I have no clue what to look at on ATV’s, so I need some help…

A friend has a 94 Polaris 300 4x4 – he is asking $1250, told me I could have it for $1000.

Here is what is wrong with it (to my knowledge)

Rebuilt engine – oil injector went out and burned up previous engine. New engine converted to pre-mix
Elec start does not work – probably the solenoid
Pull start works, but return spring will need to be replaced
Front sproket slips when putting in to 4WD – this is what I was told, I will check that tonight

I have not seen the ATV, but plastic is supposed to be good, tires, seat good also.

I was planning on offering $750 and see if he bites.

Any comments on this ATV in general? What else should I look at?

Thanks,
Shawn

 

Other things to check include:

Rear swingarm - they sometimes get loose on the right hand side. For some reason, the left side seems to stay tight. I am referring to the mounting bolt working loose. Check both sides for worn bushings.
Front A-arms - be sure they don't move front-to-rear. If they do, the parts are only $20 or so, but you gotta figure something for installing them.

Be sure both hubs lock. The front sprocket slipping is not a big deal. You will need new sprockets & chains, which might run from $100 - $200 depending on if you need just one or both front chains & sprockets. Do yourself a favor and replace the chain & both sprockets it rides on as a set. Will make the replacements last far longer. There will be quite a lot of time spent replacing these, but it isn't difficult. Just a lot of bolts to remove & re-install. You could luck out & only need to tighten the chains up for now.

If the return spring for the pull start is bad, and the electric start don't work, I would suspect water got into the starter housing. Both the electric & manual starter mechanisms utilize the same housing, and if water gets in there it makes the starter drive rusty & stick, as well as the recoil (usually what happens first is the rope doesn't rewind easily. Repairs could be as simple as disassembly, cleaning, and lubing (get the special Polaris waterproof starter grease) or as costly as complete replacement.

At least the price doesn't seem too steep.

Farmr

 

Welcome!

I would also check the swingarm bearings, rear axel bearings, shocks, ball joints, a-arm bushings, the hubs for any leakage, check the chains over eal good for any missing rollers, check the clutches for any significant wear, check the steering for slop.

All in all, $1000 sounds pretty decent

 

Thanks for the tips…now more questions!

How do you check bushings? Visual inspection?

How do I check the stuff that BigBadScrambler mentioned?

Thanks,
Shawn

 

Best way I know of to check swingarm bushings & rear axle bearings is to put a jack under the rear part of the skidplate, just ahead of where the swingarm attaches to the machine. This way the swingarm hangs free. By wiggling on the rear wheels, you can feel any looseness, and if you have a helper, they can wiggle it, if it is loose, and you can look exactly where it is loose.

Farmr