Q Link XF 200 carb problems

[BikelifeMatt]

I recently purchased a xf 200 for pretty cheap, it had been sitting for a year, figured it just needed a carb service and a new battery. Drained the tank and added 93 octane, I disassembled the carb and cleaned the entire carb. The pilot jet was to dirty to see through. I put it all back together, cleaned the air filter and put a new spark plug in it.


The bike instantly started and try's to start but cuts off instantly or has a low idle for awhile and if I hit the throttle at all it cuts off. The first time I cleaned the carb it seemed to work, started up idled good for about a minute until the engine started warming up (it's been as low as 10 F, high of 35 degrees) but I could barely rev the engine or it would cut off. So I figured something got the jets dirty again so I disassembled again. I've took it off and cleaned it 2 more times and still no better results. I'm getting pretty frustrated with it and not sure what's the problem.



The jets don't seem to be dirty, everything seems correctly assembled and I don't think the float is sticking. I did remove the pilot screw on top, not sure on the factory setting but I tightened it then backed it out 2 full turns. When I pull the plug it's wet with fuel



Also the link I seen for the service Manuel wasn't working for me anybody else have it?

[SpudRider]

Welcome to these forums, Matt. We are glad you joined us. :hi:

Perhaps your problems are not fuel related. Have you checked to see if you have a good spark?

[BikelifeMatt]

Welcome to these forums, Matt. We are glad you joined us. :hi:

Perhaps your problems are not fuel related. Have you checked to see if you have a good spark?

Glad to be here lol, I've been using the forum the past couple days gettin info but finally decided to register and ask for some advice. And Yea I held it up to the engine and got good spark so I do think that's the problem.

[david3921]

A low battery could be the cause as it's needed to run. It happened to mine. If that checks out, backtrack the fuel system from carb to make sure you are getting enough fuel. There are two screens on the petcock. One each for main and reserve. You may have to pull the petcock to make sure they are not plugged.

[SpudRider]

I asked, because your problem suspiciously sounds like it might also be caused by a bad CDI unit. CDI problems are frequently intermittent, making them harder to diagnose. Do you have another, known to be good, CDI unit you can test to see if the problem disappears?

[SpudRider]

I would follow David's advice, and test the battery first. :)

[Weldangrind]

Welcome!

X2 on the petcock filters and the CDI. I recommend that you buy another CDI for testing, because you'll need to install it eventually. You'll need to find a CDI that matches yours, so that you're not risking a DC CDI in an AC system (or vise versa).

[BikelifeMatt]

A low battery could be the cause as it's needed to run. It happened to mine. If that checks out, backtrack the fuel system from carb to make sure you are getting enough fuel. There are two screens on the petcock. One each for main and reserve. You may have to pull the petcock to make sure they are not plugged.

I put a new battery in the bike, that was the first thing I did. The fuel lines seem fine gas flows good I never took the screens out though. It does seem like the bike doesn't get enough fuel or perhaps to much fuel it's flooding? At first It starts up but won't stay running. As far as the cdi goes where do I find a new one? I have a drz 125 would they be compatible?

[BikelifeMatt]

Welcome!

X2 on the petcock filters and the CDI. I recommend that you buy another CDI for testing, because you'll need to install it eventually. You'll need to find a CDI that matches yours, so that you're not risking a DC CDI in an AC system (or vise versa).

I'm not to familiar with cdi would the bike still turn over and start with a bad cdi? The bike sure seems like it wants to start but won't stay running. I'll get it to idle but if I hit the throttle at all it dies. I've had bikes act like this before I figured the jets got dirty again but I've disassembled 3 or 4 times now and the pilot jet doesn't seem clogged. I'm sure this cold weather isn't helping but the first time I had it idle for a couple mins the engine was even warming up but couldn't touch the throttle.

[Weldangrind]

I'm not to familiar with cdi would the bike still turn over and start with a bad cdi? The bike sure seems like it wants to start but won't stay running. I'll get it to idle but if I hit the throttle at all it dies. I've had bikes act like this before I figured the jets got dirty again but I've disassembled 3 or 4 times now and the pilot jet doesn't seem clogged. I'm sure this cold weather isn't helping but the first time I had it idle for a couple mins the engine was even warming up but couldn't touch the throttle.

Yes, a CDI can behave that way. Since you've cleaned the jets, if it's still a fuel problem, perhaps you need to move the clip on the jet needle. If you drop it down one notch, you'll allow a little more fuel in the midrange. I'd leave the pilot mixture screw alone for now.

If it still quits when you open the throttle, buy a new CDI. No, a DRZ125 CDI would not be compatible. You'll likely find the CDI under the seat, and it will be a black box with two molded connectors. Please find it and show us a pic. We can guide you from there.

[BikelifeMatt]

Yes, a CDI can behave that way. Since you've cleaned the jets, if it's still a fuel problem, perhaps you need to move the clip on the jet needle. If you drop it down one notch, you'll allow a little more fuel in the midrange. I'd leave the pilot mixture screw alone for now.

If it still quits when you open the throttle, buy a new CDI. No, a DRZ125 CDI would not be compatible. You'll likely find the CDI under the seat, and it will be a black box with two molded connectors. Please find it and show us a pic. We can guide you from there.

Ok I'll try moving the clip and ill look into the cdi. I can get a pick once I'm off work

[BikelifeMatt]

Ok I'll try moving the clip and ill look into the cdi. I can get a pick once I'm off work

Here's a pic

[david3921]

The Qlinks use a CV carb so moving the clip involves removing the diaphragm. If you are going to do that, research the process as adding a washer to the diaphragm needle is easier. I don't think that this will solve your problem since this just raises the needle to improve response. If the CDI is bad it will be the first that I have heard of either here or MCM. Not saying that it couldn't be true. The best thing to do is pull it from the bike and take some pictures for us. Some here may recognize it. Most parts from Suzukis fit these bikes so you might get lucky.

Check for leaking manifolds before and after the carb. I had one rip on me also.

Is the choke on?

[Weldangrind]

David makes excellent points; I failed to realize you were talking about an XF, Matt. X2 on checking the intake tube and air box boot for holes. Please let us know if you were trying the bike with the choke on or off.

[Weldangrind]

BTW, here's a link for a replacement CDI through Taobao. Open the link in Google Chrome, so it can translate automatically for you. The price is about $20.00 plus shipping from China.