125-200cc Installing 144 as we speak. - PV question.

The power valve linkage mod - where you move the bolt higher in the slot. Should it "top out" in the slot or leave a mm or 2? I'm looking for better bottom/mid. Willing to sacrifice some top but not much.

Set the bolt a couple of mm from the top of the slot for best results.

Thanks!

By the way, it IS possible to replace a top end on a 2012 CR 125 without removing the tank, rads, etc. Awesome. Though the time saved was wasted by having to scrape base gasket remnants off the engine. Lol

When I did mine, the guy I bought the parts from told me to push it up until you start to feel a little tension, then tighten it there. I did that and it didn't run right. So I pulled the cover off, pushed it up a little higher (it was definitely on the bottom half of the linkage when I pulled it apart) and tried it and it ran great. That's where I left it. I have no idea what the difference will be if you push it all the way up, basically preloading the spring more. If somebody knows, clue me in.
If it's not too late, measure your squish while it's apart. You can get base gaskets in different thicknesses to put it where you want. I used a .3 mm to put mine at 1.05 mm.

Squish

Squish ranges from 0.045" to 0.047". I measured front back left and right using modeling clay. That averages to about 1.17mm. It's a little high.

How thick are OEM base gaskets?

Mine had a .5 mm, and I installed a .3. Yours sound like it's pretty close to where mine was. I didn't notice any difference, so I wouldn't fret over it.