2001 Yamaha Kodiak 400 YFM Noise & Hard Pull Start

[Blinkey]

Looking for a little help with diagnosing a noise on my 2001 Kodiak 400 YFM. It sounds like a stack cam chain. I checked the Tensioner and it appeared to be ok, but fully extended when I removed it for inspection. I opened the cam cover and the tensioner arm (aft) seems ok, chain seems tight. I also noticed that the pull starter is very hard to pull. It seem like it might be turning over the starter as if it was still engaged. When it is started by the starter it makes a loud clang right before it starts. I read about the recoil clutch. Not sure if that might be the noise. The ATV is new to me. My neighbor has run it for the last year making the noise. Any help is greatly appreciated....Thanks..from tampa....

[oxidized_black]

i think it might be hard to try and pull start because you have to ease the cord out to allow the engine to de-compress and then rip it like a lawnmower. i ease it out and count to three leaving pressure on the cord, then pull to start it...

[swampcat07]

This may be way off base but did you check the valve clearance. It would be a cheap resolution and cost nothing to check. I know bad tolerances with valves cause hard starting.

[Blinkey]

thanks....Ill give them a check. The ATV starts fine with the starter. 1) It is just hard to pull start. 2) When it starts with the starter is clangs and starts. It make noise which is very loud at idle and softens with rpm. I thought it mighty be the cam chain or the tentioner but they seem to be fine. Not sure on the noise..Ill keep on researching...Thanks again for the tip...

[Blinkey]

Thanks... Ill give it a try..

[swampcat07]

A 400 should turn over with a pull starter. Let us know what you find.

[oxidized_black]

[Blinkey]

Thanks for the Info....Sorry that I might not have been clear. It doesn't have a problem starting. Trying to start using the pull cord verses the electric start is what is very hard to pull. When you finally struggle to pull it , the atv starts or you break the pull cord.I haven't had the chance to try pulling it out part way to let the engine decompress then finish pulling to start.

Thanks again for the trouble shoot data....

[oxidized_black]

ah ok, i just posted that because of the noises you had, swampcat07 said it might be valves. top right might diagnose a problem if it's that.... good luck m8 !!