Had it running after fixing timing from previous owner, fixed elec start by jumping a switch off solenoid. Started fine about a dozen times, had it driving.... then tonight it missed when firing up a few times, and got sorta clunky rolling over... Finally nothing but a free spinning starter. Pulling it is also free, no resistance. It sounds like some rattling in the head somewhere. Could the timing chain come off, or break? What else could it be?

 

Edit: maybe internal starter gears/teeth? Clueless.

 

man, i wish it was easier to edit your posts here. So, I took the magneto cover off and starter gears were fine. It looks like the chain is intact, however it doesn't move when I hit the start, just kind of rattles around. I can't see behind the large sproket/gear that's behind the flywheel/magneto. Could it have slipped off back there? Not sure how it could've happened with the chain tensioner working. Lastly, any simple tricks to removing the flywheel without a puller? Does the nut come off the shaft first, and how to hold flywheel while removing? Do the 3 hex nuts inside the magneto need to be removed? Just haven't pulled a flywheel before, but it looks like my problem is behind the magneto.

 

sounds like your atv starter clutch one way bearing is slipping behind flywheel an isn't holding the gear on flywheel to turn engine over!!!

 

is that a simple bearing replacement behind the magneto/sprocket? what size is the nut that needs to come off the shaft prior to pulling the magneto? i picked up a harmonic puller to see if that'll work.

 

For anyone elses future reference, the timing chain tensioner had locked back and the timing chain jumped the lower sprocket. Pulled it apart, replaced the tensioner, readjusted timing on the top end, and its good to go.