Oil control ring on People 150 2002

[wentwest]

I picked up a 2002 People 150 that had been parked for 8 years, at least.  Got it cleaned up, changed the oil, etc., and got it started.  Now it runs pretty well,  but there are a couple of questions.

1.  The engine burns oil, but the compression is good, it starts easily, and performs pretty well.  There's visible white or blue white smoke.  I figure the oil rings are gummed up and stuck.  Might as well just replace the rings.  The question is, do I use rings for a 157QMJ GY6 engine?

2,  The starter will often just turn the engine to the first compression, then stop.  I let go of the button, push it again and it turns over fine and starts.  The battery shows 12.5 volts.  Cable terminals are clean.  I suspect it's dirty inside and maybe the brushes are worn.  Any other ideas?

Thanks in advance.

[CROSSBOLT]

12.5 is too low if you tested no load. Should be higher. Yep, oil control rings gummed up.

Karl

[Mr. Paul]

Dont forget to check the valve clearances. I suspect they are way off.

[MJR]

Sounds like I'd pull the starter and crack it open, likely gummed up brushes.

[wentwest]

Thanks for the speedy replies.  I'll be sure to check the valve settings when I put the head back on after I go in and replace the rings.  And while the cylinder is off maybe I can get to the starter and clean it up inside.  The battery is suspect, too, I guess, but I haven't ridden it enough to really get a sense of whether it's just discharged from sitting or if it's on its last legs.  I've been dancing with the California DMV to get a clear title and registration, and now I have to bring it to an office so they can inspect the VIN.

It's a project bike, not my transportation.

[MJR]

I've been dancing with the California DMV to get a clear title and registration, and now I have to bring it to an office so they can inspect the VIN.

Make sure it has a emission sticker on the bike (has to be attached) and if the mileage is under 7,500 it must meet California emissions because under that mileage they consider it a new vehicle, over 7,500 it can be federal emissions. It took me three months to get the Aprilia Atlantic 500 I bought in Arizona registered because a previous owner removed the emissions label (Aprilia was stupid enough to put them on the outside painted body panel) and stuck it in the back of the owners manual (no VIN on the label) instead of back on the bike under the seat.

[wentwest]

Thanks for the tip about the emissions label.  It's things like that that trip you up at the DMV.  A little homework goes a long way. 

[wentwest]

I took the top end off, and there it was, a sorry looking piston with a very stuck oil control ring.  I replaced the piston, wrist pin, and of course the rings.  Getting it back together now, and the plastic cooling shells are giving me a hard time, so I decided to walk away for the day.  This is supposed to be fun, right?  It feels like tomorrow it will come together and start and everything will be perfect.  Or not.

[wentwest]

Final update time.  I got it all together, and it started just fine, idles and revs up without any oil smoke and no bad noises.  I rode it around the block, no problems.  Then I rode it in a longer loop I use in my neighborhood, and over 40 mph it cuts out and sputters terrible, but below that it's fine?  WTF?  I took the carb out, rechecked the jets (all clean), reset the float level, examined all the vacuum lines, and checked the fuel petcock.  All normal.  The battery is good and strong, almost 13V, and the reading goes well over 14 when the engine is racing.  The spark plug is new, the wire is tight and solid.  So, WTF? 

Two days of screwing around, and nothing helps.  So I start reviewing everything I did when I replaced the piston, because it ran OK before I did that job.  And, after the required head slap, I knew I put the cam chain on one tooth off.  Every time the spark advance circuit kicked in the intake valve wasn't closed yet when the plug fired.  I just got that straightened out, and it runs great.

The DMV visit yesterday was confusing, but after 2 hours it looks like I am going to get a title.  We'll see.  They got my money. 

[CROSSBOLT]

Outstanding finish! Thanks for the feedback!

Karl