new here , just got a raptor. and im having a spark problem. when i first got the quad it wouldnt idle had to keep reving it up to keep it running. so i checked the carbs, they are clean and all the boots are put back on tight.
now it has developed a new problem. first it wouldnt start so i pulled the plug to check for spark, it didnt have any spark. so i changed the coil. still no spark. my buddy (who i bought it from his brother) insisted if we pulled it down the road it would start. well we pulled it, and it started but wouldnt stay running. so i checked the plug again it looked fine , there was no spark and there was oil in the spark plug hole. not in the cylinder but around the spark plug. assuming its a valve cover gasket. would it be the cdi box doing this ? the stator maybe. im lost . i checked for loose wires all over the bike. even tried jumping the wires for the e-brake switch. please help me. im new to the raptor and its not giving me a very good first impression. thanx in advanced.

 

THIS MIGHT SOUND DUMB, BUT YOU DIDNT SAY IF YOU PUT A NEW SPARKPLUG IN IT??

 

yes i put a new plug in. but grounding the plug out on the head and turning it over doesnt produce any spark from the plug. so im assuming that its only getting spark at a higher rpm considering it started when we pulled it.

 

Disconnect the stator cable that plugs into the rectifier/regulator and look for spark again.

And regarding the dying at idle, did you try to adjust the idle speed knurled **** that's at the left rear of the carbs?

 

hey thanks Quad-Maniac that fixed the spark problem. but it still runs like crap wont idle. would the valve cover gasket being blown make it run like crap? fired it up and its spitten oil out around by the plug. thanks again.
.

 

Your stator is bad. May not be what's affecting idle though. You may have two separate problems. Have you attempted to raise your idle speed by turning the knurled **** to the left rear of the carbs?

If you can't get it to idle easily, I'd replace the stator first, and see if the idle issue is still there.

BTW, the problem in the stator is that one of the windings used by the ignition has shorted to one of the windings used for charging. You can ride as much as you want with the rec/reg disconnected, as long as you are aware that your battery will not be charging. Charge it fully at home with a battery charger, minimize use of the starter, and don't turn on your headlights and you can get away with a lot of riding! (bring jumper cables, lol)

Good Luck!

 

BTW, oil on the plug could make it run like crap, allowing much of the spark's energy to short directly to the head. Clean the hell out of the spark plug hole, and the spark plug body, using alcohol as the final cleaner and then dry with compressed or canned air. Clean the plug boot thoroughly, inside and out with alcohol and then dry it and plug it back in all the way. See if the problem goes away, at least until oil starts soaking back in there again.

Oh, yeah.... Fix the oil leak!

 

im just gonna have to replace the gasket because its blowing alot of oil . its dripping all over the place. would be worthless to clean it out at this point. are these raptors known for this? when i replace it should i use any gasket sealer or just replace it dry? or should i just sell it now before it becomes a money pit?

 

It's the front valve adjustment access cover (called the exhaust tappet cover in the manual) gasket? Should be a very easy fix. No sealer is required unless the surfaces have been scratched or damaged.

You will continue to have maintanence/repair issues with a used quad. If you average the cost over time, it's not too bad. Certainly less than the monthly payments on a new one, lol.

I've got 4, and the Rappy does requre the most tender loving care, but I'm keeping it. It's too damn much fun.

Do you have a manual? You can download it free from Bluetraxx.com and Raptorforum.com among other places. BTW, Raptorforum.com is the most comprehensive forum with one just for the 660 and a boat load of 'experts'. It's my favorite.

Good Luck!

 

when u say tappet cover , u mean the round things on the fron of the jug with nuts on them ? if so i dont believe its neither of those . its coming out of the plug hole and its running out the drain hole on the side of the engine. and thanxs again for all your help maniac you have been very helpful. i probably woulda change the cdi box if not for you.

and yes i do believe this is the best forum by far. ive checked a few and i had no help elsewhere.

as for the rappy being fun i really wouldnt know i only got a day of riding out of it before it took a fit and i didnt even get used to it. little taller than what im used to. but thats compared to my other quads ive had wich were all 2-strokes. banshee and an lt250r quadracer. still got the banshee but shes down for a bore.

thanx again for the help its well appreciated.