I just recently bought 2 used LT80's from different people. The white one has a DG pipe, new carb (stock), and the jllucky wheel and tire kit (18x9.5x8's in the back) The yellow one has the stock tire and rims....stock everything..... Here are some questions
1. They both have the leaky petcock problem, I have read in some threads that people are putting regular quarter-turn valves on....The problem is that both are leaking right from the stock valve (especially when cold out). Is there a way to completely bypass the stock valve? Or is there any other suzuki valves that will work? Is there a rebuild kit? I know the valves new are around $80.00 is that the way to go.
2. The white quad with the DG pipe is prettier and has a lot of new parts, the yellow one was rough looking and need a bunch of stuff tightened up before my kids could ride it.....what I dont understand is why the yellow one with the stock pipe is so much faster than the white one (acceleration and top speed which elimintes tire size answer) Does anyone have any idea? I got both quads with no information as to what was done to them except the receipt for the new carb and pipe for the white one....Jet problems???? Thanks for any replies

 

I posted "LT80 Petcock" fairly recently. that might help a little. I went to 1/4 valve and a fuel filter and it works fine.

Where is your leakage?try prying off clip that has the "Res", "Pri" & "On" markings ( I found a dental pick worked well for that, or small screwdriver).then remove the actual valve piece that you turn. careful, there's a little spring there, and pay careful attention to which way everything is facing. Anyways, the valve lever has a rubber o-ring. try replacing that o-ring. since you mention weather affecting it, I really think that might be it. also, check to make sure screws at the back of the petcock are tight (the vacuum side). Also, make sure it's tight to tank. there's a rubber seal type gasket where it bolts onto tank. I don't know if you can replace that. Put some oil on o-ring to help push the whole assembly back together and get that clip back on.

one guy posted back to me that a Yamaha Banshee petcock will bolt into exact same hole and only costs $25. if you took tank off and took it to dealer (or wrecker), you could check and see if that's accurate.

When I took mine apart, both screens (filters) on the top of petcock were torn, which is why I added fuel filter. both the valve and filter are cheaper and more reliable fixes.

as for power;
1) check compression on both
2)are there any restrictors or governors in place (you wouldn't think so for all the other mods done)
3)do they both rev the same, just less speed on white one? (if so, maybe belt or clutching problems like I think mine may have).

watch my post about "LT80 lacks power". When I get things right, I usually post what happened as a courtesy to those that helped me, and for those who need the same help.

 

The petcock is also a "pulse feed" design. It will not let fuel pass in the on position without a pulse signal from the motor to flutter the diaphragm. That keeps the fuel from overflowing out the carb. A nice safety system that I personally like. Probably too much down time let it dry up some. Before cganging petcocks I would add a small in line fuel shutoff for just a few dollars.Bubba

 

why one is faster could be: front clutch not working properly. I've seen many with the grease dried up and hard as a rock and not allowing the rollers to go where they need to. Or maybe the rear clutch not sliding also.
If you serviced the clutch's,, then I'll have to think about it more [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Jack's back. How did things go on your trip?

 

should the clutches occasionally be serviced? I don't think mine have ever been looked at, and it's a '93.
just did both front brake cables this week. was surprised to see both so badly seized and rusty. started with the one I knew was broken, went to adjust, and then the second one wouldn't budge, and snapped. shoulda known, and ordered both at the same time.

 

If I could get my daughter off of the quad for a couple days I would tear into the clutches to check/adjust/service. I am waiting for a manual cause all I need is to mess something up....I have been looking for info on line on servicing the clutches and have come up empty...went thru a bunch of the threads too nothin difinitive....any links you know of? Thanks for all the replies

 

i don't know the quick answer. I have a factory manual. they give 2 tests, one for when it should start to move (2100rpm +/- 200RPM), and the other test you lock up all brakes, rev as hard as you can (for less than 10 seconds). You should reach 4600 rpm +/- 200rpm. if you don't, they recommend taking it apart for inspection.BOTH these tests are supposed to be done with warm engine.

All the info is about INSPECTION and REPAIR. The only MAINTENANCE seems to be the rollers. I also see posts about removing 2 clutch weights so it will engage quicker. I don't know what or where the weights are.

 

www.ronnies.com I found the parts diagrams...its under parts....I am getting the factory service manuals right from suzuki hopefully they will help....will keep posted, thanks for the help