gt2003

Quick update. I had a few minutes today so I started it up, let it run for a bit and adjusted the carb/fuel screw out 1/4 turn. There is still a very, very mild hesitation in 1st but none in 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Looks like maybe it was just running a little lean. I’m going to fine tune it a little more tomorrow but i’m very happy right now.

Changed out the soark plug, disn’t make much different. 1st gear, no hesitation but it does sound like it backfires/pops prior to shifting to 2nd. In 2nd, the 1st part of the acceleration is where it hesitates again, does the same in 3rd. When i parked it I’m pretty sure i smelled a little gas. Would the blackened spark plug and smell of gas indicate maybe it’s running too rich?

Maybe i mis-titled this. It doesn’t really bog down, it just hesitates when accelerating. It works it’s way through the hesitations but they can definitely be felt. I’ll ride it again today and see where it is on the throttle. I don’t believe i notice it in 1st gear but 2nd and 3rd I do. I had the carb rebuilt by a local dealer before hunting season last year and it ran pretty good but maybe a little hesitation, it’s just more noticeable this year. After hunting season I put stabilizer in the tank then ran it out of gas before storing in my garage. I went ahead and drained all the gas yesterday before starting it, replaced w fresh gas and it started right up and idles beautifully. After i changed the oil i let it warm up for a few minutes and took it for a spin. Thats when i noticed the hesitation being a tad bit more noticeable. After reading around, i pulled the spark plug and it was pretty fouled up. Looks like it’s got the wrong plug too. It’s got an NGK D8EA and looks like it needs a NGK DR8ES. I’ll be replacing that today. As far as backfiring, it doesn’t make any super loud pops but when i let off the throttle i can hear what i think is a small backfire through the exhaust. it rolls freely and the brakes aren’t dragging. I think i covered everything. Let me know if there is something I missed. Appreciate it!

Changed oil and filter today. Took it for a ride and it seemed to bog down or hesitate when i gave it gas. Fresh gas too. Any ideas? I’ve had this machine since it was new. Had carb rebuilt last year. It runs great besides this. I’m leaning towards maybe an exhaust issue but honestly, i’m not an engine guy so I’m just guessing. It’s nothing major, it would serve my needs the way it is but there is obviously something a bit off. Where should i start?

I'm looking to upgrade to a bigger machine. I only use my atv when deer hunting and maybe put 5 miles on it per day at most. Current atv is a 2004 Kawasaki Bayou 250, 2WD, garage kept, nothing special and it still works great. I'm wanting to upgrade so I can use a small disc for food plots. I think the 570 would be perfect size. Knowing the extent of my use, what are your thoughts on the Tracker (Textron) 570? It's gets me into a bigger machine at a more affordable price than the big name brands. Thanks for the input!

I did just that. It's actually a 6mmx8mm flange bolt. Local Kawi dealer didn't have one in stock but I found a allen head 6mm bolt at Lowe's that worked. I had to throw in a couple of split washers to take up the extra length but it's nice and snug now with no leaks. Now that I know the actual part # I'm going to have the dealer order it next time they order parts. Thanks for all the help folks!

Thanks @davefrombc! I picked up a reverse drill bit set last night and got it done. EASY fix. Thanks for the great advice. Any idea the size for the replacement bolt?

2004 Kawasaki Bayou 250. Changed the differential fluid and was reinstalling the "fill bolt" (bolt than comes out to let the excess fluid drain) with the 10mm head and it snapped off. It's not too deep but it is a small bolt. Suggestions needed on how to address. I was considering bolt extractor bits but it's such a small bolt I'm not sure that's a smart call. Thanks