1997-1999 artic cat 300 4x4 several issues

[diesel_mechanic2008]

hello everybody

I recently picked up a artic cat 300 4x4 year is somewhere between 97-99 i dont know exactly, but i've been messing with this thing and finally got it to run. When it started it was back firing and poping back so i thought ok some trash in the carb lets clean it. After being cleaned started back runs great except i noticed the header being cherry red after riding it a few laps around the house. So i figured maybe its lean, but then it started with an electrical problem, someone has pulled the oem starter button off and put a start switch at the fender with the factory wires, the only way to keep it running now is to keep the key turned with the starter engaged for it to run. does anyone have any ideas or wiring diagram it would be helpful

[DirtDemon]

The first thing that comes to my mind is this, your key switch is not making contact in the "on"position, so as soon as you let the key back from the start position, it dies. Test the continuity of the switch in the on position, and make sure all of the wires are secure and making contact on all ends. I have no diagram, nor do I know where you can find one aside from buying a service manual, but I can tell you that if you use a multi-meter to test continuity and trace the wires paying attention to their color and markings, you should be able to figure out which wire is responsible for what. Also, you can find which wires are supplied with power by simply testing them on the DC voltage setting. If you don't have a multimeter, you can get a decent cheap unit that will serve most of your needs at RadioShack for about $25 or $30.

[diesel_mechanic2008]

thanks for your input I figured out what was happening a wire had a bad connection at the battery. I cleaned out the carb and she fired right up runs like a top. On another note where do i find out what exact year it is

Edited February 15, 2011 by diesel_mechanic2008
spelling

[MIKEL5469]

i would say contact a dealer and have them trace the vin # or a manual should help u determine what year it is bye the vin #

[TexasRapier]

The VIN is located in two places on this bike.

The first is a foil label located forward of the engine on the lower frame cross bar.

The second is a pin-prick stamping on the left rear frame rail just inside of the left rear tire.