I've only taken my quad out 3 times or so and maybe put about 4 hrs on it. It is a used 2002 Prairie 300. I went riding last weekend and it drove fine when loading and unloading. But as soon as I took off the quad started sputtering and wouldnt hardly move. This went on for about 5 minutes or so. Finally it starting running and took it out for about an hr, although it seemed to have some vibration and not full power. I had put gas in it right before we left from a can in the garage. To make a long story short - i got it back and took the plug out (the original) and it was completely black. Should this be any concern to me? Anything I should look for? I replaced the plug but hadnt had a chance to take it back out. The quad has about 30 hrs or so on it - and it hasnt had the valves adjusted.

Thanks
Jeff

 

Was it oil or fuel fouled?

 

Seeing that you bought it used; anything could have gone wrong. Start with the basics, new good gas 91 octane or even better, make sure air filter is in good shape (hell replace it, it's cheap), fuel filter and plug. If problem consists remove carb and blow out ALL jets. I dought it's the CDI box when they go wrong typically the bike won't start at all..

 

It sounds like your choke is stuck.

 

Thanks for the replies.

I finally took it out and it ran real well. I ended up putting a new spark plug in it (the old plug was black and dry)along with draining the old gas and putting new in. I have checked the air filter and it is clean. Didnt check the fuel filter though, guess I should do that. The choke could have gotten stuck - didnt think about that. Hopefully thats all it needed.

Thanks again

Jeff