I changed the timing chain on my sportsman. I got everything put togather and started it up. It started fine and idoled fine. I went turn it off and nothing, it kept running. I put a ground wire on the black wire that goes to the CDI and it kept running. So it seems I have a bad CDI. I took it around the block. It was a little low on power and would only run about 35 mph" normaly it runs about 55. But it ran smooth no missing or anything like that. I pulled the inspection plate and rechecked my crank/cam timing, it was good. I rechecked my valves they were good. Can a bad CDI let it start and run smooth but be missing power, or should I be looking for something else. I have ordered a CDI but it will be a few days before I get it. I will be leaving Sunday for Tokyo for a week and would like any parts I would need by the time I get back. Thanks for any help.

 

is that all you did is change the timing chain? does it sound like it is rapping up all the way or is is cutting out like a rev limiter. check your spark plug see what color it is. that might get you goin in the right direction

 

It does not sound like it's reving all the way. The plug looks good. It is not cutting out or misfiring like the rev limiter is cutting in. I know the CDI controls the spark and being it will not turn off, the CDI has problems, but can that make it run smooth with less power?

 

it could retard the spark and make it have no power. if it worked before and now it doesn't then thats the only logical eplanation besides a clogged air filter clocking it or the automatic chock not going up all of the way. i had this with my 500 scrambler witch acualy has a 500 sportsman engine and carb in it. when the oil overflow would come out into teh air box and make the filter wet and choke the engine by restricting teh flow. i took of the filter ran fine. so that could be it 2.