Moped Riders Association

[mike1964]

Hello, I just joined and didn't realize so many people still ride mopeds.
I just got a 1976 Demm Smily that I hope to get in shape for the Spring.
If anyone knows of a good suplier, I'm sure I'll be needing one as I go thru this.

Before I try to ride it much, I'd like to change the gear oil, but I'm not sure what kind to use. I've been told anything from 10-30w to 10-40w to type F transmission fluid to 85w?

Also, within the last 2 days, I've noticed gas dripping from the front of the carborator. I plan to take it apart to check the float, any advice would be appreciated.

And, today I tried to start it, but it wouldn't turn over. I took out the spark plug and it was wet with gas. Looks like I may be in for more than I bargained for.

Anyway, hope to spend a lot of time on the site and hope to get this thing running well.

Since this is my first moped, I will gladly accept any helpful advice.

Thanks,
Mike

[John]

You are probably hydro locked up with gas in the crank case I would surmise with the wet plug and drippings from the carb. Pull the plug wire off and kick it to push the gas out. Baring that you may need to drop the exhaust and pour it our if there isn't a drain for the crankcase. Transmission oil is a different matter and different chamber, 10-30 or ATF will probably work.
There should be a manual at the Moped Army site in their Wiki, if there isn't one in our repair section. Good luck on a new adventure.


Went and searched and came up with this:
http://projectmopedmanual.info/Manual_HTML/solo.html

[mike1964]

Hello John,

Thanks for all the information. That will get me off to a good start and at least it seems like issues I can handle.

[mopedlar]

Your bike has a motor specific to that brand bike....Demm (not Solo). You will not find that motor on any other make moped. You're gonna be hardpressed to find a manual specific to that make bike. Demm motors are similar to Minarelli motors, but none of the parts are transferrable.

Good luck on your resto!

[mopedlar]

This will be helpful to you....

http://www.mopedarmy.com/wiki/Demm

[mike1964]

thanks, I was hoping to be able to get parts somewhere, but you're right, it's going to be tough. I'll take good care to make sure I don't break anything when I get into the engine.

[John]

Look for a parts bike. A lot of parts are interchangeable in the moped world also.