Today I was riding down the trail and all of a suddon the quad starts to bog down I start to shift down and it dies. I manage to get it going again. When I had the key one the fuel pump wasnt on ( fuel pump is wired to the ignition I know its not supposed to be that way but it works like it so why change a good thing). Will having the fuel pump wired to the ignition cause the fuel pump to go bad ? After I got it going the first time I drove on then a little later it shut off the same way. While out on the trail I checked the spark the spark color was yellow (weak). I put my thumb over the spark plug hole and the compression felt good (this isnt really a good way to check compression though). What do you all think I could check ?
Im thinking that maybe the fuel pump has gone out.

Thanks for all of your help

 

Fuel pump?

 

Here's are the two things it sounds like it could be to me.

1.
Your carburetor has a bowl at the bottom where it temporarily stores fuel it is about to use. My theory is that maybe as the fuel is being taken out of the bowl (to be used in the air fuel mixture) the bowl is at the same time not refilling fast enough from the gas tank, thus the deletion rate from your bowl is exceeding the replenish rate from the gas tank. Since your fourtrax doesn't have a fuel pump (all gravity and vacuum feed) check the fuel line running from your fuel tank to the carb for any obstructions. Also if you have an in-line fuel filter between the carb and the tank replace it. Finally, also check your fuel valve (On-Off-Res) and make sure it is free of any obstructions. You could blow some compressed are backwards through your fuel system.

2.
Your alternator is faulty. As you begin your rides your battery may just have enough juice to get you going for a while then when there is no more power your ATV begins to bog down due to a low spark and a completely drained battery. Also when was the last time you had your battery tested?

Be advised I could be completely wrong in the suggestions I have mentioned above. I am not a mechanic just have some hands on experience.

Good Luck

 

With a 17 year old ATV, I would bring all the maintenance up to date first. Think of it as giving your ATV a general physical exam.

Fuel system: Drain all the gas, inspect for dirt and other particules in the tank. Clean the fuel petcock. Replace the rubber hose to the carb. Remove the carb and spray with carb cleaner, clean the carb bowl. ..but don't change any settings. Replace carb and use fresh fuel. Note: When the carb is out of the ATV, gently shake the carb to see if the slide ratttles, indicating a worn slide. Also, check for binding of the slide. Also check all hoses for proper connections. Clean the air cleaner and make sure it is installed properly.

Electrical: New plug, charge battery and check timing. Note: Do not merely check the old plug and reinstall. New means new. Get a new spark plug wire. Check all connections.

Lube: Change oil (did the 86 have a filter? if so change it too). Inspect old oil for particles, water and foam.

Throttle cables. Check for easy movement and lube or replace as necessary.

Once you have the results of the general physical you will be in a better position diagnose the problem.

 

Knowing the 350, the probability is your fuel pump took a dump. Will it run at all right now?

 

I Changed the plug before the ride. As of right now when I turn the key on I hear the fuel pump but it still wont start. Im thinking that the vent lines for the gas tank are plugged considering we were riding threw a lot of mud and the vents for the gas tank are not routed up. T he stator assemly and magneto is fine ( I had it going before the ride and let it run without the battery in it ) unless it give out on the ride. Im not sure if it will run as of right now because the quad is kept at my sisters house. Oh yeah the battery was just charged up. When the atv runs it runs great. This problem only started after we were riding in mud and water. When I left the quad at my sisters house last night I turned the key on to start it and I could hear the fuel pump but the quad still wouldn't start ( thats why im thinking the vent line for the gas tank could be plugged ). I never clean old plugs they are cheap you might as well throw a new one in there. These old hondas (From what I know) were known for eating spark plugs. Thanks for all the help guys. I will let you know what the problem is when I find it.

 

Well I think its the fuel pump. some times the pump will vibrate with the key on and sometimes it wont so I took the line off the carburetor to see if it was pumping and it wasnt.

 

Well I have more trouble with this thing im ready to beat the hell out of it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now when I turn the ignition on there is no power (can't turn on the lights or anything) the battery has power because I put a screw drive across the solonoied and the starting motor had lots of power to turn the engine over. I have checked the fuses. As of right now I have the front fenders removed. I think I might just break down and buy a repair manual so I will have the wireing diagram. I might get a whole new wireing harness yet because this one has been picked at by a lot of dummies and its chopped up.
Looks like I should have stayed a Yamaha MAN ! LOL.
Thanks for any advise or help.

 

on my 86 honda fourtrax, it's just a matter of either disconnecting or reconnecting the 2 big FAT JUICY wires way up between the handle bars that allow my "neutral, reverse, oil lights to light up... all my lights and everything work on mine. no Troubles yet. I'm not sure if that same switch affects my overall headlights and crap... Your problem sounds like it shouldn't be too hard to figure out, it must be a main wire/switch/connection that's your problem if all your fuses are good. Make sure you have a really good ground too, I know when I had my ground just a tad loose, nothing lit up.

 

I have found the problem with the lights. There is something messed up back in the fuse box. I can move the fuse box a little bit and the lights turn on and I have power. I think I might end up replacing the fuse box.