I have a 98 warrior, bought it new. I have never taken the spark ar. out of the pipe to clean it. Now I can't get it out, it's in there pretty good. Will it hurt my performance if I can't get it out to clean it? How often should you clean them? Thanks for your help.

 

i have a 99 warrior and had the same problem untill my dad got a hammer and a plyers and beat it out. NOw i run it without a spark arrester.

 

Take the retaining bolt out. Then take a medium size punch and stick it between the spark arrester and muffler itself. Tap it with a hammer until the spark arrester lip bends up slightly. Repeat this around the perimeter of the spark arrester until you can get some vise grips clamped onto it. Clamp some vise grips (they have to be TIGHT!!) to the little lip you've created on the spark arrester and tap outward on the vise grips. It may take a few minutes, but it will come out. Some WD-40 or other penetrating oil will help some. I never had any of mine get 'dirty' that bad , but pulled it out on my old '92 for closed course stuff.
hope this helps...
Greg Coats
'87 LT250R Quadracer
'00 Rancher ES 2X4

 

Will it hurt the warrior any running it without the spark arrestor?

 

it will hurt your wallet (and pride) if Mr. Forest Service Officer (or equivelent) catches you riding on public land...they can give you a ticket (or worse) for not having one. Removing it will make a warrior slightly more responsive (albeit LOUDER)
Greg Coats
'87 LT250R Quadracer
'00 Rancher ES 2X4

 

My spark arrestor was also frozen in the muffler. It was so tight, I tossed the retaining bolt like a moron. I rode on the dunes a few weeks later, and I lost it, finally. It sounds awesome now. Now I just have to avoid the forest service like the plague.