Guess I got in over my head... 1986 Bayou 300

[ortred]

*Update 07/17/2006*

Looks like it was the battery. After an overnight charge, it started right up. Thanks again all!

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*Original*

Hey all,

I’m new to the forum, and got a problem.

I purchased an 86’ Bayou 300 from my old boss about two weeks ago for $600. Thought it was a good deal since he just put about $500.00 in tires on it last year and it runs good.

I thought it would be a fun project to get it cleaned / fixed up for a weekend warrior trail quad. The only problems with the quad was that it had about 20 years of grease and grime on it and has a small amount of white smoke come out of the tail pipe when I accelerate. I completely cleaned the quad, inside fuel tank (small amount of rust), carburetor, etc. And now that I have it all back together, de-rusted, new expensive parts, repainted, sparkling clean…. you guessed it; won’t start. Don’t know what I’ve done; I have great fuel flow from the tank and the carburetor float chamber has fuel. I finally got it started once, but it only stayed running for about a minute. Does anyone have any advice for me? I guess I let the low price get me into trouble; now I’m into this quad for over $700.00, and it doesn’t run

Please help.

Thanks,
-Jason

[Lakeshore]

Hows the compression and are the valves adjusted properly?

[ortred]

I'm not much of a mechanic, but my father in-law seems to think the compression is good. He just mentioned last night that he thinks the battery may need charging, because the starter turnover speed is very slow, and everytime I try to start it, it seems slower. So I’m going to charge the battery and then see if it will start.

The valves should be ok, because I didn't touch them. The quad did start fine before I rebuilt the carb and removed the battery.

[sebastian1000]

double check your wiring to make sure your grounding is good? Also if you are getting a drain that would explain the starter....I would definately be looking for a drain if it were me....do you have a voltmeter? I would charge the battery and then let the thing sit for a bit and then recheck the battery with the voltmeter to see if there is a drain. I would also recommend a compression check which is fairly easy. I am just kinda throwing these out there and good luck on the fix.

[ortred]

Yes, I do have a voltmeter. The battery registered 11.89vdc. I'll charge it and see what happens, then look into the compression if need be. Thanks

[sebastian1000]

Well if you are registering 11.89 and it is a six cell battery with 2 volts per cell then you should be fine. I would actually not charge it then and just recheck the battery over some time.....seeing if you get the same reading. I wish I could be of more help. Anyone else more knowledgable inclined to comment?

[1400pilot]

check and make sure the jet orifices are open, they are very small and will plug with the smallest particle, pull the bowl off and remove the jets and use a small drill bit usually size 78, or a small paper clip to run thru the jets to make sure they arent plugged