I have a '98 lt 250 that won't start when I use the electric start. When I try to crank it first thing in the morning with the electric start it will not crank. The starter is turning over and everything is sounding right but it will not hit. If I use the pull starter, it will crank right up after 1 - 5 tries. After I then ride it for a little while I can restart it with the electric start with no problem the rest of the day. Can someone help me? I don't understand why I can crank it fairly easily with the pull start but not at all with the electric start the first of the day.

 

I have an 89 quadrunner that had the same problem. The starter clutch was bad. Unlike a car with a bendix that kicks the gear forward to engage the flywheel, the starter turns a one-way clutch that in turn spins the motor. If the clutch goes it will start slipping. The starter will spin but won't spin the motor. If you want to change it out (assuming it is the same set up as mine) you need to pull off the case cover and pull the magneto to change it. Do not use a gear puller to pull the magneto. I tried and ended up breaking the magneto, busting a hole in the case, and mashing the threaded end of the crankshaft. Fortunately my buddy is a welder and was able to build a proper puller, and repair everything I screwed up.