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Quad Maintenance Tips - Pro Remedies

By Mike Newsom
Photography by Mike Newsom
CVT Transmission Vent Hose Extention
Extensions Needed Before... 
   
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CVT Transmission Vent Hose Extention
Extensions Needed
Before subjecting your CVT transmission to deep water or mud, you should extend the vent hoses to prevent the elements from entering. This mishap is most common during a stall when the tranny loses pressure and water freely enters. Relocating the vent near the handlebar is common for the fact that it's the highest point on the machine.
Carburetor Vapor Lock Vent
Block Vapor Lock Carburetors... 
   
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Carburetor Vapor Lock Vent
Block Vapor Lock
Carburetors have multiple vents that can become clogged and prevent proper fuel flow. This is known as vapor lock, and by installing a vent kit that routes the hoses into the airbox, you can prevent any unexpected stalls or starting difficulties.
CV Axle Boots Inspect
Look Before Leaping Before... 
   
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CV Axle Boots Inspect
Look Before Leaping
Before heading out in search of the gnarliest mudhole you can possibly find, don't forget to inspect the CV boots and transfer case seals around the drive shaft. A small leak in any of these can add up to preventable costly repair.
Cable Cleaning Tool Keep Cables Clean
Crusty Cables After submerging... 
   
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Cable Cleaning Tool Keep Cables Clean
Crusty Cables
After submerging your machine into water, it's a good idea to thoroughly clean and lubricate all cables. Cables aren't completely sealed, and having debris present will cause resistance often followed by cable failure. There are specialty tools available to make this process extremely easy and clean.
ATV Differential Inspect For Condensation
Differential Distress When... 
   
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ATV Differential Inspect For Condensation
Differential Distress
When your hot differential is quickly submerged into cold mud or water, it causes condensation to form on the inner walls. This is the opposite effect of having a cold soda in the summer heat when the outside of the bottle quickly forms water droplets. The water doesn't mix with the oil and over time can accumulate to harmful gear-damaging amounts. A quick inspection to check for milky fluids should be performed regularly.
Dielectric Grease Spark Plug Lube
ATV Rider Reader's Remedy... 
   
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Dielectric Grease Spark Plug Lube
ATV Rider Reader's Remedy of the Month
Hot News
When servicing your mudder or any ATV, apply dielectric grease around both the top and bottom of the spark plug boot. This will prevent water from seeping in and causing a weak spark or complete misfire. This can be used on all electrical connections, so buy the big tube and don't forget to use it.
Spacers Radiator Fan Clearance
Spacer Treatment If you regularly... 
   
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Spacers Radiator Fan Clearance
Spacer Treatment
If you regularly find yourself up to the bar in mud, you should consider spacing the radiator fan farther from the radiator. With the fan spinning close to the coils, a stick or rock can be wedged between them and bend or puncture the radiator. Small spacers can be found at most auto or home centers and require easy installation.
Dried Mud Keep Clean
Time Is Not On Your Side ... 
   
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Dried Mud Keep Clean
Time Is Not On Your Side
Dried mud is difficult to remove, and it retains rust that causes moisture. After your quad has slopped around in dirt soup, a hose or pressure washer should be utilized ASAP. It's a good idea to occasionally remove the plastic body panels and belly skids for a detailed wash. This will help ensure a long and corrosion-free life for your machine.
Dried Mud Keep Clean
Brake It Down Disc brakes... 
   
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Dried Mud Keep Clean
Brake It Down
Disc brakes have become an industry standard over recent years and require little maintenance. They do have one relentless enemy that can subdue even the most robust system-and that's mud. After a mud bath, the discs and calipers should be thoroughly hosed out to remove any soil deposits, and the hanger pins in which the pads slide on should be lubricated with waterproof grease. This will prevent unwanted wear and allow proper operation.

Porsche Cayenne Research
Porsche Cayenne Get updated on all your car buying needs from safety features, to specs, to crash test ratings and options. Get all the information you need if you are interested in buying a new car like the Porsche Cayenne. The V8 standard engine in the Cayenne gives you 550 horsepower with an estimated 15 mpg. It comes with comparable warranty coverage to other vehicles in its class. Also check out the GMC Sierra and the Dodge Durango.

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