Discovering Problems

We test-drove and bought the ATV on a minus 25 degrees Celsius night. Unfortunately due to the cold weather, and dark lighting conditions we couldn't properly inspect the vehicle. After a brief test drive, I felt the quad was in good condition, especially considering it was so cheap. On visual inspection the plastics were beat-up, UV faded, and cracked. Which actually isn't unusual in used quads.

 Another issue was the near complete lack of plastic fasteners. Clearly the previous owner had lost them and was using barely enough to keep the plastics on the frame.

I also noticed the tires were significantly over-inflated, and the suspension was poorly adjusted (far to stiff for any rider), however these I could easily change. The bike also lacked an air box cover and had a worn out air filter.

 The quad seemed to run and drive good, considering the brutal temperature, however it was really difficult to judge the motor, and gears in a parking lot that was essentially ice. My brother and I knew it wasn't in mint condition, but at $1900 we didn't exactly pay a mint condition price either.

Once we got it home, I tried to start it, but the battery was flat. The next day after charging the battery I was able to take a closer look at this machine. I wasn't sure how it would start in 1 degree Celsius garage, but it started immediately. My inspection revealed some minor problems, and as well as a more severe issue.

The radiator was low, on coolant but not dangerously low, the clutch cover was missing a bolt, the idle speed was far faster than it should be, and the exhaust header didn't seal properly to the silencer. All of these minor problems are say to fix. but the big problem presented itself  about 5 minutes into the first ride. All was going well, and the  motor just abrubtly died, and wouldn't  start again until the quad had cooled down. Hoping it was a fluke I went on several  more rides, all with the same disapointing result.                                                        

Intro

Last November my brother (Devon) and I purchased a used  2008 Polaris Outlaw MXR 450. The Polaris Outlaw is a sport ATV made by Polaris to replace their previous sport quad the Polaris Predator. If your not familiar with ATVs, here is a brief description.The Outlaw is a rear wheel drive sport ATV, designed for racing, jumping etc. It was was available with two KTM motocross engine  options, the traditional size 450 and the slightly larger 525. It was also available with a conventional solid rear axle with non-independent rear suspension  or innovative independent rear suspension (IRS). It was also equipped with fox podium shocks, providing exceptional suspension performance. The one my brother and I purchase had the 450 motor, and solid rear axle.

My Passion Project

 My passion project is to fix some issues on a used ATV I recently bought. In the process I hope to learn the basics of internal combustion engines, and become familiar with the specific motor of my ATV. I also want to become familiar with other parts of the vehicle, such as fuel delivery, suspension, chassis, transmission etc.