Yamaha Big Bear 350 4x4 - Parts Advice

[Blenderite]

Hello guys! New to the forum, and fairly new to ATVs. I've driven them, but never owned one. Now I do own one. Just picked it up today. It's a 1999 Yamaha Big Bear 350. It's been through some stuff. The guy I got it from told me the previous owner removed the front diff because he didn't want to replace the half shaft. So it's 2wd, even though it's supposed to be 4x4. Lovely. I can deal with that for now.

 

More importantly, I need to get it running. The carb needs to be rebuilt. The guy I got it from said he sprayed it all out and it still didn't work. I'm concerned he might have damaged it or not put all the parts back. I was looking at a replacement carb, and the OEM parts is $600. I'd rather not spend $600 if there are any other options. I have seen carbs on Amazon and eBay that are in the $40 - $100 range that say they fit. Anyone have experience with these? I'm going to get a rebuild kit for the current carb just to make sure that won't fix it.

 

Thats the first thing with it. Secondly, it was completely rewired. I need to find a original wiring diagram so I can put it back how it was, with a key and all. Currently it's wired with just a rocker switch. Any sources for a service manual that would include wiring diagrams?

 

Thirdly, is the Big Bear 350 a good atv? I picked it up for $700. It does start and run when you spray starting fluid into the air intake, so I am not concerned about the engine being bad. I plan to use it for the farm, running around and carrying things with it like minerals and feed and such. Not really for mudding and things like that. How good is the 99 350?

 

I am certain I will have more questions as I examine it more, but that's all for now. Thanks in advance for the assistance!

 

-Blenderite

[BRoth82]

I would get a carb rebuild kit first, before replacing it, you could also look at the classifieds on Craigslist or Facebook I know there are guys in my area that buy broken ATv's and strip them to sell the parts.  You might be able to find a good carb, and the front differential for cheap.

One of my firends growing up had a '87 big bear 350 and it was a good machine, you really can't go wrong with an older Honda or Yamaha.  I'm looking to pick up a '95 big bear 350 with a plow for around $1300, I would say you got a great deal if the plastics aren't broke apart.  

Can't help with the manuals, sorry. 

[Blenderite]

Whats the best place to buy Yamaha parts? I am guessing that direct from Yamaha would be the most expensive?

[BRoth82]

I use partszilla for part numbers and sometimes the parts themselves, but usually ebay is the cheapest.

[Darrinster]

You could try an aftermarket carburetor. I bought one for a Yamaha 125 dirt bike and it ran great. I also recently just bought a Big Bear. Finally got it running today as it had no spark. I've heard they're good ATV's long as you keep on the maintenance. Good luck!

[Wacker]

We've had luck with amazon.

[Blenderite]

17 hours ago, Darrinster said:

You could try an aftermarket carburetor. I bought one for a Yamaha 125 dirt bike and it ran great. I also recently just bought a Big Bear. Finally got it running today as it had no spark. I've heard they're good ATV's long as you keep on the maintenance. Good luck!

Which one did you go with? Can you provide a link?

[Blenderite]

I just noticed that the VIN number is scratched out on it. Any other ways to determine the exact model? There are no stickers anywhere that I can see.

[Ajmboy]

5 minutes ago, Blenderite said:

I just noticed that the VIN number is scratched out on it. Any other ways to determine the exact model? There are no stickers anywhere that I can see.

Unfortunately, the VIN is the best way. If it's scratched out, it may have been stolen and the thief tried to conceal it. Post some pictures and we'll try to identify it for you.  If you are looking for parts, just try to match them up and see if anything is stamped. Chassis and such will be the same for all Big Bears in most cases. 

[Blenderite]

I figured it had been stolen. I am guessing that it was done awile ago. Its been painted over and rusted since. I will get some pictures up today. Any particular angles that will help identify it?

 

[Ajmboy]

Side view (to see seat and plastic), front view, and rear view. If you see any numbers stamped anywhere like on the motor or any tags on the plastic, take a picture also. 😁

[Blenderite]

Here are the pictures.

[Rob Hall]

I agree with rebuilding the Yamaha carb.  I bought a cheap one off Amazon for my 86 yfm 200 and it was slightly different.  The slide inside the carb didn't match and a few other small details.   A rebuild is straightforward and you should be able to get it running no problem.   Good luck.  

[turp]

its a very good machine. look for a pasts blow up  to check the carb

[turp]

parts blow ups at  megazip.net

[witte1990]

Hi, I bought my Yamaha parts from UTV Wolfpack, this Yamaha is now direct fit with no issue. works perfect. I would recommend you too to contact UTV Wolfpack if you seem suitable. You can easy find parts and order online.

[robdoyle]

If you're still trying to determine the exact model, and all the stickers are gone, try looking for embossed or printed part numbers on parts that are likely to be specific to that model, such as plastic body panels.

When you find one, google that part number and part suppliers will list which years and models it is for, and you can narrow it down.

You will also find them on metal parts like shock bodies, ball joint caps and bearing races.

Good luck!

[billyz57]

On 7/22/2018 at 8:55 AM, Blenderite said:

Here are the pictures.

Looks very similar to the Moto 4 350 I have. The Hi Low Reverse lever appears to be missing from the left side picture.

[Roy1962]

I'm coming into this a little late, so I apologize if this isn't helpful. The 350 Big Bear I recently pulled out of a fence row had been minus a carburetor, so I bought one of ebay for about 40. It was an aftermarket carb, not a Yamaha carb. But it cranked right up and ran as soon as I figured out how everything went together. The previous owner said she drove it where it was parked, so I think someone "borrowed" the carb, along with the manifold, and they cut the throttle cable. So I had to replace all of those, plus the owner lost the key so I replaced the key switch. And of course a battery. It runs great to me, and all of these parts were aftermarket bought off ebay or Amazon.

[catman977]

I got a old Barn Find 350 Big Bear, from my recently passed Father in law.  This machine was used to drive cattle and haul minerals, as well as stringing Barbed wire.

I had to replace the oil Pump, as the grandkids pretty much wore it out.  I replaced the Front cv joint boots which were tore, but just noticed the after market ones didn't last more than a year.  I have found I can buy on Ebay, a set of complete front axles, cheaper than the boots alone.  I have been using this ATV for 2 years now, but plan on doing a top overhaul this winter.  So far it's been a tough machine, and worth the money I've have put into it.  When you rebuild your Carb, make sure you clean the Idle Circuits with a very fine wire, and follow up with Carb cleaner spray, then blow everything out with compressed air.  Check your float levels also.  I use a Harbor Freight digital caliper, and used the pin that protrudes out the handle, when the correct measurement is set and locked.   Hope this helps you.  Hang in there the machine is worth the effort to keep it going.

[ceedaman]

Thank you all for the advice, it was helpful finding new sources for parts!