I have a 1998 warrior and the other day while riding it, I heard a CLANKING noise, so I shut it down. My dad and I was told from another brand dealer that Warriors are notorious for their rod bearings going out. Is this true? I got onto Parts Unlimited and priced a heavy duty crank, rod assembly. (+/- $300)
Are yamaha engines that bad to tear into with the transmission being a part of the engine, and with the split casing?
I can use any help and knowlege anyone has on this!

 

Warriors are not notorious for the crank going out. The internal workings of the Warrior engine are bullett proof (except maybe for the starter clutch). I would pull the top end apart and see what the problem is before I bought any parts. If it is the rod bearing (which I highly doubt unless you ran it low in oil) the top end will probably have to be bored and a new piston install, costing another $250.

The Warrior engines are fairly easy to work on. You can download a complete manual from sandwizards.com/tips&tricks. I have always removed my engines from the frame, removed the tope end, and pay a shop to split the cases and install the crank. It only cost me $140 for them to do the work @ $45/hr, I would say that's cheap insurance to know that all the little pieces in the cases are installed correctly.