Mid to Top end power issue

[vdubn]

Awesome!  I just ordered that carb from Scooterworks for only $5 more than RacingPlanet, and they shipped it out today (Racing Planet had it on order, and it was more than a week away).  I also ordered the jet kit and exhaust studs from RacingPlanet.  Hopefully I should have everything mid-week next week. 

I thought about an exhaust as well, but I have been told the early people pipes aren't that restrictive, so I thought I could save some funds for now.

Peters, did you modify your airbox at all, or is it totally stock?

[Peters]

I drilled 5/8" holes in my air box lid. I have about 5.

[vdubn]

Cool... did you make a nice pattern 

If you have a pic, that would be cool.  I'm sure I can figure something out either way.

I think the bike should run tremendously better without the auto choke.  I have always opted for manual choke if I can, it just removes any mystery about the choke affecting the way the bike runs.

Also, did you use the new reeds that the Malossi kit came with?  They look like nice reeds.

[Peters]

Do not use the reeds that came in the kit. They're not meant for the ppl.

My patterns not very cool . Do whatever pattern you want  . I started with just 2 or 3 and added more later.

[Peters]

Are you going to run Pre-mix? If so go ahead and remove the shaft off the oil pump and plug the inlet and vacuum lines.

[vdubn]

Yes, I thought about leaving the pump in there and just adding some oil to the tank to make up for it, but the more I think about it, I think I will just pre-mix the whole tank.  What ratio do you guys run?

If I pull the shaft out, what should I use to plug the hole where the shaft was, or is the shaft inside and the cover just goes back on without the shaft?

[Peters]

You could, but it's better to run pre-mix for consistency. I mix about 3.3 oz per gallon or 16.5 for 5 gallons. I think that's about 38:1

The shaft pulls right out the bottom of the pump. Then just reinstall the pump without the shaft. Plug the lines going to the pump.

[vdubn]

Sounds good... somewhere I had read that if you just pull out the drive gear it could leave a void that can cause a lean condition (as if something doesn't seal, and allows air behind the carb).  Sounds like you have done this, so I'll take your word for it.  Plus it sounds easy enough.

Have you guys ever seen issues with the stock reeds causing issues, or ever needing to be replaced in these scooters?  My scooter has like 13000kMs on it, so its no spring chicken.

[Peters]

I don't think reeds go bad very often. You can buy carbon fiber sheets and cut your own reeds.

[zombie]

The steel reeds do crack, and often times break off. It's among the first items to change.

[vdubn]

So, the inspection is just to look and see if the steel reeds are cracked?  Do you know of replacement reeds that are a good swap out, in the event that mine have any issues?

[vdubn]

Ok, so I just opened up the Malossi 70cc kit, and noticed that it doesn't come with a new wrist pin needle bearing.  Is that normal,  is there not a needle bearing, or just reuse the old one?  Any opinions from others would be great.

[Peters]

Yeah that's normal. Use the old one if it's still clean. If you don't mind waiting and spending 10 or 15 bucks you can order a bearing for peace of mind. Soak the piston, rings, bearing, and pin in a little 2t oil overnight before installation.

[vdubn]

Soak in just oil, not mixed fuel?  I haven't ever done that before... curious why you recommend it?

Thanks for clarifying about the needle bearing, I was hoping that was the case.

[Peters]

I'd rinse everything in gas and soak in just oil. Just to make sure the wrist has plenty of oil during the first few runs. 2 strokes depend on residual oil on the bearings/wrist pins between runs. And the rings, well, just to make everything happy the first few runs