Glad i found this site, cause i need some help with a problem my UTV. It is a Kazuma Mammoth 800, has a Suzuki 3cyl. (F8b) engine. I just replaced the battery cables and the starter. The starter acts like it can barely roll the engine, and after a few attempts, it ends up locking up the engine. I can loosen the two mounting bolts, wiggle the starter and then tighten bolts again and continue to repeat the process. Looking at the teeth on the flywheel, they look fine and it is not missing a tooth that I can tell (could use a second look i guess).
Any ideas?

 

Do you mean the starter itself is locking the engine or the engine locks itself after the starter is engaged? Check the battery and replace it if necessary. Also check for corroded terminals on the battery. If the battery checks out alright then you most likely have an engine failure of some sort possibly a rod bearing. I am not familiar with this UTV or motor but that is my best guess. Best of luck.

 

Thanks Airb,
Starter is new, cables are new and I increased the gauge size. Charging battery and will try tonight.
Concerned that something is wrong in the engine and it is tightening up. But I can roll it very easily with the spark plugs out and really not that hard with them in. Why i am confused.

 

The starter puts out way more power than your hand so hopefully it's the battery. If it's not then you can check fuses in the machine and have a buddy press or turn the start key/button and measure the voltage at the starter wires.

 

Ok, well here is the deal. i had time this evening to play with it. First try locked up again. So I loosened the bolts and wiggled as usual to loosen it. But instead of tightening the bolts, i just barely snugged them to hold the start in place and hit the ignition key. Starter worked perfectly!!! unit started to fire (another post). So i tightened the bolts and it locked up again. So i put an 1/8" thick washer to space it out. Locked up again.Put in another 1/8" washer (now 1/4" out) and it is getting better, but not perfect. But had to call it a night before I try another.
Any idea what is causing this? I think i am going to take some measurements tomorrow and compare the old starter to the new one and see if any differences.