Hi Guys,

First I must say I have been reading on here and gained some valuable advice when dealing with my kids quads and it is greatly appreciated. I have an lt80 and an Eton 90. My problem is that the eton 90 just has a hard time climbing sand dunes while the lt 80 does not. I can see the eton slowly start to lose power going up the hill, ala the "little train that could" and we have to tow it up. The bike is all stock and with the excep of a Unifilter. The bike just seems to bog or run as if it was running rich but when I check the plug it is fine (rust color) and not wet or black. Being an 05, it has the dial setting CDI. Any help would be greatly appreciate by both me and my son. I don't know if the fact that my son is nearly 100 lbs has a great deal to to with it because when he uses the LT 80 he is able to climb the hills.

1. Cleaned Carb
2. Added Unifilter in stock air box
3. Changed plug
4. remove spark arrestor
5. tested compression and it is holder at 105 PSI WOT
6. checked Ignition Coil with volmeter and it was below specs, so I replaced it.

As far as it looks, the clutch housing has never been removed.

 

I am assuming you checked the clutch? Are you running paddle tires? Is the motor bogging down or reving high with no movement? A lot of people re-gear for the sand where you need to maintain a higher rpm. I would compare the gear ratio to the two.

I am willing to bet it's time for some clutch service

 

"I am willing to bet it's time for some clutch service"
Ditto.
We need to start there.
Update:: I do think the clutchs need maint, but this sorta sounds like a plugged pipe too.
There is a screen in the back of the pipe that will gum up bad and restrict/stop the exhaust flow.

 

Yeah I started by checking the spark arrestor screen (learned that from this great forums) and left it off and the bike runs the same. I am assuming and have not checked if these stock pipe are "repackable" I can only imagine how the packing material must be after 6+ years. It is the OEM pipe. I also know the bike does not run rich because I check the plug and its a nice dry rust color.

If I happen to do some clutch service, any recommendations on a drive belt?

Thank you again for your sincere advice and time you guys give on this website. Hope one day I learn enough to be able to give back.