do you hear the fuel pump running when you turn on the key?

Here is my thinking - as a three yr LIKE200i owner -
(1) you actually have the kill switch in the wrong position (easy to do -I've don it),
(2) or the scoots are flooded - so give it a wait.
(2) or your batteries are too weak from sitting. They crank but not enough juice to start the EFI systems. Give one a good charge over night.

I do not think these LIKE's are that sensitive to old gas, and can't see both plugs getting fouled, broken, or having bad leads or coils, or dead fule pumps or clogged injectors - not at the same time.

IF you have several thousands of  miles on these scoots and never had the valves checked that could cause hard starting - but I doubt you do have boocoo miles on them.

Small steps first - since these are pretty rugged and reliable scooters for use in 3rd world countries. Check kill switch, clear flooded plug, add throttle to start procedure, charge battery.

It would be very weird indeed if it is more than one of these simple things that killed BOTH of your LIKE's.
My $ is on the wrongly positioned kill switch or too weak battery, or flooded plug.
Please keep us posted. You'll get 'em started!
Best of luck...
Stig

[big blue]

Hey powl4evr, did any of our suggestions work? We're dying to know if your Likes are running. Please reply.

[aaron8]

replace the spark plug

[dsgreenberg63@gmail.com]

Can't believe it, but I too couldn't start my Like200i, and assumed there was a problem. It kicked a little bit (like all those fouled Chinese scoots I used to own), so I assumed it was a fuel problem. Read through here, and sure enough, the kill switch was in the off position! Doh! I own 2 Likes, one with 5K miles, and one with 120 miles. Most reliable scoots ever. Thanks for helping me embarrass myself

[Stig / Major Tom]

Can't believe it, but I too couldn't start my Like200i, and assumed there was a problem. It kicked a little bit (like all those fouled Chinese scoots I used to own), so I assumed it was a fuel problem. Read through here, and sure enough, the kill switch was in the off position! Doh! I own 2 Likes, one with 5K miles, and one with 120 miles. Most reliable scoots ever. Thanks for helping me embarrass myself

Yep.
Probably happened to all of us once or twice
Real panic inducer if miles from home, wife's water just broke, and daughter texted that she's eloping with the guy from the circus, and it was finally your turn at the DMV drive-up window!
Coulda been worse....
😊
Stig