[Cat Mandoo]

Hi everyone.

My first ATV is getting delivered to me today. A '96 TRX300FW. Seems to be in great shape. Looking forward to it.

I am using it for farm use only. Firewood, grounds maintenance, harvesting etc...

I hope it turns out to be as good and as reliable as these have a reputation for being.

I am an auto mechanic by trade, and a small engine repair man by necessity :crying so I am not intimidated if it needs repairs.

I hope to get many good years from this machine, as it looks like it has been well cared for.

Great site with a lot of good info. Thanks.

 

[fishfiles]

Welcome Cat'Man , 96 300 is a good one , I got 2 1/2 96s running , a 90 engine on a 96 frame is the 1/2 breed -- LOL ---one problem the 96 has is the Philips CDI goes out and does this one spark thing when the starter button is depressed ----------- there is a Rick's CDI that fits right in that 96 and will give you another 1000 rpms


figure out how to post pics yet , lets see it

 

[_Wilson_]

I'm a 300 owner to 97, and a 2000 ...... They'll be with me till the day in die......lol!

Welcome to the forums!

 

[Cat Mandoo]

Welcome Cat'Man , 96 300 is a good one , I got 2 1/2 96s running , a 90 engine on a 96 frame is the 1/2 breed -- LOL ---one problem the 96 has is the Philips CDI goes out and does this one spark thing when the starter button is depressed ----------- there is a Rick's CDI that fits right in that 96 and will give you another 1000 rpms


figure out how to post pics yet , lets see it

It's showing up later today. I'll take a few pics when it gets here.

Thanks for the encouragement for picking the right one. I don't need anything fast, or big. Don't need to go underwater. I need reliable. As I am now in my mid-50's, reliable is the main requirement in ANYTHING I buy. I went with the speed and flash when I was younger. I had the Porsches, BMW's, Corvettes etc...

Now I have a Honda cr-v and a Tacoma. Turn the key and change the oil! My kind of vehicles!

 

[Goober]

Good job. First thing would be to get a copy of the service manual. Ecopy or paper—i want a paper manual so i bought a few off the fleabay. Catch it up on all the maintenance.

Always keep a decent battery in it; keep it on a tender. Never run it with a dead battery; the stator will overwork and kill itself without a load.

Always use OEM parts; yes you’ll pay more but so many aftermarket parts fall short on reliability, fit and performance—the Rick’s piece seem to be the exception—buy them directly from Rick’s.

 

[Riverc]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[fishfiles]

I'm 60 ....

 

[GirlsRideToo]

Congrats @Cat Mandoo. Can't wait to see the pics. And, welcome to the forum.

From past experience, I'm paranoid about buying a used ATV. Assuming it cranks, idles and does not smoke, if it were mine, I'd immediately drain the oil, examine it for metal shavings and add new oil so I'd be sure it was the correct oil. Same thing for the differentials oil. I'd check the air filter to be sure it is of good quality and if it isn't OEM, I'd replace it. LOL I'd check the oil filter and be sure it is OEM and put in correctly, not backwards. Fed by my paranoia, I'd pull off the plastics and examine the entire frame and all the wiring. And, look at the carb. Is it OEM or a cheap chinese wannabe. Then, I'd jack that puppy up and spin and rock each wheel.

As @fishfiles and @Goober said, check the battery and CDI.

It's easy to make a pig look good if you put enough lipstick and false eyelashes on him but inside he's still a pig. I was tired of being so paranoid about potential problems with my new-to-me ATV so I just added a fire extinguisher on the back rack. (joke)

Oh, I'm not telling my age.

 

[Cat Mandoo]

Thanks for the advise and encouragement!

So far, I love it!

I'm going to give it a good once over, when I get the chance. Still wearing the original Goodyears with no dry rot! Very clean machine. Shifts nice, oil clean, brakes good, starts first push of the button & first kick.

I should have bought one of these when I was young and willing to get into trouble!! :eek

Overall, first impression, I think I got a good one. Time and use will tell. But so far, as a farm utility vehicle, I am very happy with it.

 

[Cat Mandoo]

Best I could do with the pic. You get the idea!

 

[GirlsRideToo]

Best I could do with the pic. You get the idea!

Wow, great looking 300. Hope you enjoy it for years to come!

 

[Goober]

Yeah looks great!

Absolutely know that atv engine oil is not the same as other oils

The OEM carb part number should be stamped just forward of the fuel inlet line.

The Brake fluid looks discolored should be clear. If the PO had it in for regular maintenance they might not have changed brake fluid (DOT 4) or gearbox/drive unit oil (80W-90 hypoid). I listed what my 93 uses so definitely check your service/owners manual.

That winch hawse mounting looks a little odd but i get it–the hawse usually mounts behind the bumper.

 

[Lobo]

Welcome to the forum from Georgia Cat Mandoo. .

 

[fishfiles]

Best I could do with the pic. You get the idea!

Looks gret in the sideways pic

Girlsridetoo taught me how to keep the pic oriented right every time , I think she could explain it better than me

 

[Cat Mandoo]

Best I could do with the pic. You get the idea!

Looks gret in the sideways pic

Girlsridetoo taught me how to keep the pic oriented right every time , I think she could explain it better than me

It was correct when it went in.

Figuring out stuff like that is WAY above my pay scale! I struggle trying to SPELL "kumpyooter", forget about trying to use one the way it is supposed to be used! :laugh:

I'll stick to the wrenches.

 

[shadetree]

Best I could do with the pic. You get the idea!

Looks gret in the sideways pic

Girlsridetoo taught me how to keep the pic oriented right every time , I think she could explain it better than me

It was correct when it went in.

Figuring out stuff like that is WAY above my pay scale! I struggle trying to SPELL "kumpyooter", forget about trying to use one the way it is supposed to be used! :laugh:

I'll stick to the wrenches.

again, smart phone sideways, home button on right, then take pic.

 

[Cat Mandoo]

Looks gret in the sideways pic

Girlsridetoo taught me how to keep the pic oriented right every time , I think she could explain it better than me

It was correct when it went in.

Figuring out stuff like that is WAY above my pay scale! I struggle trying to SPELL "kumpyooter", forget about trying to use one the way it is supposed to be used! :laugh:

I'll stick to the wrenches.

again, smart phone sideways, home button on right, then take pic.

Even I can handle those directions!!!

Thanks. I'll Try it.

 

[shadetree]

It was correct when it went in.

Figuring out stuff like that is WAY above my pay scale! I struggle trying to SPELL "kumpyooter", forget about trying to use one the way it is supposed to be used! :laugh:

I'll stick to the wrenches.

again, smart phone sideways, home button on right, then take pic.

Even I can handle those directions!!!

Thanks. I'll Try it.

lol, your welcome, it works !!!.

 

[GirlsRideToo]

again, smart phone sideways, home button on right, then take pic.

Stop stealing my thunder, Shade. It's the only topic where I can give good advice.

 

[Cat Mandoo]

again, smart phone sideways, home button on right, then take pic.

Stop stealing my thunder, Shade. It's the only topic where I can give good advice.

No worries. I'll take a few more pics tomorrow. If it works, I'll give you the credit!