450s more trouble than it's worth
 

alright, ive got a 2003 450s that is giving me some troubles here lately. Every time i shut it off it backfires no matter if ive been idleing around it giving it he**. ive turned the idle down hoping that would help but it didn't. It is also next to impossible to get from 1st to neutral or reverse to neutral(or 3 to 2, 2 to 1 etc) unless it is rolling about 2-3mph. it will go into gear from neutral fine though. last problem is that there is a knocking or ticking from the front of the engine only when it's cold and only when it's in gear. no noise when in neutral and no noise after the clutch fully engages and starts to pull off in gear. only in gear, cold, and when it's getting ready to take off. thanks in advance.

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

Clean the carb! You sound lean, and it is probably from a clogged slow (idle/pilot) jet. These problems get even worse when the weather truns cold....

Have you ever done a valve adjustment??? Could be the reason for the "ticking".

Is this a foot shift model or electronic (you said S, did you mean ES???).

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

sounds like you need a clutch adjustment too.

rr, why is it so hard for you to believe the s is not infallable? he even has "s" in his signature. even if it was an es, you'd jump on it as being an electrical problem

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: MikeMrr, why is it so hard for you to believe the s is not infallable? he even has "s" in his signature. even if it was an es, you'd jump on it as being an electrical problem</end quote></div>

We have had lots of ES problem posts in here from day 1. Lately, I would describe it as a "flood" of ES problem posts. Time has proven that it is foolish to trust this system!!!

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

yes it is a foreman s. foot shift. I'll get to cleaning the carb as soon as i can and i guess i'll let a local shop do the valve adjustment. not sure if it's ever had the valve clearance checked or not i haven't had it all that long. however, if it was the valves, wouldnt it tick when it was in neutral not just when it's in gear? that's what has me stumped. as far as the clutch adjustment goes, can i do this myself or should i let someone with experience do it? i'm pretty mechanically inclined but would i need any special tools or anything? thanks for the advice!

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

The adjustment protocol is in the owner's manual. If you don't have a manual, we can go through it with you......

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

no i don't have the manual unfortunately. plan on buying a service manual before too long though. is there any way i could get an electronic version of the adjustment w/out paying for it? i hate to bother you guys with it but if you're willing so am I. thanks.

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

On the engine toward the front side of the quad (I don't want to say front of the engine, because that engine is actually in there sideways), you will find a slotted screw with a lock nut on it. On my Rancher, there are the words increase and decrease above it (in the case) and arrows...not sure if your 450 has those too...

Procedure:

Engine cold, ignition off, in neutral.

Loosen the lock nut, and turn the adjuster counterclockwise until you feel slight resistance.

Turn the adjuster back 1/4 turn clockwise, then tighten the lock nut to hold the adjuster in position.

Warm it up and take it for a test ride.

If adjusting doesn't do it, you may have other more serious issues with the transmission????

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

Tha backfire on shut off is usually from using oxygenated fuel. Try using pure gas( no added alcohol), and if that doesnt cure it, then turn the mixture screw out 1/4 turn.

450s more trouble than it's worth
 

thanks guys i got the clutch adjusted today. about what does it cost to have the valve clearance checked? thanks for all your help so far.