I have a taotao Atm 50-A1 49cc it wont start. If i spray starting fluid into the carb it will start, and stay running and drive fine. Even after its warm it still needs fluid to start. Its getting good spark. Not sure where to begin with troubleshooting. dont know much about scooters. But I am mechanically inclined. any help would be apreciated. thx in advance

 

Either the compression is down, carb is partially blocked, or the choke isn't working. If you have access to a compression tester, try that first, should be over 90psi, but probably would start OK down to 70psi. If that is OK, clean the carb out. Remove the float bowl and jets, blow them and the holes they came from out with compressed air. Check you can see through the jets, check the choke mechanism while you have the carb down, then re-assemble.

 

You might have also a problem with the air/fuel ratio. I think you might be running a bit lean. Try to adjust the air/fuel mixture screw on the carburetor. Check if your screw is on the air or fuel side. If it is on the fuel side of the carb you can turn it counterclockwise to let more fuel and thus make the mixture be more rich if it is not on the air side of the carb do the opposite - rotate it clockwise to reduce the air being drawn to the carb to make the mixture more rich. This is the most quick fix you can try otherwise you can try what merryman is suggesting. This I think can resolve your issue.