Quads?

Silv.4X4 · August 22, 2007

alright well I had a question..and it wasnt about trucks, so I decided to post it here. Now I know a lot of you guys are the outdoorsy type and own quads and things like that so I figured id ask this question anyways. I own a 2003 Kawasaki KFX 400, 4 stroke atv w/ electric start.(its pictured below) IT hardly has any hours on it and ive never had any problems with it. But yesterday I was riding , I rode it about 3/4 of a mile down the road to my familys shop. Did what I had to do, and got back on it and went to start it. I was in nutral with the clutch in and I pushed the start button and the thing went... RENINENA RENINENA...POP. I waited a while , then tryed it again, the starter spins, the engine seems ok, compression seems fine... the d**n thing just wont start, and for the life of me I cant figure out whats wrong. I would really appreciate it if any one can help, maybe suggest what to check or what to look at..any thing would be great. thanks guys.

Wingnut · August 22, 2007

Got spark?

Or if you're like me (I've got the same quad you do, but it's yellow), you use the key to shut it off...Every now and then, I'd hit the kill switch on accident and because it's not something I ever used...I'd be all ticked that my quad wouldn't start until I saw that I had knocked that switch over.

That, or after a small rollover, my quad would run like crap until I realized that it had knocked the choke lever down about 1/2 inch. Push it down far enough and it would keep it from starting.

Basically what I'm saying is...Start simple.

Silv.4X4 · August 22, 2007

I just got done checking the plug about 5 min ago.. that was my problem. I just got a new one about 2 rides ago so i never thought to check it..but im sure glad u said something..I really appreciate it..thanks a bunch

Bobslob · August 23, 2007

If it ever happens agian, check to see if your gas is turned on, cause somtimes I forget to turn it on, and the kill switch.

Wingnut · August 23, 2007

If it ever happens agian, check to see if your gas is turned on, cause somtimes I forget to turn it on, and the kill switch.

His quad is like mine...Vacuum operated fuel system. You don't have to turn it off. I've not turned it off in 3 years except when I had the tank off for checking the valve clearances and/or rejetting.

Silv.4X4 · August 23, 2007

ok so i was all happy when i saw that i didnt have a spark..so i bought a new plug put it in...nothing..No Im Clueless..you guys have any other ideas? the Battery is fine, starter spins, engine seems ok, i have gas in it lol? what could be going on

istabemos · August 24, 2007

Has nothing to do with anything but silv sometime make a video with you blaring that horn on your truck when driving by some people, im interested

Wingnut · August 24, 2007

No spark?

Trace that. The electrical system isn't complicated on these...Get a tester and start hitting contacts.

thecraft · August 24, 2007

You've got compression and fuel, right?

Do you have any spark at all with the new plug. Check for voltage at the coil... if it's not getting power, look at the wiring for loose connections, disconnected terminals, blown fuses, etc. If it getting power, it might just be the coil itself.

[Edit] Sorry Wingnut, didn't see your post before I made mine.

Silv.4X4 · August 24, 2007

Thanks for the help guys..but last night I was out toyin with it again..and i looked at the carburator to see if it was ok. And I noticed that the plastic sleeve deal that connects the carb to the engine blew off and there was about a 1/4 gap between them. I completely missed that earlier..so i guess the pop i heard was the sleeve poping off. so i put it back on and she runs. Feel a little dumb now lol. I thought it was a lot more serious by the sound of the pop. but im glad it wasnt. still not sure why i fouled the spark plug lol..but o well. thanks again