I got this 2002 Mojave off ebay a couple months ago. It was a little rough starting and backfired occasionally blowing the carb boot off. Last week I installed a Uni pod filter and dynojet kit, had some problems but got it running pretty good ( no hesitation or missing). I adjusted the valves a few days ago, it seems to start a little easier, still takes several kicks.

The problem is this thing has no mid or top end power at all. It seems to be running ok just has no power. I've checked the plug and it looks pretty good, definately nothing way off with it. From the feel of the kickstart compression seems ok, and the clutch is fine. Tonight a freind was over and took it out and said there is definately a power problem. We put a new plug in with no change, and we pulled the silencer off and it made no difference. Strange thing is I would have thought it would run bad without the silencer but it was the same. I know this thing will never keep up with my Cannondale, but my trailblazer with an RCR kit spanks it in a drag. Does the Mojave just have a weak motor or is something wrong with this one?

I am seriusly considering getting rid of it and looking for something else unless this thing wakes up. Any ideas?

 

The mojave normally has all its power in the mid to upper RPMs. That is where it shines and it should kick a trailblazers butt easy. You may want to check your cam timing. Are you sure your jetting is good? Another possibility is the carb diaphram leaking, that will keep the carb from opening all the way up. Also check to make sure you are getting a good flow of gas from the tank to the carb and that the float level is right. You may want to try it on reserve.

 

OK,

The it looks like the diaphram was leaking as the carb slide would slam shut, fixed that. Drained the tank and checked the screens, they are fine. How do I check the float level?

Timing question (I don't have a manual yet):

When I look at the timing markings there is a "T" and then slightly ahead of the "T" there is a more pronounced "|". I adjusted the valves with the "T" aligned with the slot, and the timing seems to be the same. Is this correct or should it be set with the "|" aligned with the slot?

If I need to adjust the timing, how?

 

Put it all back together and apparently the carb diaphram was the problem. I guess all the little problems where keeping it from running like it should. After a dynojet kit, uni pod filter, and adjusting the valves this thing runs great now, plenty of power. This is what I expected a Mojave to run like when I bought it. My son now has a smile on his face instead of complaining how slow it is.

 

great news! Mojaves are too much fun not too run right. The carb diaphram will kill it if leaking, must have been that. take care of that mo.

 

I ahve a 98 Mojave and it did the same problem with the carb/back fire,it was the cdi unit!It took three trips to the shop and if it still did it on the fourth i could have got a new MOjave!