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View Full Version : New to 3WW, trike advice?



iharthoorn
10-31-2012, 06:21 PM
Hello all,

I am a new member of 3WW, but have been viewing posts for months. Have even gotten some helpful advice. I recently picked up a 1985 ATC250ES for $150. It had fallen off the back of a pickup going down the highway. It had never been parked inside and had sat in the same spot with no gas in the tank for almost a year. All three tires were flat and, of course, the gas tank was full of rust. I Swear every plastic piece on the trike was shattered. The front end was severely out of alignment and the rack was mangled :cry: I was doubtful, but I gave it a kick and it felt healthy as it turned over. I got it home, put in a fuel filter and filled it up. It started on the first kick! I have replaced all of the main plastic parts and most other parts I can find, including both side panels ($300 just for those). The battery was original, so it went and so did the starter. All new tires and have tracked down most of the parts I need. Also changed all the fluids and filters and put a plastic tank on it (more on that another time). Any advice on where to get fork tubes? What to do with the front rack? Anything else I should check/do? Sort of a newbie. Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!
Isaac

250sxman
10-31-2012, 08:36 PM
Sounds like you about got it all. Great to see another being fixed up. In case you didn't, I would drain the rear end fluid and inspect, then replace. Hopefully it doesn't look like chocolate milk...

sp8twn
10-31-2012, 08:48 PM
Might want to put inline fuel filter t'il you put the plastic tank on,, just to make sure no rust gets in the carb!

iharthoorn
11-03-2012, 05:52 PM
Sounds like you about got it all. Great to see another being fixed up. In case you didn't, I would drain the rear end fluid and inspect, then replace. Hopefully it doesn't look like chocolate milk...

Already did, used some 80w BMW final drive oil I had laying around. The old stuff was pretty runny, but I checked out the gears and they looked fine. No metal shavings in the oil. Any other inspections necessary on that? I just visually inspected the teeth I could see.

iharthoorn
11-03-2012, 05:55 PM
Might want to put inline fuel filter t'il you put the plastic tank on,, just to make sure no rust gets in the carb!

I did, and the new tank is on there now. The carburetor seems fine for now, she runs well, but I'm going to give it a good cleaning in the spring.

iharthoorn
11-09-2012, 04:14 PM
Nobody knows where I can get a straight set of fork arms?

old-yellow
11-09-2012, 04:15 PM
have you tried ebay

sweetip2000
11-09-2012, 06:02 PM
I would speak with dirtcrasher. He is in Mass. He has the machine to straighten out bent forks. He fixed my front forks on a 1986 250SX I had at the time. I am sure you can find a front end on ebay but its hard to trust someone is giving you a part that's worthy of putting on your ATC. Make sure the boot on the drive shaft is not ripped. Change the oil in the diffy. Give it a run with marvel mystery oil in the diffy. Drain and use fresh oil to specification. You would be surprised what you will find in someone Else's rear end. LoL BTW good luck with your trike. Its a fallen angel. Now its all yours.

iharthoorn
11-12-2012, 03:06 PM
Thanks sweetip2000. Changed the diffy oil and used 80w. drive shaft boot looks to be good. How much did dirtcrasher charge? I have to worry about shipping and handling if I send them to him. I'm in Iowa, so too far to drive for it. Also, anyone know where I can get a straight front rack or a toolbox that isn't cracked? Any advice is welcome

Arbiter
11-19-2012, 09:46 PM
Welcome! I have an 85 atc 250 es as well. I love it!