fourtrax 300 4x4 problems starting

[monster 84r]

my 93 fourtrax 300 4x4 has been having problems lately. it will not start, except once in a while. i choke/new gas/ new plug/ etc, but it just wont start. i put a new plug in it, and it started right up. i went back today and it does the same thing. plug looks ok, brownish but new. i pulled it out and cranked it w the plug on the wire, i didnt see a spark , but when i grabbed the plug wire it shocked me, so its getting some spark. it was running fine, but for about a year its been like this. it was rebuilt and thats it. anyone have any ideas?

[monster 84r]

ok today i went back out and tried to start it again. it starts for a second then quits. by the time you let off of the start button its gone. i pulled the plug, and its dry and black. can anyone shed some light on this? i really need some help on this one, any suggestions appreciated! oh would worn rings or warped anything cause this?

[wheelie king]

It sounds like a fuel/air/timing problem. Do a search on the forums for plug coloring and stuff like that. This was covered in detail a couple months back....i.e. what the condition of the plug means (rich/lean, etc) Good luck.

[monster 84r]

thats what i thought, but i just need to get another ? outa the way: if some one rode this atv hard for a day or two, would it cause it to do this? can fuel/timing etc be messed up by riding it hard? thanx

[TravEX]

my dad's got a 97 300, and i just got it going after sitting for about 5 years. I would bet that the carb needs a good cleaning, his would start when choked and run for a little while, plug looked like yours,,,took the carb apart and about everything was plugged up, sprayed it down with brake parts cleaner, and a little blowing, and as good as new (the quad has less than 100 miles on it anyway),,,make sure the air filter is good too, and check for air leaks when you get it going too. hope this helps.

[TravEX]

and make sure the plug is correct too. NGK DPR8EA-9.

[monster 84r]

plugs good, its probly a short or somethin..... i hate electrical problems

[corndawg]

plugs good, its probly a short or somethin..... i hate electrical problems

my moms '98 trx200 does the same thing, the plugs always always look good but it seems like everytime she wants to ride it (only a few times ever couple of months) we have to throw new plugs at it

not just nagging on you, but you can always tell who the people who are uneducated about electical systems are. "if it dosnt work, it must be a short" thats one of my biggest pet peives

[monster 84r]

i know it has to be something like that, because last year i soldered new connections to the wiring harness, and put a new cdi on the bike. i sanded the connections and grounds and it ran perfect. im not a total idiot when it comes to wiring.