Regarding Article: Carburetor Adjustment & Troubleshooting Series- Part 1: dialing in the idle circuit

From: Bryan
Dyersburg , TN
I have a 90cc quad and the carbs look very similar. I assume the same process applys but what information do you have for high speed adjustments. Thanks Bryan

High speed or full throttle adjustment will be changed with the needle and main jet in the carb. This operates from ¾ to wide open throttle.. Changing the main jet will get you more fuel on the pipe.

From: hlynn
what cheer, IA
Have a 2008 Polaris Rzr and it was submerged in water while riding last weekend....water was sucked in air box and ended up with water inside everything, drained the oil and rest of fluids and replaced, drained fuel, changed spark plugs, still won't start, it will turn over but thats it.....any suggestions????

First things first, if you wanted a boat you found the wrong one! So get you a service manual and locate the mini blade 15 amp fuse in the electrical box. It’s a good possibility you shorted that baby out. If you're going deep Rookie, you need to waterproof the poor thing first!

From: Robbie Barber
Choctaw, OK
Hey Rick, I have a 2000 yamaha 600 grizzly that gets hot after about 45 mins. the fan does work but it does not kick on when the motor gets to hot. Does it have a thermostat, and where is it located? is it on the back of the fan itsself or is it on the motor? I know the fan works cause i had it tested. Please help ive spent alot of money on this thing and im gonna have to fix it myself this time.

The Yamaha Grizzly does indeed have a Thermo switch assembly and it should be located on the radiator itself. I recommend getting a service manual for the exact location and this will be invaluable for future repairs as well.

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Article Title: 2008 Yamaha Raptor 250
From: want one realy bad
Manton , MI
Im realy trying to get a raptor 250, but i have no money. im 14and i dont have i job so i only have at the most to spend is 1000.

I'm not sure how to respond to this one. I would say its summer and there's bound to be some grass needing cutting. Do those extra chores and start learning to beg with puppy dog eyes. Good luck Bro.

More On the 2008 Yamaha Raptor 250
From: Robby
Milwaukee , WI
I am 14 years old and i have just gotten into quads and i have been ridding an 80cc that my friend has and i want somthing bigger. I was looking at the YFM 250cc raptor. Are there any comments on this QUAD!!

I can give you plenty of comments on the Raptor 250 but the fact is I cannot promote you at 14 to be riding this size of ATV. Just a couple more years on the 80 or a 90cc ATV and you'll be in shape for the 250.

From: Zachary Schulze
Subject: ATV Start help
Hi, I live in the UAE and just the other day i hit a hill going about 45 and i was coming down and my front wheels got caught in the sugar sand and jerked the atv its rolled to its side. I lifted it back up and it wouldn't start. Its not name brand i don't think i bought it at a market brand new. I can get it to run if i jump the starter. But if i go to turn it on by useing the ignition switch that suppsed to use for it nothing happens. I dont even get a clicking noise. Not sure if its sollenoid or what. Is there a way to test it? Can you please run me through what i should do. Theres no ATV repair people near where i live.

There's a butt for every seat, or at least that’s what im told. The no-name off brand atv’s have left many riders in bad places with no where to turn. But if I may take a shot in the dark I’d say there is a fuse somewhere on that beasty mountain of problems that needs to be replaced. I would also find another quad just like it because you’ll need more parts soon!

From: sportman 450
Mattawa, CANADA
I have a 2006 polaris sportman 450 we left it sitting all winter because it wouldn't start once the snow melted we cleaned out the carb and it ran for a couple days then the battery died.... we charged it and it lasts a couple days then it dies again....the battery just won't keep it's charge.... last summer we took it in for servicing they changed the belt, put a new battery on, new clutch, and changed the recoil.... when we got it back we drove it for a couple of days then the battery light came on maybe that has something to do with it

Chances are the battery never had a chance. I would check out the charging system starting with good connections on the battery cables. If there was a problem with the charging system it has probably ruined your formerly-new battery. Just a note for future reference though - do not let the poor thing sit all winter without cranking and possibly riding at least once a month. It's bad on everything.

From: crazyhorse
Portland , TN
YES I HAVE A SUZUKI FOURWHEELER 300 UTILITY LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO TIME IT DOES THE CAM GO FLAT WITH THE BOLTS OR IS THERE SOME MARK I'M MISSING I PUT THE CRANK MARK ON JUST DIDN'T IF IT TIMED THE SAME WAY HONDAS DO OR NOT THANKS FOR YOUR HELP CRAZYHORSE

My suggestion is to spend the $49.95 at the dealer and order yourself a service manual that will have exact directions. Timing is a sensitive operation.

Article Title: Up Close With the 2010 Can-Am Utility ATV Line Up
From: Shell
Calgary , CANADA
I see the Ask me thingy but not sure where to ask, I hope I am at the right place. Ok my stepson was riding my Can-Am 2007 Outty, Anyways he ran it out of gas, at the time of trying to start it. It back fired. We have checked the spark, there is lots, we cleaned carb, hubby phoned someone, they said he was fluding it. Another person said the timing belt jumped or something. Maybe a cracked value??? I do not know can anyone help me and let me know what to check next???

I'm hoping that with just a little time this one may have fixed itself. Running out of gas does not jump time and crack things. Back firing could be just a drip of gas getting into the cylinders. Fill the tank back up. Give it a whirl and ride your heart out.

Article Title: SHIFTLESS WONDER! - HONDAMATIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
From: HEIDI
CARMEL VALLEY , CA
IT SEEMS THAT EVERYONE WHO HAS A 2001-03 HONDA RUBICON 500CC IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE HONDA MATIC, IS THERE A RECALL ON THESE PARTS IF SO HOW DO I FIND OUT?

I have not been able to find any indications of a recall on your ATV. My suggestion is to just reevaluate what you want in a ATV and decide to sell - or complain!

From: just me
Las animas, CO
I have a 1983 125 Suzuki and i am having trouble with getting fuel i have cleaned all the jets and filter. but on the side of the carb is a primer knob to fill the bowl it was removed and an inner tube was used for a gasket.it idles fine but when you hit the throttle it just dies i know its not getting enough gas just cant find out why the only thing i can figure is the missing primer parts and it being blocked off by the tube.

The problem you are most likely experiencing is a clogged primary jet. Cleaning the carb in your mind may be one way but getting the carb really thrust out means totally tearing that baby apart and investing in some chemical Carb dip from the local parts counter. Take your time and you will want to buy yourself a service manual so you do not have any trouble going back together.

Article Title: Getting involved in Youth ATV racing
From: sean
Hadley , MA
Hey i was wondering where to find a racing division for 14 year olds...

So you want to go racing huh? Are mom and dad on board with your dreams? That’s going to be the first big obstacle to conquer. Then you’ll need money to go racing. It starts like this:

You have the dream, you buy a quad, you work all summer to pay for the quad, you buy a good helmet and riding gear, you pay for gas to the races and back home, you buy gas for the race, you pay entry fee, you pay for broken or worn parts after the first race…. Can you see how much this is going to be dependant on you? If we are good then go to the internet and type in “atv racing” along with your state and you’ll have plenty of places to compete. Good luck.

More About Youth Racing - we think
From: Bret Gosnell
Jacksonville , FL
Hey, I was wondering like what type of motor and stuff that you needed but what you said works.

Just guessing, I still don't have a flippin clue what your asking me.. Please try again with a question and some more specific info.

From: Ron
Garland , TX
I bought a 1998 Honda TRX200 To take to my deer lease.It dosen't have a chain gaurd around the back sprocket. Is it supposed to have some kind of gaurd around it. If not would you suggest putting something around it to keep weeds, grass, mud and dirt from getting all over the chain.

There was indeed a splash/rock guard on this model. It is possible to get this from the dealer and it is recommended but it will not hurt to leave it off. The only thing I could caution you about is when there are rocks and tree stumps involved. Be cautious and you’ll be fine.

From: Jennifer
Irvine , KY
Hi I was just wondering if you knew what the best gear is to buy. My son is 5 and weighs about 35lbs., and we have bought him a 50cc honda dirt bike for his birthday. I want the best protection whatever the cost. I would appreiate it if you would reply back. By the way I think the website you have provided is very good for first time parents. I am glad I found it, otherwise I probably would have went and bought size small in everything and not known to got the best fit. Thank You, Jennifer

There are many different brands of gear available for youth these days. I personally think Moose has a great many choices and the quality is great as well. Get a good helmet and don’t be cheap there. Chest protection and good boots are a must as well. Its really up to you in the end. With all the choices out there its hard to pick just one.

From: Tim
Rocky gap, VA
I have a 2005 arctic cat 400 man trans.I've replaced the CDI,coil & neutral start relay but I still do not have any spark. The engine cranks over fast enough. the battery is fully charged.it is getting fuel to .the air cleaner is new.as I said just no spark.out of ideas,please help.

Man, it sounds like you’ve covered every base already. I would suggest looking for a short in the kill/on-off switch or possibly a blown fuse in the power center. Make sure the transmission is in neutral and doesn’t have a preferred position that could keep it from starting. Look over the entire wiring harness checking for shorts or cuts in the loom.

From: yamaha
East Liverpool , OH
I have a 2003 yamaha blaster that used to run great and i never had any problems with it until this spring i got it out of storage and it didnt start i tried all day, i got a new spark plug for it but it still doesnt even wanna try to start. i tried flooding it to see if I could smell gas to make sure gas was going through but i couldnt smell it. my dad thinks its something with the kill switch but im not sure could you help me out my names alex

Sounds like the carb is probably varnished to the point of needing a very good cleaning.It does not take very long for this to happen. Get a good chemical dip from the parts store and a service manual so you’ll know how the carb comes apart and goe back together. Follow the directions on the chemical dip carefully as it is not good for the eyes or skin.

From:Whoever
Moinfoville, Ukon
I have been having to jump my 2004 Outlander XT 4X4 to start it.  I even purchased a new battery to no avail.  Based on similar problems on the internet it appears that this is a common problem and relates to the voltage regulator (VR).  One site says that there is a Bom. Part No. 710000908 Voltage Regulator to replace the existing one.  It also says that it requires a  harness adapter P/N 715900027, but I can't find this part anywhere. It is also suggested that the placement of the VR can be moved to increase reliability/life of VR. I love this ATV and have never had problems until recently.  Has anyone done this swap out and do I need to relocate the VR?

It has been known that BRP had a very huge problem with these Voltage regulators. If it hadn’t been 5 years ago you may have gotten a freebie but its time to bite the bullet now. Unfortunately its pricey. The part number you need is : Voltage Regulator/Rectifier Relocation Kit (Kit P/N 703 500 533), The Kit contains nine parts and comes with a seven page book with pictures to get the job done right. Good Luck

From: Guy
Loami , IL
Does it require special tools to replace front axle boots on a 1995 Yamaha Big Bear 4x4. If this can be done at home I would appreciate any tips.tHANKS

There are a few unique tools needed to remove the axle from the machine but simple needle nose pliers and a large hammer will get the CV apart to replace the boot. Using a service manual and simple hand tools on this one will help tremendously. Take your time and be causious of the small parts.

-rs