I'm totally new to ATV's. I'm a lifelong deer hunter, and a nasty infection in my vertebrae has left me handicapped to the point that getting around the woods would be really tough. I had no choice but to get Minnesota's handicapped hunting validation, and I bought an old Yamaha '88 Big Bear 350. Can anyone help me with the compression release? I can't find good info on it in the on line manual, and I want to be able to use it if necessary. I think I found the lever, but I'm not even sure. When I flip this lever, as soon as I release it, it returns to it's "set" spot. Can anyone help me with this?

 

The CR lever is used for when you need to pull-start the quad. That is when you run the battery down and can not use the electric start like normal. Or some other problem that keeps you from using the push-button start.

The CR lever is supposed to stay engaged until the engine is cranked. Not spring back as you describe. Turn the engine over a partial revolution and it may stay engaged.

That said, the pull-start is difficult to use successfully, even if the engine is warm, the air is warm, and you are in good physical condition. In other words, it is pretty much useless for ATVs over 250cc. Many newer quads have deleted it. Like kick-starter backups on older street motorcycles.

BTW, I was only able to pull-start my old Honda TRX300FW a couple of times in the 10y I had it. Too hard. And I can still pull-start my 100cc chainsaw that does not have CR.