To try...or not to try?

[rckstrgrl21]

Ok,
So I am a novice at engines, mechanics, and trikes but I want to learn.

My trike needs a rebuild, as it has low compression, which yes I could keep riding it how it is, but it still has kinks (after riding for 30 minutes+ if i shut it off to take a break it won't start unless push started, or cooled off).

So I want to disassemble the trike, sand/paint the frame, and send off the motor to get bored, and stoker.

MY QUESTION:
Being novice as I am, I was wondering if this is way out of my league to try to do myself . I was thinking if i baggied everything (nuts,bolts, etc.), numbered them, and took a pic of where it came from, that i will be able to put it back together afterwards.

From scale of 1-10 (10 most difficult , 1 easy ) how would you rate this job? I know a lot of you have done this many times over again.

[Black86tri-z]

your trike looks like its in very good shape ,why dont u just get the engine fixed or replaced with a after market 1 like the goat did and just drive the hell out of it and enjoy it

[MTS]

Get a manual, You will be set, if you have the basic tools, 200x is pretty simple...have you put a compression tester on it? or you going by feel, dose it burn oil? if so when, (start up ect) sounds too me you just need the carb set up properly, Bit leaner on the needle+ pilot jet should help the hot starts,

[storm_impulse]

i rate it a 4. i learned just as you described above.

[Brockey]

I always found if you use a sheet of foam or carboard. Drawed out the shapes of say the clutch cover and pooked the bolts into the carboard where they go on their drawing. Keeps track of things neatly aswell. Do you have the manual? has them available for download if not. I am getting ready to tear apart my 200x motor to replace the sprocket shaft and shifter shaft. This will be a first time for me aswell. All I can say is Good luck and anyone here will be able to help you along the way.

[rckstrgrl21]

I hve the manual, I have heard of a different manual tham oem that is more specific on how to do things. i might try to find one of those.

yes, i could just get it fixed, i actually think its running too lean, the carb is at 110 right now, i think it needs to be at 120-130.

mainly I want to learn about this bike, so in the future I can do work myself instead of wasting money at the shop.

and i want to bore it out to get a little more horse, as my friends i go riding with have ytf 450 and a ytf 500.


I did a compression test, at the shop, and it was 100. i like my things to work how they are intended and it should be at 145-160.


I think i am going to try this out. i really want to, and i am pretty stubborn, so i won't be satisfied unless i do it. im just afraid of screwing everything up more!


Now my next question is: I have to send in a certain part to get it bored. is that the top portion of the engine, the skinny part? or the bottom, fat part?

[storm_impulse]

just the cylinder or fat part of the top end. after you remove the top top cover and remove the cam, pull the next part off and you will see the cylinder where the piston is.

[Danold]

This is how I learned everything mechanical. Since I was little Ive been taking things apart and putting them back together. Tag the parts or just remember how things go back in place.

As for the stroker, that is a professional job and needs to be done with alot more technical precison. And a bore job is pretty straight forward and easy to come by.

I am doing a simallar project with my 200x and I rate it 4-5.
Anyways, good luck with it!

[MTS]

Hope you got some money to throw at it, Gota do the head and valves while your in there, good port runs 200$, nice cam, bigger carb, Nice wiseco, would probably knock you on your socks for a 200x,,, im not a huge fan of a stroker in them,,, unless your running some special gas,,,,hehe,,,they need to rev, small bore.

[storm_impulse]

id just go big bore kit, 12:1 compression piston, xr 200 carb, and the cam. with just the 12:1 you will have way more compression then 140lbs. i think mine. when warm pushed about 165lbs on the third kick. it was really a horse to kick. danold is about to find out

[SYKO]

screw all that, and buy a lifan motor for it and follow how GOAT did his conversion

[MTS]

screw all that, and buy a lifan motor for it and follow how GOAT did his conversion

are the lifans pushrod motors? or OHC?

[storm_impulse]

grl21 sorry i dont know your name. anyways if i was you i would tear into it. its not that hard. i think the only problem you might have is setting the timing. its kinda tricky cause if you get it wrong you will have to tear the motor back apart. also just 1 word of advice to you and anyone thats doing a rebuild. remember to tighten the top head bolts after you get it running. they will come back loose no matter how tight you tighten them. get the motor hot then tighten them tight so when it kools down everything will seal and no nuts getting loose. i went through 2 headgaskets cause i forgot to do this. other then that its a piece of cake. also you have us to guide you if you get stuck.

[Danold]

id just go big bore kit, 12:1 compression piston, xr 200 carb, and the cam. with just the 12:1 you will have way more compression then 140lbs. i think mine. when warm pushed about 165lbs on the third kick. it was really a horse to kick. danold is about to find out

once i get gaskets. still havent ordered them yet. Thats the only thing holdng me back right now

[Eric250R]

Ok, you sound determined to do this yourself. You're on the right track by wanting to bag everything and take pics. It's a great idea and I recommend you do it. Also someone mentioned it above but it's a great idea to get a piece of cardboard and draw a pattern of what it is you're taking off (such as the clutch cover, though it won't be nessecary to remove it ) . If you do plan on taking the head and cylinder off yourself, then get yourself a good paint marker. When you remove the head cap, use your marker to put a mark on your timing chain and cam so that you can put it back together the way it came off. Make sure to NOT turn your engine over once you've done this, and use something to tie the timing chain up. ( after you have removed the cylinder). Oh, and as I said in a previous response, Do not go with a 12:1 compression piston if you're going to use the stock rod, they won't hold up long. Good luck.