Hello all!
I've been reading kawieriders for the last few weeks, as I am now the proud owner of a 2004 KFX 700!
I got this monster on the cheap from a guy who didn't ride it as much as he had planned (quads are streetable here in SD).
So, here I am:
I trailered the quad right from this guy's front yard, where it had (obviously) been perched for the better part of two years. I was told that there was a knock in the engine, and he didn't know much more than that.
I got it to the shop, checked the oil (at the dipstick), and it was a very light brown, and smelled of both gas and antifreeze. (I read in one post that its not uncommon for a carbed motor to leak gas past the rings if there's gas in the carbs, after a period of time.)
Well, today I changed the oil and replaced the filter, replaced the gasket for the downtube to the top of the motor from the radiator, and fired her up! And yes, there is a knock. The quad has an aftermarket exhaust (and rev box), and the knock is just about as loud as it! also of note: after getting her started, I couldn't keep her started: if I wasn't fingering the throttle, she would rough idle, then die. I expected this, since its been awhile since its been started, but after about the fifth time, I called it quits.
So, to help with the diagnosis:
I had to use jumper cables from my car to the quad's battery to start it.
I added a rough approximation of Stabil to the fuel before attempting to start it.
I checked all connections, fuses, and hoses.
I changed the oil with 2 quarts of Valvoline ATV 10w40 oil.
I had to manipulate the choke trigger while holding down the "start" button and throttle in order to get it to start.
After getting it started, I had to keep on the throttle (even if only a little) to keep it running.
There was a loud, timed knocking that seemed to be coming from the top, towards the front-most cylinder (had the plastic off that covers the airbox).
The knocking didn't get any more loud under throttle, just faster.
Also of note: the oil that was drained of the motor wasnt consistent in viscosity or color: the oil at the dipstick was more of a creamed tea color, and thin; whereas the the oil at the filter was sludgy, and a darker, chocolate milk, color. Furthermore, the knocking seemed to have one point of orgin, as opposed to multiple, synchronized, knocks.
I am mechanically inclined, but this is the most advanced machine that I've worked on that hasn't been a full-fledged automobile.
Any and all suggestions will be helpful, and I can describe any leading questions that you can come up with!
Please, kawieriders, you're my only hope!
Thanks in advance, and apologies for the lengthy post!
I've been reading kawieriders for the last few weeks, as I am now the proud owner of a 2004 KFX 700!
I got this monster on the cheap from a guy who didn't ride it as much as he had planned (quads are streetable here in SD).
So, here I am:
I trailered the quad right from this guy's front yard, where it had (obviously) been perched for the better part of two years. I was told that there was a knock in the engine, and he didn't know much more than that.
I got it to the shop, checked the oil (at the dipstick), and it was a very light brown, and smelled of both gas and antifreeze. (I read in one post that its not uncommon for a carbed motor to leak gas past the rings if there's gas in the carbs, after a period of time.)
Well, today I changed the oil and replaced the filter, replaced the gasket for the downtube to the top of the motor from the radiator, and fired her up! And yes, there is a knock. The quad has an aftermarket exhaust (and rev box), and the knock is just about as loud as it! also of note: after getting her started, I couldn't keep her started: if I wasn't fingering the throttle, she would rough idle, then die. I expected this, since its been awhile since its been started, but after about the fifth time, I called it quits.
So, to help with the diagnosis:
I had to use jumper cables from my car to the quad's battery to start it.
I added a rough approximation of Stabil to the fuel before attempting to start it.
I checked all connections, fuses, and hoses.
I changed the oil with 2 quarts of Valvoline ATV 10w40 oil.
I had to manipulate the choke trigger while holding down the "start" button and throttle in order to get it to start.
After getting it started, I had to keep on the throttle (even if only a little) to keep it running.
There was a loud, timed knocking that seemed to be coming from the top, towards the front-most cylinder (had the plastic off that covers the airbox).
The knocking didn't get any more loud under throttle, just faster.
Also of note: the oil that was drained of the motor wasnt consistent in viscosity or color: the oil at the dipstick was more of a creamed tea color, and thin; whereas the the oil at the filter was sludgy, and a darker, chocolate milk, color. Furthermore, the knocking seemed to have one point of orgin, as opposed to multiple, synchronized, knocks.
I am mechanically inclined, but this is the most advanced machine that I've worked on that hasn't been a full-fledged automobile.
Any and all suggestions will be helpful, and I can describe any leading questions that you can come up with!
Please, kawieriders, you're my only hope!
Thanks in advance, and apologies for the lengthy post!