Here is the story. I have been looking for a 4 wheeler for hunting and have a chance to trade for this one. ###Trade my 4 wheeler for your Jon Boat
My concern is the 2wd to 4wd issue may be more than a switch. Any input would be helpful the deal goes down tomorrow. Also what are some things to look for when I get it off the truck B4 commiting to the trade.

 

On a 20 year old machine always expect things needed to be fixed. Look first at the front drive shaft cv boots for any splits/damage. The awd could be something simple,but it's not usually a switch unless the switch in the shift box on this model is worn and doesn't engage at all times. Other problems could be inter such as the coil armature plate,worn coil sleeve,or even a damage strut itself.

 

I am pretty much going into this blind. I don't even really know what yr, model this is.
the coil armature plate, worn coil sleeve is all greek to me. I have a 1969 john boat I am trading for it with a 30 yr old 9.9 johnson outboard. I understand the CV boot. How can I test the 4WD issue if even possible I am not mechanical except minor issues(oil change, plug, carb cleaning)

 

looks lile an early trailboss but not sure. being the age and it being a 2 stroke it might be time for a top end as well if it has alot of time on it. it could be that the hub oil has never been changed causing the awd issue or maybe worse, so there is really no good way to check if it is elec. or mechanical being the issue. but, guessing it wouldn't be a real expense to fix or maybe even taking the switch apart to check for contact corrsion being the issue?? you would want to check all the u joints and cv boot/joints for damage or extreme wear as this is where the expensive repairs come into play. carb cleaning and such are easy on the 2 strokesm so a service is fairly simple on the older bikes. as mentioned it might be a crap shoot or it might be fine. good luck.

 

Best way to test the awd is jack up all 4 tires if you can. A lot of problems on the old models was wear on the gear shift box switch,if the awd is intermittent as the owner says. My on this one as I've had several boats and outboard engines myself. These old outboards run forever. I'd try to sell it out right and go for a later model than this old 91 or 92 looking atv.

 

Thk for all the advice and help after seeing it and riding it. I passed I wanted something for hunting and this thing was extremely loud and only had one gear. I was not impressed.
The boat I had the guy messed around and caused issues. I only had the ear muff type water for the boat motor and he reved the motor up and just cause all kind of problems keep cutting it off then restarting it and finally he flooded it, he broke the pull rope so I had to go out and buy rope and replace it and that was hard.

 

Glad you passed on this old 2 stroke! Get the boat fixed,sell it and keep a look out on your local Craigslist for a better atv. You can use the the first one you rode as a guide as to what not to buy..