Just how important is servicing the air filter for a '87 SE50 Elite with 1,460 original miles? When I bought the scoot 3 weeks ago the seller said she had never serviced the air filter. I haven't pulled the side panel to check it but the scooter runs so well I'm wondering if I need to bother. You know the old saying "if it aint broke, don't try and fix it". The scoot starts immediately, kick start or electric, idles without hesitation, accelerates smoothly and runs flat out at 38 mph. So, should I really bother with the air filter?
Bill in Seattle
'87 SE50 Elite
'86 CH150D Elite
'87 Helix 250
'02 Reflex 250
At some point chunks of 25 year-old foam may start to crumble, break off, and foul your reed valves. Might be worth a little trouble to have a look.
Wheelman-111
Most of my money is spent on scooterparts. The rest is just wasted.
"ISO": '03 Vespa ET4 Malossi187 74MPH
Flash 9: 2001 Elite SR Contesta 72 ZX Tran, 9:1 Gears, Stock Airbox/Carb/Pipe 58.8 MPH
Punkin: 2010 Vespa/Malossi S78, 61MPH
The problem with that saying is that your air filter (aka filter element) may be broke and you don't know because you haven't taken off the cover to look. Sometimes it doesn't even crumble, it just turns into a goo and makes a mess of the intake. Lean conditions can even cause serious engine damage.
eliteguy50 wrote:The problem with that saying is that your air filter (aka filter element) may be broke and you don't know because you haven't taken off the cover to look. Sometimes it doesn't even crumble, it just turns into a goo and makes a mess of the intake. Lean conditions can even cause serious engine damage.
Wheelman-111 wrote:Greetings:
At some point chunks of 25 year-old foam may start to crumble, break off, and foul your reed valves. Might be worth a little trouble to have a look.
eliteguy50 wrote:The problem with that saying is that your air filter (aka filter element) may be broke and you don't know because you haven't taken off the cover to look. Sometimes it doesn't even crumble, it just turns into a goo and makes a mess of the intake. Lean conditions can even cause serious engine damage.
OK, good point. When I bought my new tires, I ordered a new filter element too so I'll check out the old one and replace it just to be on the safe side. Thanks for your comments and thanks also to the others who responded. Happy New Year!