Hello- I have a 2013 GasGas 200. Recently noticed low power at low speeds climbing or going up switchbacks. I started trying adjustments. I noticed when I turn the air screw in or out it does not change the idle at all. Does that suggest I have the wrong pilot size? Currently has a 38 pilot it in? Any suggestions of things I can check? Thanks.
Air Screw adjustment No Effect
- Thread starter Dennemw
- Start date
RBrider
Gold Level Site Supporter
If it ran good before, but now has less low end power, I'd think there's a mechanical problem.
When I bought my XC 200 used, it ran poorly at low rpm's, sort of like a high strung 125 mx'er. Air screw made no difference. I went up one size on the pilot and it ran much better. Now I could fine tune the idle with the air screw. Bottom end power was very good, for a 200.
Not too many hours of riding time later, the engine seized up after a hard hill climb requiring high rpm's. long story made short(er). the left side crank bearing let go, thankfully nothing else was damaged.
I believe the crank bearing was going bad when I bought the bike. The crank bearing was allowing the crank to move a little and allowing the left side crank seal to leak, causing the lean condition that I thought i had fixed by going up (richer) on the pilot jet.
Not saying that's your problem but it is something to consider, imo.
RB
When I bought my XC 200 used, it ran poorly at low rpm's, sort of like a high strung 125 mx'er. Air screw made no difference. I went up one size on the pilot and it ran much better. Now I could fine tune the idle with the air screw. Bottom end power was very good, for a 200.
Not too many hours of riding time later, the engine seized up after a hard hill climb requiring high rpm's. long story made short(er). the left side crank bearing let go, thankfully nothing else was damaged.
I believe the crank bearing was going bad when I bought the bike. The crank bearing was allowing the crank to move a little and allowing the left side crank seal to leak, causing the lean condition that I thought i had fixed by going up (richer) on the pilot jet.
Not saying that's your problem but it is something to consider, imo.
RB
Thank you for the replys. I should clarify and say it may not be a new issues. I bought last year rode it only once and didn't notice anything off. I really didn't right it on terrain that required me to lug it up around technical stuff. My brother rode it in Moab that year and mentioned it seemed like it needed to be geared down. Thought it lacked low end lug ability. I went ahead and put a bigger rear sprocket on it. Since then I have rode it on some more difficult trails and it really struggles to lug down low unless I fan the clutch and really push the RPM's high. Thats when I started tinkering with the air screw and noticed that turning it in our out made no difference in idle going up or down or killing the bike. It has a 38 pilot it in it. I will check it to see if it is plugged. With the symptom of no response with turning the air screw in or out would you start by going up or down with the pilot jet size or moving the needle clip up or down? Thanks again.
(F5)
Gold Level Site Supporter
I'd replace the needle.
Previous owner had gone down to a 38 pilot I think but new needle I needed considerably bigger pilot. It because it's too skinny when closed so you get fat wet drops coming through instead of a more controlled spray from pilot which can now be bigger.
Always think of jetting on slide type carb by throttle position not revs.
Previous owner had gone down to a 38 pilot I think but new needle I needed considerably bigger pilot. It because it's too skinny when closed so you get fat wet drops coming through instead of a more controlled spray from pilot which can now be bigger.
Always think of jetting on slide type carb by throttle position not revs.
RBrider
Gold Level Site Supporter
I'd try a 40 if I were you. Cost is minimal and it won't hurt anything. If it doesn't help then just go back to a 38. Might help to look at the intake reeds to make sure they're in good condition too. Just for reference, I'm running a #42 in my older 200. I live at 3400' (in the summer), but ride at sea level and up to 5000 above and it runs fine. No need for changes once it's dialed in.
Is yours a XC or EC? My XC has a lighter flywheel for quicker revs but not as smooth on bottom end. I added a Checkpoint Racing 12 oz fww to my bike which seems to really help my bottom end in the hills and tight woods.
RB
again!,but a 38pilot is easily obstructed also,go with a 40/42 but do check/change that needle also as a 40/42 will be worse for burble with the stock NOZH/N1EH)This! And if it doesn't react to a fully closed AS, whatever pilot jet is in there, it's time to take the carb out. Clean it thoroughly, check float height and needle valve then put everything together with above mentioned jetting. Set AS to 1.5 turns out as a starting point. Ride and see what it does.
It will never bee a torque monster though.
Thank you for the many suggestions. I did check the current pilot (38) and it is clean. I will pick up a couple of larger pilot jets to see if they help make a change with the Air Screw setting. If not I will take the carb off and look at the float setting. I may also consider the flywheel weight if that help at lower speeds. It is the XC so that may help. But I will figure out the air screw setting issue first. I will update with what I find out with the bigger pilot size tests. Thanks again.
RBrider
Gold Level Site Supporter
One other thing I'd check is the idle screw. Make that it is not turned in so far that the pilot and air screw circuits are by-passed.
It's possible the previous owner kept turning up the idle to overcome some other problem he may have been having, either real or imagined.
RB
It's possible the previous owner kept turning up the idle to overcome some other problem he may have been having, either real or imagined.
RB
Update- I put in a 40 pilot and if I turn the Air Screw in all the way it will kill the bike. So I backed it out about 1 turn. I can't really ride it around my neighborhood so I will take it out in the next week to see how it does climbing and lugging. I did purchase a JD jet kit and currently have it with the red needle set clip from the top with a 172 main. I will test that out and see how it goes after getting a little bit of time riding it rather than loops in my driveway. I'll update with what I find out. Again thanks for the input and suggestions.
