Help! - 1997 Bayou with no power, what's Up?

[Johnny Rotten]

Hi, I have a 1997 Bayou 4x4 that is totally lacking in power. To get it moving I have to open the throttle at least half way, whether in low range or high range. I tried to pull my 14' aluminum boat tonight and it would barely move it. I have read some other older posts and they discuss carb and jet issues, I don't believe that it is the carb. because I just had it re-built. It acts like it is slipping a clutch. I had a polaris sportsman that acted like this just before the drive belt blew.

Also, this machine used to run really well and have all kinds of power until my teenager got his hands on it and drives it like a racecar, is it possible that the valves are going?

Any direction that anyone could give would be greatly appreciated.

An additional thought I had, and possibly unrelated, -when the Bayou is running I think I can hear a jingling or clicking sound, I say 'think' because I am hard of hearing and nobody else seems to notice it. This jingling noise has been going on for a couple of years, the loss of power has been slowly developing over this summer.

Thanks!

[86klf300guy]

hello is your machine hard to start when its cold?

how long ago was the carb rebuilt or cleaned?

hows the plug look,black and sooty,ashy ?

did your teen run it through water mud etc?

it prolly wouldnt hurt to have the valve lash checked if they have not been checked for a while.

but im leaning towards bad fuel or carb being dirty.let use know what the plug looks like and we will go from there.also let us know about cold starting.

[Johnny Rotten]

Hi, thanks in advance for the help.

The machine starts right up when it is cold. I had the carb rebuilt by a dealer earlier this summer, it probably only has about 6-7 hours on it since.

I just pulled the NGK plug, it had some carbon on the threads but the tip was kind of a tan or light brown color, it didn't look burnt at all and it was completely dry. The plug is fairly new, it was changed earlier this summer, again probably not more than 6-7 hours on it. Not sure if it makes a difference but it was only finger tight when I took it out.

The machine has not been in the water or mud just around and around in a big field and from what I saw always at full throttle.

Also, since I got the carb rebuilt I have been running fuel additive in it.

Thanks again, I really like(ed) this machine when it was running well but I am getting kind of frustrated with the loss of power. I look forward to your help.

[86klf300guy]

replace that plug and tighten it up .a loose plug can cause compression loss when it warms up due to expansion and even when its cold.

the additive would explain the tan color of the plug tip.

but even though you had the carb cleaned it still can get crap built up in the jets.due to dirt can fall in the tank while fillin or may have had crap in the fuel station supplie. i use a coffee filter to filter the fuel while pourin it in the tank you be suprised what it left in the filter.

replace that plug first clean the air filter.and try that first if no improvements then you may be lookin at a carb clean again. keep us posted on your findings -corey-

[Johnny Rotten]

Thanks Corey. I will replace the plug this weekend and clean the air filter and give it a whirl. I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks again, -John

[Johnny Rotten]

Okay, I replaced the spark plug with a new properly sized NGK plug and I cleaned the air filter. It has been relatively cold here (20-40 degrees) but the machine started right up and idled fine. after it warmed up I took it for a spin, when given a little gas it sounds good but when given more it sounds like it wants to cut out. If I accelerate very slowly the engine seems to keep up with the the throttle increase without cutting out. After about 5 minutes of riding at a steady and relatively slow pace I wanted to see how it would respond when I gave it more aggressive throttle. When I tried to accelerate and up shift the engine seems to respond but just raced as all of the power was not transfered to the wheels. The machine would pick up speed slowly but not with the same response as the throttle was pushed

Is it possible that I have a couple of problems?

[86klf300guy]

yeah it sounds that way ,,,,,but the power is back? just can not go due to slippin of the clutchs.do you use regular engine oil in this machine when you change the oil?if so that will cause the clutchs to slip due to the fact engine oil does not have friction modifiers in it.you have to use motorcycle oil that is approved for wet clutchs.

if you have not used regular oil then it may be time to go in the shop and have the clutchs adjusted unless you have a manual to adjust it.or it may have a broken clutch disc spring or bad clutch pack.will have to open the case and inspect what is goin on i guess.best of luck on the repairs -corey-

[86klf300guy]

oh yea i forgot start usein seafoam in your tank instead of the fuel additive.sea foam will clean and protect your carb and fuel.that

that jinglly sound you hear may be a broken clutch spring have it inspected asap and dont ride it no more untill it has a clear bill of health.it may damage more things and cost more money to repair.

[Johnny Rotten]

Thanks Corey, I really appreciate the advice.