Where there’s smoke, there’s oil. Dear ATVC: Hello again. I purchased a used Coleman AT125-UT that was not running. Replaced spark plug, and carb. The ATV will crank and is really hard to get started now. What’s concerning to me is there is smoke coming from spark plug hole when being cranked. Once running (and […] More »

When you know it’s electrical, but don’t know what. Dear ATVC: I have a 2001 Polaris Sportsman 500 that won’t start. When jumped it will but doesn’t charge new battery. 1. New battery 2. New solenoid 3. New starter 4. New stator Any tips? Please, I know it’s old but I just love this quad. […] More »

Think of it as taking a class. Dear ATVC: I found a Honda 300 on Facebook not running for $600. The owner says it turns over and has spark but won’t start. I don’t have a lot of money to put into it – should I take a chance or pass on it? If it […] More »

Let’s make this a memorable riding season for all the right reasons. Memorial Day represents a moment to remember those who have served this great nation but unofficially it also marks the beginning of the riding season. We like to take that opportunity each year to share golden rules of ATV/ off-road safety. Many of […] More »

The fuel injected 750. Dear ATVC: I have an 08 Suzuki King Quad 450. The battery on it was dead (it sat for about 2-3 months). I hooked a battery charger up to it today and with the charger hooked, I could start it, but it would only stay running if I held the start […] More »

Relic from the past? Dear ATVC: What ever happened to compression release levers on ATVs? I remember in the 90s, all my machines had them (even my electric start Suzuki 4×4) and now they are all but non-existent. Have ATVs been designed to run less cylinder pressure in recent years? You are indeed correct that […] More »

Are ALL of these things essential? Dear ATVC: I just bought the 3-wheeler off a buddy with a broken pull cord, a missing dog ear spring, and a missing compression spring. I ordered everything but the compression spring. Is that vital or will it start (though a little rough probably) without? Well the good news […] More »