I recently purchased an 86 230 Quadsport, which seemed to run very well. I had it topped out at 55 mph the night before it started giving me problems. It just began to cut out after riding for about 2-3 hours. Then it was making a lot of engine noise and leaking oil from the top end of the motor. Next it died and acted as the motor had seized. When I tried to kick start it again it was very hard, it acted like it had seized. I finally got it running and it will still run, but when I drive off it starts making engine noise like the piston is hitting against the cylinder or something. What should I do? Does this sound like a top end needing rebuilt or the lower end? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

One thing is for sure, I wouldn't ride it any more until you get it fixed. If its only a top end rebuild that needs to be done then if you keep riding it eventually your going to cause more damage to the motor. You could of had a ring slip on the piston, but normally that would seize engine completely. In that case you would may need to rebore the cylinder if its scratched and by new pistion rings set. I don't know much about 4 strokes. I would deffinatley plan to have a trusted mechanic look at it though. More than likely the more you ride it the more its going to cost you in the long run.

 

Thanks for the quick response, I'll take it in. I was hoping it was only the top end because if they have to split the case and rebuild the top end I would probably not have it done.

Thanks again,