I have two questions. First off, I am very new to ATVs and not too mechanically enclined yet, but im learning. I bought a 02 Timberwolf 2wd. I feel my atv is not getting enough spark. The spark is very faint and fluctuates around my new plug. What do I replace or look at to resolve this problem?
Second, I bought a used starter for my ATV. It also came with a reduction gear. I noticed a white dot on the reduction gear. What does that mean? I see no other marking on the flywheel where it should line up. And when I put it all together and hit the start button there is major hesitation in it turning over and does not crank. And also sounds like junk like the reduction gear has major play in the case.
Any help would be appreciated!! thank you

 

Does the quad run? If so why are you concerned about the spark?

As for the starter no you don't have to line up the starter gear teeth with the flywheel teeth a certain way. Its not like timing gears or something etc.
Is your battery good and fully charged?
Mabe the used starter is in bad shape?? What was wrong with the original starter??

Will this thing have a pull start back up? If so can you start it?

 

Well the starter wasnt working when i purchased it. The solenoid looks like it burnt it out because the guy I bougth it from told me the starter kept running after the motor was running. But no, I have never heard it run, just turn over. At first I thought it was the spark but any spark should ignite, right? Tending to think it is the used starter. Fully charged battery, and 12V at the starter wire. What does the two small wires coming off the solenoid, what are those for? Thank you for the response

 

The 2 smaller wires on the starter solenoid are what engages the starter relay when the starter button is pressed. They should have 12Volt DC across them when the button is pressed. 1 wire is a ground, and the other wire is 12VDC+ probably coming from the starter button. The 2 big wires are the power wires for the starter. The wire comes from the + side of the battery to the relay, when the relay is engaged by the starter button, it sends power on through the relay straight to the starter motor. Ground (-) is picked up from the engine, as the engine should be grounded.

If you have a slow starter, the starter motor could be bad. You need to have 12 volts at the starter while cranking. If you don't, the battery or wiring could be bad.

 

Well I don't know the history of this machine. But why not see if it runs before you put too much time into the electric starting system.

Make sure it has good fuel, some compression and spark which you say you can see.

Put the choke on and see if you can start it manually. If nothing happens pull the plug out and see whats up. Is it still dry - no fuel or wet- fuel fouled etc.

 

OK, thank you for all the help, I will check all that stuff.