Sorry for the long post: I just bought a 95 Xplorer 2-stroke 400 from my brother-in-law. It has had no maintenance for the 5 years he has owned it, and who knows prior. All he has ever done is add oil to the Transmission when it's low, 2-cycle engine oil, sprays the chain once a year with Polaris Chain Lube and swaps the plug when it starts running really bad. Amazingly enough, it runs great.

I'm pretty new to ATV's, but can handle car mechanics okay. I've been going through the manual doing the maintenance and am hung up on a few things.

1. The transmission fluid was full, but was a mix of clear and black fluid on the dip-stick. I drained it and it's a very, very dark gray color... almost black. It didn't smell burned though if that matters. Is there a way to flush this thing? Is it a good idea? Also, I guess I need to get replacement fluid from the dealer according to the manual. Any recommendations about using another brand?

2. I opened the Recoil drain and got a teaspoon of black oil out. No big deal I guess. I don't think I need to do anything more there.

3. I opened the Counter Balance Drain and got 3 drops of black goo to come out. I finally found the dipstick on this but didn't have a chance to figure out how to get to the handle yet. Should I just fill this back up? Any recommendations on flushing this also? I've got some SAE 10/30 to replace it with.

4. I opened the Crankcase Drain and got 2 drops of black goo to come out. I have no idea what should be in the crankcase of a two-stroke. I figure a crankcase on a 4-stroke should be full of oil, but a 2-stroke gets its oil from the gas doesn't it? I don't see anyplace to put oil into the crankcase anyway. Any recommendations there?

I haven't gotten to the plug, air-cleaner or lubing all of the other joints, so more questions to probably come later. Thanks a ton for any help!

 

Your doing good up to now.You need to get the tranny oil from the dealer and change it a couple of times to (after a few days) to get it cleaned up.The counter balance fill with 10w30 run it a few minutes then change it again(do this until it is clean looking and after that change it often)After you lube it check and tighten all 3 chains(areal pain in the butt) You should have a good machine after you service it up.

 

Thanks for the quick response.

What about the crankcase? Should there be any fluid in there when I open the drain?

Thanks again!