Just within the past day I have had a couple of things go south on my new to me 2002 Suzuk Ozark. First of all, the starter has gone out. I was able to pull start it but it was very hard to pull the cord. I don't know if this is related to the bad starter motor or not?


When I did get it started after many difficult tries (the pull cord felt like it was binding) there is a knocking sound at idle from the right side bottom of the motor. Don't remember this before but not sure if it was there or not. You know how it goes, you don't start to notice things until after you have had it a little while.


So, is the starter motor going out going to effect the pull cord? Does anyone else have a knocking noise at cold idle on their Ozark? thanks

 

Recoil start goes directly to the flywheel, but don't know if a worn starter clutch could be the causing this also. The knocking may in that area or a lower end rod bearing making the noise. 2003 Suzuki Ozark (LT-F250) STARTER CLUTCH | Babbitts Suzuki Partshouse

 

Just a suggestion here, you might pull the starter and see if there is any sign of damage to the gears and even have it tested by a competent starter rebuilder shop. You might also consider doing an oil change on the machine and run a magnet thru the old oil to see if their are any pieces in it. Both of these steps are inexpensive and might give you a better idea of what is going on.

 

There may be something broken inside the recoil housing, which would explain why its so hard to pull start.

 

Just a tip a friend showed me if you grab the pull rope and pull it past the first rotation of the engine and then try to pull start it your life will be a lot easier to the best of my knowledge I don't think there is a compression release anywhere on this four wheeler so if you rotate it wants to get you past the rough compression part