Ask: Hi! I'm 13 and I was given a Yamaha 80cc moto-4 badger. The motor was seized up but I managed to free it up. But now it still won't run even after cleaning the carburetor and getting a new spark plug. I think it might be out of time. What do you think? If so, could you tell me how to correct the timing?
Mikey: If you're a good student you should be in the eighth grade and very capable of reading the previous response. Check for spark and fuel. To check the timing you will need to remove the crankcase cover (left side) and the round cover on the left side of the cylinder. On the rotor you will find a T mark that needs to be aligned with the stationary pointer at the top of the crankcase. This is top dead center. At this point the match marks on the cam chain sprocket and the cylinder head should be aligned.
Ask: I have a 1985 Suzuki that is making a noise in the back right. It does not make the noise when I start riding. It starts out slow and it's pretty consistent. It's a very high-pitched sound. Any ideas?
Mikey: If you're as old as your Suzuki, it could just be that your hearing aid is picking up interference. High-pitched noises at a standstill are typically bad news. You could have a crank bearing or such going bad. You said in the back right of the ATV, but the rear of the machine wouldn't have any moving parts until you are in motion. First narrow down the search by determining if this is engine noise or if it is coming from elsewhere. Does it increase and decrease with the engines RPMs?
Ask: I recently got my clutch fixed and after riding for one day, it has gone out. Any solutions?
Mikey: It' simple. Either you don't know how to ride, your clutch isn't properly adjusted, or in your case, probably both. I don't know your definition of fixing a clutch but you will likely be in need of new fiber plates, possibly friction plates, and weak clutch springs could be preventing proper engagement. A job worth doing is a job worth doing right. I guess since you're asking Mikey, you've already learned this lesson.