I just got a prarie 400 from my father in law, its actually for my wife. Anyway its been setting for about a year. It seems to be runnging very hot, the engine and the kaps(well at least the case is extremly hot after its just been on for a few minutes. I had a lot of problems with it this weekend. sputtering and back fireing. i ended up looking at the air filter AND THERE WAS A DEAD MOUSE IN THERE. I have no idea how it could of gotten in the air filter compartment but it did. Also the belt seems to be missing out expecially at initial take off. I was wondering what I needed to do to tighten the belt, and maybe clean out the air hoses cause there might be some more mice living in there. thanks for any input. I rode that 4 wheeler about a year or so ago, and it used to have good take off, and a top speed at about 55, but now, I'm getting smoked my a honda rancher off the line and top end. The top end is now around 44 mph. thanks again.

 

the belt is loose, that makes it slip and reduces top speed. There may be some shims to remove to tighten it up. EPI sells a spring (white one, see their website) that will improve it over stock. Longer belt life. The belt was recalled, so make sure it has ribs on the top, or get it replaced. The smooth top ones are not safe.

Make sure the air filter is clean and sprayed with foam filter oil. Might consider running carb cleaner through it, and drive it around some. Try not to leave it long with the carb cleaner in it. Run it out.

I wrote down everything I know about the 400 on my website, in the tech tips area, including the recall.

 

Alternatively, there is a 500cc performance kit you can get from www.fourstroketech.com for the P400. Get a pipe for it too. Vroom!

 

If the machine was running well a year ago, sat for a year, and now doesn't run right, I would be seriously inclined to believe that you have fuel system problems. The gas has turned to slime; the carb is gummed up. As Nyroc (sorry, Master Nyroc [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] ) said, try some carb cleaner through it. But if it sat for a full year, I think the carb will have to come off, disassembled and soaked in a solvent tank. The gas tank should probably come off and be rinsed out too.
Typically, if a machine ran well before it was shut down and doesn't run right when restarted after a long layup, head straight for the fuel system; electronics and belt drives shouldn't be affected by a long layup. (Unless one of the clutches seizes on the shaft).

 

Yup, and if the carb cleaner doesn't work, you can remove the carb and clean out the sludge/flakes/varnish. Make sure every passage and jet is clean. Squirting carb cleaner spray with the red nozzles into the passages helps clean them and verify that they aren't clogged. It helps to wear safety goggles if you do this. Another thing, the carb is probably a cv carb, which means it has a diaphram and a slide that needs to slide easy. Sitting a long time might make it stick. Might have mouse droppings or something.

I put carb cleaner in a bike once, but it did not help. I put the cleaner in again, cuz I was stubborn, but it did not improve. I put carb cleaner in the third time, and it worked after driving halfway through the tank. Ran fine ever after.

Good luck with that carb. The belt is pretty easy. No special tools needed.

I ride with one of those 400's. they are great machines. They are very reliable, and start easy. Your hot running is probably due to running lean, but make sure the radiator is clean ouside and full inside.

 

Nyroc,


I have a question for you. I have already looked at your website and read all the 400 stuff. I wish that I could ride in some of the areas that you ride in but New York is to far from Texas for a weekend ride.lol My question is, do you know what EPI spring would be work on my 400 4x4? I am running 26" vampires and would like to get back some of the power that I lost with the bigger tires..

Thanks in advance
Ronnie

 

Get the white spring from EPI, it is what they recommend. After you get the white spring, you can adjust the spring preload on the 400 by choosing which holes to put the spring in. The "Belt Adjustment and Driven Spring" tech tip describes which way to go for tighter.

I realize the tech tips are not really professional quality detailed info, but having something there is better than nothing.

 

Thanks for all your input, After running carb cleaner through out and uncumming the choke, it began running alot better. I had to do it about 4 times each time running it out.
The belt is very loose and and I do believe it is slipping, and NYROC I did check to see if the belt was smooth on top and it was. I contacted my local dealer and they're not for sure if they can still do the recall for free lol. I have been to your sight NYROC, and i was going to try to do the belt tighting myself going by your instruction. but I chickened out and decided to wait and see if the dealership will just put a new one on first. After going over your site and stuff, I think i'm going to go out and buy the p650, seeing some of the Sh*t you was going through, kind of sold me. I'll let the wife have the 400. thanks again, its nice to have a forum like this, and even nicer that the guys who know more seem to share the info with all. see ya

 

That recall was a safety recall!! If your dealer gives you any grief, tell him you will discuss it with the Federal Transportation Agency. (Or whoever looks after that stuff in the US of A).

 

My dealer replaced my bro's recalled 400 belt two weeks ago without even seeing the quad. They just took my info, the quads info and gave me a new belt.