[burkdog]

I have a '97 Fourtrax 300. I'm the original owner and I plan to keep it another 10 years at least.

I used to take it in for maintenace but have decided to start doing the maintenance myself here recently.

I recently changed the sparkplug and noticed that the old plug had carbon all over the part that creates the spark. I figured that was normal? Not sure.

Anyway, I put a brand new spark plug in and drove it around my house 1 time. The engine was running for maybe 5 minutes with the new plug.

I wasn't sure I had the new plug all the way in, so I removed it to make sure it was seated properly, and the new plug was already covered with a black, sooty material. Carbon?

Is this a problem? If the inside of my engine is that dirty, does it need to be cleaned, and if so, how?


Thanks,
greg

 

[TRX2fiveO]

The engine is not the issue the carb is your running too rich. or it's quite possible you have a clogged air filter.
Have you had any modifications done in the past? jetting ect.

 

[burkdog]

The air filter was replaced approx. 1 year ago by a dealer service agent. No modifications done. All of the maintenance that has been done up to this point has been done by a dealer service agent.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

Replace your filter and your plug run about a 1/4 to a 1/3 of a can of seafoam through it and ss if it clears up

 

[Saber6]

I agree^^^^^

 

[tomgodd]

Good Advice Moose.

 

[burkdog]

Replace the fuel filter, or the air filter? That air filter is practically brand new at 1 year old? I only ride during hunting season.

The spark plug is also brand new.

I'm not familar with "sea-foam." Can I buy that at Auto Zone?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Saber6]

http://www.seafoamsales.com/ Word.. You can get it at walmart autozone napa ect ect Just check the air filter and make sure no mice are plotting against you.

 

[burkdog]

I found sea foam on the internet. The video on their web site shows them putting that stuff just about everywhere including the gas tank.

Where are you suggesting I put the sea foam? In the video they put it in the crank case with the engine oil, poured it directly into a carburetor, poured it down the pcv valve, etc., and into the gas tank.

All of the above?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[Saber6]

Start with a can in a tank of fuel and go from there.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

Agreed^^^^^^^^ . Seriously check that filter also you might want to check for dirt Dobbers you hunt in the winter they build in the summer. check your frame at the steering where the air box gets it's supply from. I bet you will find a new friend.

 

[Redracer]

Open up your air box and make sure there are no nest in there.(not uncommon) Clean your Air filter. I have had the same filter for 3 years, just clean it every other ride.

 

[tomgodd]

What kind of filter do you use? I have a K&N. Had it for 2 years. I just bought another for those all day events so I can switch out in the middle. DO you use a Outerwear?

Open up your air box and make sure there are no nest in there.(not uncommon) Clean your Air filter. I have had the same filter for 3 years, just clean it every other ride.

 

[Pain]

Are you guys serious to use half a can or a whole can [16 oz] of seafoam in a tank of gas? My tank is 3 gallons. I put a few ounces at the most in my tank. Should I use more?

 

[burkdog]

How do you clean your air filter? Mine is made of a kind of foamy sponge material, and it always seems a little damp. Smells like fuel. Maybe that's a problem? I seem to remember the guy at the Honda place tell me that the filter was designed to be wet (with fuel?). Dunno.

Anyway, since it's always a little damp and oily (even though otherwise it appears very clean), I'm not sure how I would clean it, short of putting it in soap and water.

Ideas?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[TRX2fiveO]

Um I haven't heard of that before maybe you've had a problem all along?? Change it. buy a Uni or K&N you'll thank us later.

 

[TRX2fiveO]

I believe I said 1/4 to 1/3 not looking at my previous post. but it won't hurt anything the can states it treats up to 25 gallons. I can't recall it really giving you a specific amount to add.

Are you guys serious to use half a can or a whole can [16 oz] of seafoam in a tank of gas? My tank is 3 gallons. I put a few ounces at the most in my tank. Should I use more?

 

[Redracer]

I use uni, I prefer the foam filters over the K&N style. The places I ride are so dusty and the K&N let a bit more through than the foam.

Use gasoline to clean the filter, let it dry completely and then apply some foam filter oil.

 

[burkdog]

My filter seems to have some kind of oil in it. There is an oily residue in the bottom of the air box. I took some pictures. I'm going to try to post them.

Thanks,
Greg

 

[burkdog]

See attached photos

Filter seems to be full of a red oil that looks like transmission fluid. The same fluid seems to have gathered in the bottom of the air box.

The filter itself seems amazingly clear of any kind of dirt. It does seem like this filter was designed to be full of this oil, though, and I imagine if I cleaned it in gasoline, it would negate the purpose of the oil in it.

What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Greg