With the Mud Nationals and other great ATV events just around the corner, we felt that it was a good idea to help get you and your machines prepped and ready for mud. So rather than us coming up with tips, we turned this one over to the mud professionals at High Lifter. After all, you don't want to leave home expecting to service or repair something when you get to the event. There are way too many other things to see and experience while you're there. Instead of wasting time working on your machine and then seeking out a part you didn't bring, show up prepared and ready to have a good time. Plus, everyone will laugh at you if you roll in with a clapped-out quad.
Bottom line: Get every accessory and major assembly on your quad mechanically ready for heavy-duty service. While you may plan to just sit back and watch everyone else, you might change your mind when you see others jumping in the hole and having a blast. Come on, don't you want to have fun?
#1 Get The Manual
When performing any mechanical procedures, it's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended suggestions. Once you pull the part off the machine, the manual can guide you in getting everything put back into place and properly torqued. This could save you countless hours in the garage and allow more time for riding.
#2 Clean It Up
There are plenty of great reasons to clean up your quad. For one, it makes it easier to identify problems and to service your pride and joy when it's clean. So don't ride a quad that's dirty from your last ride. You can use Simple Green or any approved quad cleaner to help break loose dried mud and other particles. Stand your machine up and thoroughly clean the bottom. And one more thing, you don't want to show up to a ride event looking like a goon.
#3 Spraying Seals
Be careful spraying your pressure washer into the seals of your quad. You don't want water and dirt particles seeping into your seals and bearings. The moisture will cause rust that will eventually seize your moving parts. So be gentle when cleaning around the moving parts of your machine.
#4 Check The Frame
Sometimes it can be difficult to notice a bent or cracked frame while it's sitting on the ground. Stand the quad up and rest it on the rear grab bar so that you can get a good look at the bottom of the machine. If the frame doesn't appear to be straight, you may have a bent frame. Also, look for cracking paint on your frame; this could indicate a highly stressed area that could soon bend or break.
#5 Wipe The Airbox Clean
Clean out the airbox. Stick a clean, nonlint towel in the area where your filter draws air into the carburetor. This will assure you that no dirt and other particles fall in. Wipe all debris off of the sides and at the bottom of the airbox. Spray a little contact cleaner in there and thoroughly wipe it till it shines. Oh, and don't forget to pull out that clean towel before putting it back together.
#6 Service The Air Filter
It's wise to clean and service your air filter for the best possible performance of your motor. Thoroughly clean the filter without damaging it and set it aside to dry. Don't forget to oil it, spread a good bit of grease around the section that butts up to the airbox and then reinstall.
#7 Fuel Debris
Check your fuel. If your machine has been sitting for several months, it's a good idea to check for any debris collected at the bottom of the tank. Use a flashlight and shine it into the tank. If needed, drain the impure fuel and replenish with fresh fuel.
#8 Oil Maintenance
If you haven't changed your oil recently, it's important to drain the old stuff and replace it with fresh oil. Regularly changing the oil can add many great performing years to your quad. Be sure to check your manual for the proper oil weight and amounts.