[Manzanita]

Hi folks. First post.

I just picked up an '86 Fourtrax 250 for pretty cheap. She ain't much to look at but it would start on the first kick... just wouldn't keep running, but that's another story. The frame is straight and intact as well as the handlebars. Lots of issues though.

It needs all kinds of work. My most pressing things right now are getting the carb rebuilt and stopping the blue smoke that pours out when it's running. Spark plug is oily. Haven't checked cylinder compression yet because none of the adapters on my gauge fit that teeny spark plug hole. I'll get to it eventually.

As I type this, I'm printing a service manual so I have high hopes.

The air box is missing the air cleaner body that the OEM filter fits over. There is no filter at all right now. I'm not sure but it seems like the air cleaner body is a discontinued item and the only place to find it will be eBay. The few sellers that have them seem quite proud of them. I've seen some more modern looking filters that don't look like they actually need that piece. Is that right? Does anyone know if something like this does not need the air cleaner body? I didn't want to spend $35+ bucks on an old cleaner cage if they're not needed for the newer air filter elements.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Helmut]

Welcome to the forums. Sorry I can't be of much help to you, because I've always used the stock filters, but my guess is that you could probably use something like that without the cage. Maybe someone else will know for sure.

 

[blowfishRus6]

i wouldent say you need the cage, but you do need something for the filter to tighten down on to. maybe get a little peice of pipe/pvc, whatever. get one about the size of the intake and about an 1inch wide. stick half of it in the intake tube, tighten it down, then with the other half inch, you can clamp the filter down onto it.

 

[Manzanita]

Thanks. The PVC sounds interesting but I went ahead, bit the bullet, and bought a used unit with the cage, clamp, and tab that bolts to the end. I figured in for a penny, in for a pound.

I'm definitely not above homemade fixes. There's plenty of JB Weld around this homestead holding things together.

Washed the beast down so I could start taking wheels off and inspecting brakes. Foot rear brake works but the handbrake cable is seized and the front brake needs a complete going over. I do believe this is the first time in 24 years it's been hosed off. I see lots of grinding, brushing, and painting in my future. I'm sure the grease fittings have never seen a grease gun.

 

[ostrx250]

welcome manzanita get some pics of the beast i got a 87 thats in the same boatgetting some tierods and fixin the brakes then maybe ill fix the body