2005 KX 144 power loss/bog issue

flatty262
Posts
30
Joined
3/16/2018
Location
Albert Lea, MN, USA
Hey guys, wondering if anyone has some insight for me. I have an 05 KX 125 with an Athena 144 on it. Lectron carb, boyeson rad valve, PC pipe etc etc. have been running this set up for 3 seasons with zero issues and awesome power all the time. The past few weeks it has just felt sluggish. I should add I replaced the top end this spring and it ran great all year, as it always has, up until the last few rides. I am losing power around 1/2-3/4 throttle and then once the rpms are really up it runs awesome with great power. I also have had a few instances in deeper sand corners and really under a load where it would bog out almost to the point of the motor dying. And then I would have to clutch it to get out of the corner. Nothing has been changed with the bike for this sudden issue to start. It’s slightly colder this time of year yes, but it’s no different than previous years with no issues. The power valve was cleaned and the spring in the head replaced when the top end was done. I however did not do anything on the bottom end of the power valve near the lower gear. I pulled the reeds out and all the pedals looked great and seem to have good holding power. I haven’t touched the carb because this is my 3rd year with the same settings. I have read about certain electrical issues possibly causing something like this. I have tried unplugging my kill switch with no luck also. Any advice would be helpful. It happened just like someone flipped a switch. I rode on a Saturday and everything was fine and the very next day I rode again and towards the end of the day the power loss issues started. thanks

Josh
|
murph783
Posts
1355
Joined
3/2/2011
Location
USA
10/25/2021 4:22am
I’d pull your carb apart and clean it to start. Fresh spark plug too. Start simple
1
geeZ177
Posts
210
Joined
7/3/2019
Location
Western NY area, NY, USA
10/25/2021 8:46am
I agree I'd be looking at the carb. To me if it was an electrical part being the issue it would do it every time. Say as the electric part got warmer and the resistance changed then it would fail and cause the bike to act up.
1
flatty262
Posts
30
Joined
3/16/2018
Location
Albert Lea, MN, USA
10/25/2021 3:09pm
Thanks for the input guys. I should have been more specific. I didn’t touch carb settings, but the carb has been cleaned and gone through since the issue started. Didn’t notice anything alarming. Have tried 2 new plugs and no change. I called lectron and they didn’t think it would be “jetting” since it has been fine the past couple of seasons. I also checked the metering rod and it didn’t show signs of wear. I think I’m beyond all the obvious things it could be. I also pulled my petcock and there was nothing obstructing the screen. Cap Vent tube is clear and fuel flows well. I’m leaning towards disassembling the power valve and checking it. May try to find a different cdi to plug in also just to rule that out. Would anything with the ignition or timing be able to change overnight like that to make this issue appear basically overnight?
JMCR250
Posts
465
Joined
8/26/2018
Location
Chesterfield, MO, USA
10/25/2021 3:51pm
My standard drill on two-strokes that suddenly start running poorly is 1) new plug; 2) clean air filter; 3) new fresh gas. Most of the time one (or all) of these will fix the issue. Lately, I've added a number 4 -- check for ethanol-fouled carb jets and orifices. If you've exhausted all these, then it sure sounds like a potential electrical issue. Good luck.

The Shop

FGR01
Posts
6145
Joined
10/1/2006
Location
USA
Fantasy
10/25/2021 7:45pm
You said Lectron? The slides wear very easily on them and cause issues. Is your slide a few years old and showing wear?
flatty262
Posts
30
Joined
3/16/2018
Location
Albert Lea, MN, USA
11/24/2021 7:15pm
Thanks for the input guys. FGR01, the slide was showing wear and had even developed a hairline crack. I replaced that and some other carb components along with all new vent line. i noticed upon further inspection I did have a clogged vent which may have been the issue all along. I also repacked the silencer for good measure. Runs great once again!
1

Post a reply to: 2005 KX 144 power loss/bog issue

The Latest