help learning...?
 

Ok, I'll be the first to tell you that I'm an idiot when it comes to engines and all things mechanical. I do learn very quickly however. Does anyone know where I can take a class on small engines? I live in Gettysburg, PA and have been searching everywhere, to no avail.

In the meantime, is there anyone in the immediate area that would be interested in helping me remove/clean the carb, do a needle shim adjust, and change from 15t to 16t sprocket?

I've become addicted to this forum in the last week, ever since I sold my 2001 Honda Rebel for a 2001 GZ250. All the posts on these topics are detailed, but again.... I'm an idiot, and I don't want to ruin anything. :??:

Re: help learning...?
 

Youre not an idiot, you just have to learn like i did with some stuff. Thanks to this forum and its helpful members.

Re: help learning...?
 

Welcome to the Learning Curve Club. You are not alone. We will help as much as possible. Ask away as there is no such thing as a stupid question. Some of our members have a good knowledge base for GZ carbs and will help.

Re: help learning...?
 

I wished you lived closer, I would not even hesitate to help you with your carb (my only demand is I supervise, you wrench, and you learn ! :2tup: . My rate is 1 cold one/hr :cool:

I've helped a half dozen new riders learn and perform their own basic repairs. It's a great "feeling" to help someone who was previously scared to death of opening up a pair of forks or a carb, or change sprockets and chain.... hopefully someon close to you will chime in !

If all else fails, PM me, and I can walk you through it right over the phone some saturday...

Re: help learning...?
 

Check out this website, then read THE WHOLE THING. (lol).

http://www.dansmc.com/MC_repaircourse.htm

It will give you some basic knowledge of where to start and help you figure things out.

Re: help learning...?
 

Well, so far I've managed to change the oil & filter, air filter, and spark plug. I ordered the 16t sprocket and will do that next. Then, I MAY try the carb, but the seafoam I put in seems to be doing good.

Anyone able to tell me how to make sure the idle screw is set correctly, without a tach? I warmed the bike up for 10-15 mins and adjusted it until it "sounded" right to me. Not slow enough to stall, but not revving super high either.

Re: help learning...?
 

Ironhead, sounds like you are doing very well so far. Keep up the good work. Ride safe.

Re: help learning...?
 

Ironhead, I believe the GZ idle should be around 1200 rpm (someone will correct me if I'm wrong). If you set it too low you won't get oil flow at idle.


:)

Re: help learning...?
 

Hello!

I also set idle speed yesterday, can you tell if the definition that ironhead said is right: Not slow enough to stall, but not revving super high either.
How do you know when it's 1200 rpm?

Re: help learning...?
 

Actually, Suzuki quotes 1400-1500, but that's just a starting point to get it to what YOUR bike's comfortable with. Not slow enough to stall might be a little slow, but you don't want it screaming its head off either. When mine sounds to me that it's running a bit too fast, then that's the right speed for me. Sounds barmy, but that's how I do it. :) Another way might be to listen to 1400rpm on your car (if it's got a rev counter) to see what it sounds like.