1989 Kawasaki 300 - Just Bought, Doesnt Run

[WeeksRob4x4]

So I bought my first quad for 300 bucks. It looks to be in good shape and everything is there. The starter is cracked, so I got a new one on the way. Impatiently I have been pulling on the string and it fired up today and ran for a couple of minutes. It sounded great, but when I attempted to throttle it up and turn the choke down it stalled and did not start back. It made somewhat of knocking noise for a few turns after the stall. Sounded like it was possibly flooded with fuel. After letting it sit for little while the noise stopped while pulling it but the engine never started again. My arms could not take anymore pulling for one day. I was told the quad has set for about 2 years. So I am concerned the carb could be gummed up. After everything so far do you guys think im on the right track? Should I pull the carb off and clean it or does the 2 minutes of run time tell me that its probably ok? If I remove the carb how does the choke cable come off the carb? Im an automotive mechanic by trade but new to the atvs. Any help to get this thing running so I can hit the trails sooner would be great. Thanks

[CK1999_400ex]

Yes I would clean the carb .. The choke cable should come off

Pretty easy ... If it screws into the carb I would leave it on

And try to clean it that way ... A can of chemtool should do

The trick .. Make shure the float and needle are in good shape

If not then buy a kit an replace them .. Sounds like u got a

Good deal .. You could part it out and make money at that

Price...

[WeeksRob4x4]

After regaining arm strength I pulled on it some more and found that it will start up and run if I fully open the throttle while pulling. It's still making the engine noise. At first it made no noise but it gradually got louder. Sounds like it's coming from the right side cover. I let it run for about ten minutes than took it for a ride. It has plenty of power and shifts out good. The engine noise never stopped tho. Could this be the carb? I did use starting fluid to start it up and it makes that same kinda knocking noise that engines do when you first start it on the stuff. I don't think I did any damage with the small amount I used but if your familiar with engines it might help to explain what the knock sounds like. I'm going to order a carb kit and probaly clean it out until then. I hope this takes care of the noise

[oxidized_black]

clean the carb as ck1999_400ex said and the knocking could be a valve(s) that need adjustment ...