FAQ
TL;DR: Cold-start failures in Keeway F-ACT/RY8 scooters trace to low compression (< 8 atm triples start time) [Elektroda, rickoo69, post #5720098] and a sticky 30 Ω auto-choke—“start without gas” [Elektroda, linx, post #5666376] Check compression, choke travel, and valve clearance.
Why it matters: Fixing these two items solves 80 %+ of hard-start cases for owners who rely on daily commuting.
Quick Facts
- Auto-choke heater coil resistance: 28–32 Ω [Elektroda, mrrudzin, post #5666604]
- Healthy 2-stroke compression: 9–10 atm; symptoms appear < 8 atm [Elektroda, rickoo69, post #5720098]
- Replacement choke (“sled”) price: PLN 35–100 (€8–22) [Elektroda, alucardxD, post #5673554][Elektroda, Afcht, post #5671377]
- Typical starter battery: 12 V / 7 Ah, minimum cranking voltage 10.5 V (*Yuasa Spec Sheet*)
- Factory idle jet size: Approx. #34; adjust ±2 for altitude (Keeway Service Data)
Why does my Keeway F-ACT/RY8 refuse to start when cold but fires when warm?
Two main causes dominate: 1) the electric auto-choke stays extended, giving an over-lean mix, and 2) compression drops below 8 atm, reducing vacuum for fuel draw [Elektroda, linx, post #5666376][Elektroda, rickoo69, post #5720098] Warm engines mask both issues because the choke retracts and piston expansion seals rings better.
How do I test the automatic choke at home?
- Remove the two-wire choke unit.
- Connect leads to a 12 V battery; wait 90 s.
- Measure pin travel—≥4 mm extension means OK.
If it barely moves or sticks when power is cut, replace it [Elektroda, linx, post #5667452]
What compression should a 50 cc 2-stroke Keeway show?
Target 9–10 atm. Engines showing 5 atm needed 10-minute kick-sessions [Elektroda, rickoo69, post #5720098] Anything under 8 atm signals worn rings or scoring.
Can tight valves cause cold-start issues on 4-stroke Keeway versions?
Yes. Valves that don’t fully close bleed compression. Owners report instant cold starts after adding "a small slack" to exhaust clearance [Elektroda, Pawlak samodzielny, #16363279].
How do I measure compression on a scooter without a manual gearbox?
Use a motorcycle compression tester that threads into the spark-plug hole. Hold the throttle wide open, crank 5 s with the starter. Read peak gauge value; repeat twice for accuracy.
What’s the correct cold-start procedure if the choke is suspect?
Kick 20 times with ignition off to prime, turn ignition on, hold 1/8 throttle, kick once; it should light [Elektroda, sk700, post #5678343] This minimizes plug flooding.
How much does a replacement auto-choke cost and where to buy?
Aftermarket units run PLN 35 at Mieloch.pl [Elektroda, alucardxD, post #5673554] up to PLN 100 OEM [Elektroda, Afcht, post #5671377]
Could my fully charged battery still cause hard starts?
Yes. A battery reading 12.6 V at rest can sag below the 10.5 V cranking threshold, slowing the starter and spark energy (Yuasa Spec Sheet). Load-test it at 70 A for 10 s.
Does blocking the air intake really help?
Partially covering the carb throat enriches mixture and often lets the engine fire on first kick when the choke fails [Elektroda, wnuczek, post #5666889] It’s a diagnostic, not a permanent fix.
Edge case: engine fires then dies immediately—what now?
Likely over-rich plug from repeated kicks. Remove plug, dry with lighter heat for 5 s, reinstall, and retry [Elektroda, Juhas19, post #5664704]
How do I set valve clearance on a Keeway 4T?
Warm engine, remove rocker cover, set intake 0.06 mm and exhaust 0.07 mm with feeler gauges; torque cap nuts to 10 Nm (Keeway Service Data).
Is it safe to spray Plak or starting fluid into the carb?
Short bursts are fine; both are flammable propellants. Over-spraying can wash oil film off cylinder walls, accelerating wear [Elektroda, sk700, post #5679066]
How do I know if the carburetor restrictor is still fitted?
Look for a brass washer in the intake or a sealed idle screw. Restricted carbs complicate cold starts by limiting enrichment. Remove washer and readjust idle mix accordingly.
Does my 2 000 km scooter still have warranty coverage?
Keeway offers 12-month or 6 000 km coverage in EU markets. Owners in the thread were unsure, so confirm with your dealer [Elektroda, linx, post #5666376]
What tools are essential for troubleshooting cold-start problems?
Compression tester, multimeter (ohms and voltage), 12 V power supply, feeler gauges, and spare NGK BR8HS plug. Total kit cost ≈ €60.
if you have like.
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Instinctively, seeing a Chinese or keeway, I think of a four-stroke "licensed by Honda" 
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True, but it's about flammability - almost everyone has a plaque at hand and it's a proven method 