New to quads was given a Suzuki quadrunner 230

[Chevydog]

New to the quads my neighbor just gave me an old Suzuki quadrunner 230. It has been sitting on his trailer in the back 40 for 7 years since it last ran so I figured it would be a good winter project.  Not sure of the year I believe late 80’s 

I am sure I will have lots of questions but for now just searching the forums for info.

[Chevydog]

I got the quart started last night after replacing the card, fuel tank clean and oil change.

new to this machine does it have just oil in crank case (I only found the one drain plug) or is there also gear box oil .

[coyote56]

do you know the exact year? If you can grab the serial number (should be on the frame (back left upright) you can type it into the decoder and find out the year. Then you can go look it up on Suzuki Parts House and see some diagrams.

I am not familiar with that bike but I don't think it is 4x4. If it is the front pumpkin would have its own drain plug and a different type of fluid needed. The crank case oil should be working as your gear oil as well on the rear end. That is the way all of my old (90 models) Suzuki Quad Runners and my new King Quad (2020) are set up. Just make sure that you use a proper ATV oil. Don't use regular automotive oil, the ATV oil as additives in it to help with extra job functions.

[Chevydog]

Thanks, I found the serial number and it is a 91. Are these things 2 stroke or just straight gas ? I just rebuilt all the brakes and took it for a short run down the road to make sure it shifted ok . It runs not too bad, I did notice that it seemed hot when I came back in cyl head temp was around 300f and exhaust was 250 or so. Gear box was around 100 not sure if this is normal ?

[CalebM]

If it is a four stroke engine it runs on straight gas.  I have a Quad runner 250 and it is a similar engine.  It only takes oil in the crankcase from what I know.  My engine always ran a little hot but 300 F does sound like a lot though.  I would make sure the mixture is right, if it is running to lean (not enough fuel) it will get hot because fuel cools the engine.  There should be a mixture screw on the carburetor turn it out a 1/4 turn and see if the temperature decreases.

[Mech]

The idle mixture screw only effects the idle running and won't make it run hot... A lean high speed mixture will though. 

And, not that it's really important, but for your information CalebM, the reason they run hot if lean isn't because fuel cools the motor, but because a lean mixture burns slowly and the flame has more time to heat the cylinder. The same's true of a retarded spark, the late ignition point means the fuel's still burning as the piston gets a long way down the cylinder and there is more opportunity for the heat to soak into the cylinder. It works the same way in a diesel if pushed.. the fuel being injected for longer means there's more time and area for the heat to soak in, or, what's normally noticed, the exhaust temp goes right up real fast.

Edited January 3, 2022 by Mech

[CalebM]

Ok, yeah sorry I’m still new to some of this stuff I was told by somebody if it runs to lean on fuel sometimes it will burn up the motor.  I always run engines a bit richer just in case.

[Mech]

Nothing to be sorry about Caleb, we all have to keep on learning, me included, and I'm ancient !

Motors do run hot if they are too lean, but it's really only the main mixtures that will do it... or the ignition timing being too retarded. 

 

[Spider87]

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