[dellsdaman9393]

I know this has been beaten to death on these forums but the backstory for my quad is a little different. I have an 08 trx450er and have had it for about 6 months now. Been on about 6 rides most of them dunes. Never had trouble starting but took it out to sand lake Oregon and the second day I was out there it wouldn’t start unless I pop started it, and once I did that it would start when warm. I have the normal mods done it’s jetted correctly for full exhaust, aftermarket air filter with air filter pre-sleeve and cut box for the air filter. Upon returning I realized that after I had cleaned/ lubed my air filter I put the box on the wrong way (air box opening on lid at the front of the quad not at the rear) and also realized that I haven’t ridden in about a month and just threw gas in there like an idiot not realizing it was month old gas. After reading all these forums I know that a valve adjustment is a common thing, but what should my first logical step be in diagnosing this thing? Should I do all the regular maintenance steps like oil/ transmission fluid change, new gas, clean air filter, new spark plug first or should I go straight into looking at the valves?

 

[dr. feelgood]

I would do it all as an overall maintenance if it's been a while, or you don't know when last done. This motor uses shims/buckets to adjust the valve clearance so unless you have an assortment of shims ready you will most likely be tearing into it, seeing which shims you need, and then ordering them. I got tired of going to the dealer to swap shims so I bought a HotCams set a while back. Expensive up front, but saves you time and money in the long run.

Rob