Hey guys, new to the forum and ATVs. There's this 95 Bearcat 454 that's been sitting for at least five years and doesn't run. Supposedly has low hours and there was no mechanical failure that resulted in it being inoperable. I'm mechanically inclined, doing almost all the work on my personal vehicle but I don't have any experience whatsoever with ATVs or carburetors. Ideally the machine just needs a battery, plugs and a fresh tank of fuel but worst case scenario, what am I getting myself into? I know nothing good happens to seals and gaskets when any engine sits for long periods of time without running but it is it even remotely possible this machine just needs some regular maintenance items to get running well? I know there's no specific question here but I would appreciate any insight or suggestions from guys more experienced than me in this area. I would hate to get a "good deal" on it and then have to spend lots of money and time making it usable.

 

You never mentioned the price, but if it’s cheap enough I’d say go for it. For the right price some work on it may be worth it, even if you have to buy a battery just to see if it will turn over before you buy it... If nothing else you can part it out.

 

Never mentioned the price but I think it would be worth around $1500 if it ran if that helps you. If the price is right, a little cleaning, oil change and new battery would run less than $100. Could be a real bargin.


Swampy

 

I agree with both of them if its a good deal take it and fix it up.

 

We're talking about $500 with a trailer. Sounds like a righteous deal even if I have to spend some money on it?

 

Dude, if you don't buy it you should have your head examined. Any road legal trailer alone is prolly worth that.

 

I agree with Deedawd

 

if you could rent one of them little flex cameras from the auto parts store you could use it to look in the cylinder to see if there is rust or anything corroding in it. If there isnt,and it looks clean,id pull the pull starter slowly to make sure it will turn over,then slap 500 bucks in the mans hand,throw it on the trailer and go home. put new gas with seafoam in it,drain the carb,(maybe put seafoam directly in to it and let it sit over night),flush it out,change the oil and plug,put in the new battery and fire it up,hopefully. Worse case you could part it out,like the a-arms,racks,seat,handle bars,axles,ect.. and probably get more tan $500 out of it. Personally,as soon as he said $500,i would have left with it that day. I definitely wouldn't try starting it till the whole fuel system is flushed/cleaned and /or replaced. If anything thats where your problem most likely will be. due to condensation and just old gas. assuming there isnt anything wrong with anything else.

 

Dump the gas tank, take the carb apart and remove all jets and clean all passages with a real small wire,carb cleaner and compressed air