I got a 1997 Honda 300 4trax and about a month ago while trying to crank it, it backfired and then would not run. Engine turned over real fast while trying to crank. Checked the valves and the exhaust valve was too tight (according to service book) adjusted it and she fired right up. Well today my son was riding it while I was working on his Yamaha and when he tried to crank it the same thing happened again. Can some one please give me some info on why this is happening or what is causing this to happen. When it happened to me I had just bumped the starter button and did not hold it in until I knew it had cranked. Both times this happened the bike was warm from allready ben running and then cut off.

Thanks for any and all replies,
JC

 

no body else have this problem before?

 

I just sold the 97 model I bought new,didn`t have any problems at all.
But,is it possible that something is wrong with the compression release lever on top of head.Only thing I know that would let it turn fast is no,or low compression.
Next,I would check compression.According to my Clymer manual normal is real high,thinking it is around 180psi cold.I could lookit up if you try it.That`s all I can think of now.
Good Luck,Dizz

 

I checked the exhaust valve clearance last night. Again it was too tight so I readjusted. Fired right up. I wanted to check compression before and after adjusting clearance but was short on time and forgot to check it. Had not thought about the compression release lever being the problem, I never use it. Im just affraid something bad is going to happen, like drop a valve on the piston. Ive got a clymer manual so I will look up the correct compression and check it tonight and see what I get.
Thanks,
JC

 

I would try replacing the valves
also the timing maybe off, just a wild guess on the timing, but i would try to replace the valves

 

I had the top end rebuilt about 2 years ago. But I might need to play it safe and pull the head and check the valves out. I just read the octane thread, and it reminded me that I always run 89+ octane in my atv's except for this last fill up was with 87. It makes me wonder if maybe this bike dont like 87.

 

one more thing to think about,if it turns over fast,means as I said above compression issues.You could have carbon build up on a valve stem makind valve stick open.I would get some Seafoam,get it running without aircleaner(carefull,hear they can backfire this waythru carb)slowly put a cap full in intake,keep it running,then e even better at removing carbon in heads.I haven`t seen it at Advance.Others have found it locally.
Dizz

 

My local Advance sells seafoam. I like that thought, I believe I will try it.

 

somehow my complete post above above didn`t come thru.I would repeat the cap full in the intake.Then I would mix some with the gas,rate is on can&run it.Another product that some say is VG at removing carbon is called Ringfree.Some find it easily locally,some order internet.It`s not at Advance.
Dizz