I just bought a none running 2000 Yamaha Bear Tracker 230 and having problems getting it to run, I cleaned the carb and drained the old gas and refilled with new gas. I am getting a good spark and it smokes when trying to start it but it will not run even when you prime it, it back fires sometimes while cranking. I noticed one the screws on the timing cover was stripped out like someone had tried to take it apart or over tightened the screw so I got the screw out and looked at the chain which looks very clean but seems very tight, there were a few finger prints on the inside of the timing cover so I am thinking somone has messed with the timing or chain and that is why it won't run. My question is does anyone know how to time this bike? I think I figured out the mark on the cam and the head but want to make sure I am right and find out the best way to time the bike. Any help would great, I want to get it right the first time instead of messing something else up or having to do it multiple times.

Thanks,

Dan Worth

 

id call a yamaha dealer... they could probably tell ya.

 

I would buy a service manual before i touched anything.

 

I agree get a service manual. Check correct jetting and needle placements as well, make sure no carb boots are leaking or off. I would replace the spark plug anyways, just to be sure. I don't have this quad so I can't help you much more than the obvious things.

 

what happened on the last run the timing chain could have slipped open the valve cover and look under there i bet you problem is there.