I can relate to that! I bought a 185s last year, had spark, was getting gas, just could not get it to fire at all. I had my brother hold his hand behind the muffler, and he said there was NO flow at all. I pulled off the muffler, and gave the rope a good rip, and it popped right off. I had to actually cut the muffler in half with a hack saw to get all the mouse 


out of it, then have it re-welded.
Very nice tri z by the way. I am also working on mine which I picked up not too long ago. Getting closer to completion. You say you got some parts on ebay? I bet we battled over at least a couple of them in the bid wars. How do you like the Z then? Does it handle awesome or what? Nice work.
THE 80's RAGE! Currently owns:
81, 85 Yamaha Tri Moto 125
83 Yamaha Tri Moto 200 x2
82,83 Yamaha Tri Moto 175 project
85 Yamaha Tri Z 250
84 Kawasaki Tecate 250
84 Honda ATC 70
85 Honda ATC 350X
84 Honda ATC 250R
(2) 84 Honda ATC 200x
82, 83 Honda ATC 185s
81 ATC 200
Lots of other parts and bikes