1988 Suzuki 250r Quad Racer Seized

[Wes Camp]

So I bought an 88 qaudracer real nice bike fired up 2-3 kick everytime. When I bought it the brake calipers were not on the bike the guy gave them to me In a box with parts to rebuild. So I HAVnt ever really rode the bike except a quick run testing gears when I bought and I started it and drove in yard not getting out of 3rd due to no brakes. I put it in garage turned it off. The following weekend I put brakes on and go to kick it and it’s seized. I did put it in high gear and rocked it back and forth and got it to kick a couple times. But has seized back up. Any ideas??? Could it be a kicker malfunction??

Edited April 10, 2019 by Admin
Added full atv info and issue to topic title. Moved to Suzuki ATV forum.

[Frank Angerano]

Welcome to Quadcrazy @Wes Camp that sucks about the engine locking up. 

You should be careful about trying to rock the bike or to keep trying to kick start it. You could do more damage then good.  Your piston and rings may have went.

I would start by double checking the basic stuff first like the kick starter making sure nothings  stopping that. Then move to pulling the plug and see if the engine spins with the plug out. Don’t force it when trying that . 

If not then you may want to pull the head and cylinder off and inspect the piston and rings along with rotating the  crank to see if the main bearing is ok.  My guess is a piston and rings is needed. But just hope it didn’t damage the cylinder walls.   If you pull the cylinder and see a chunk of the piston missing then there you go.  

[Wes Camp]

Thanks I’ll let ya know what I find out 

[Wes Camp]

When I parked it it was running great! That is what has me puzzled. 

[Frank Angerano]

It happens. Crazy as it sounds but pistons don’t choose a time to go and I could be wrong but I’ve blown a ton of pistons and that’s what it sounds like to me on your bike.  

[Wes Camp]

I’ll definitely let ya know and post some pics. Really appreciate your input 

[JacobSlabach]

check the oil.  I had a bike that the guy said it ran perfect before he sat it outside three years ago, engine was half locked (popped lose and then spun like it should), but over those three years the bike accumulated water in the crankcase, everything was rusted.  Obviously your's isn't this bad because its running, BUT I would check the oil (this means drain it- its hard unless you're a pro to tell if there's water just by the dip stick), if its good and the oil is fresh, I would just pour it back in, if not, then I would change it.  But say there is enough water to lock up your piston, catch it now and save your engine!

and water can get in all kinds of ways from condensation to being stored outside to the quad being sunk...

[Wes Camp]

Well my motor is junk 

[Frank Angerano]

Well yes and no.   The piston obviously blew and blasted the cylinder walls.   If it’s not to bad you can bore it out and go a little bigger on the piston.  Going to need a new jet kit for the carburetor as well.  

Now, if the cylinder is shot then you can possibly pick up a used cylinder maybe from eBay and go that route.   Or buy an aftermarket cylinder set up.  

The metal parts that came off the piston went into the crank case. They can be flushed out.  Also you have to check the main crank and bearing for play. 

Have you noticed anything else that’s possibly damaged as well? 

[Wes Camp]

Top and bottom being replaced. Cylinder bored out to 68mm. Crank, bearings, seals rod piston 

[Frank Angerano]

Awesome. Try and get some pics and keep us posted on how it turns out.  

Good luck! 

[Jordan Ritzman]

Did you shake the quad to mix the fuel and check for a clogged jet