need help!
Apr 22, 2001 | 11:39 AM
#1
Thread Starter
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Trailblazer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 75
Likes: 0
looking at a 96 400 xpl , the starter is shot , is this common and is it an expensive fix, also how many miles do you get out of bushings, any other things to look at that may be trouble on a 400 xpl 1996.thanks
Apr 22, 2001 | 12:58 PM
#2
Pro Rider
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 0
Starter problems are fairly common if these machines are driven a lot in deep mud and/or water. The starter is on the bottom of the engine, with nowhere to go once it gets in. What exactly is shot in the starter? Does the motor whirl, but not crank the engine? If so, the drive may be sticking, not nearly as serious if the starter was toast completely.
As far as bushings go, that is completely dependant on how the machine was driven and maintained. I have seen a 400 Xplorer with 12,000 miles on it, with only the center steering bushing and tie rod ends replaced on the entire chassis due to proper greasing. I have also seen bushings wobbled out in 1500 miles because of mud driving and no grease.
After checking the usual looseness in the steering and suspension joints, pay extra special attention to where the rear swingarm hinges on the frame. These have been known to work loose with hard riding, particularly on the right hand side. If the bushing is loose, no big deal. I am talking about the mounting bolt working loose where it mounts to the frame. If this happens, the mounting hole will get egg-shaped, and can only be fixed properly by welding on a new 'ear' or washer to the frame.
Check the 4wd system, obviously. Be sure the front wheels will pull while in 4wd, and also be sure they let go when in 2wd. Look the chains over good, and sprockets.
Be sure the pull-cord works freely. If water gets in the starter, it can also get rust in the mechanism, making it not work smoothly.
Look at the struts and rear shock. If they are leaking oil, they don't have a whole lot of life left. Also look at the oil injection pump (the little box in front of the engine towards the bottom, with a cable running into it & a couple hoses). It shouldn't show signs of leaking oil. If it does, it may be pumping oil on the ground more than into the engine.
I am sure others will have more things I didn't think of.
Good luck on your purchase (if you get it)!
As far as bushings go, that is completely dependant on how the machine was driven and maintained. I have seen a 400 Xplorer with 12,000 miles on it, with only the center steering bushing and tie rod ends replaced on the entire chassis due to proper greasing. I have also seen bushings wobbled out in 1500 miles because of mud driving and no grease.
After checking the usual looseness in the steering and suspension joints, pay extra special attention to where the rear swingarm hinges on the frame. These have been known to work loose with hard riding, particularly on the right hand side. If the bushing is loose, no big deal. I am talking about the mounting bolt working loose where it mounts to the frame. If this happens, the mounting hole will get egg-shaped, and can only be fixed properly by welding on a new 'ear' or washer to the frame.
Check the 4wd system, obviously. Be sure the front wheels will pull while in 4wd, and also be sure they let go when in 2wd. Look the chains over good, and sprockets.
Be sure the pull-cord works freely. If water gets in the starter, it can also get rust in the mechanism, making it not work smoothly.
Look at the struts and rear shock. If they are leaking oil, they don't have a whole lot of life left. Also look at the oil injection pump (the little box in front of the engine towards the bottom, with a cable running into it & a couple hoses). It shouldn't show signs of leaking oil. If it does, it may be pumping oil on the ground more than into the engine.
I am sure others will have more things I didn't think of.
Good luck on your purchase (if you get it)!
