Sitting for Many Years, will this FREE Yamaha Quad Ever Run again???

[@sparkyinanissan]

Hi Matt. The only difference between pull start and electric start is the load on the battery. The voltage is going to drop significantly when the starter is engaged, and the the volts go up when dissengaged hence the spark when you come of the starter button. You might be able to prove this by jumping the smaller battery with a BIG battery so the volt drop is smaller. Maybe a low output from the pickup coil on the stator, or a poor ground etc.

[@HorseMalone]

This.

[@jasonvantill6604]

This makes a lot of sense. aAlso potentially a bad ground/battery connections that could affect voltage drop?

[@alanconner2900]

Totally agree!!

[@Rorschach1024]

The "jump" is the inductive kick coming off the motor coils. It isn't from the battery. When you kill power to a coil, be it a transformer, choke, motor, relay/solenoid/contactor, the collapsing magnetic field generates a spike of power in the coil and it will back-feed the circuit. The solution is to put a reverse diode across the coil terminals to short the reversed voltage spike back to itself to protect the switching contacts or transistors.

[@jurgenpetersen5385]

helpfull to know

[@herbcraven7146]

Seeing you work on a thing like this reminds me of the good old days, watching you work on lawn tractors in the old garage shop. I love how the channel has grown, but this project gives me that familiar warm fuzzy feeling.

[@ja10ni]

Thought the Same... Loved the old Time he was working in his small Garage on the Jeep, the yellow Forklift etc.

[@phcjs]

The high current of the starter could pull the ground level up, so the ignition cant work. If you run a thick, temporary ground wire from batt to the ignition and works, some ground wiring has to be replaced.

[@nicholasviney5975]

Great score the bonus is the lack of electronics to throw codes when you swap out the factory air freshener

[@coreydoyle6502]

Starter switch is grounding out your coil, the centrifugal motion of the flywheel is rotating after release of the button causing the spark, jump the starter with 12v if you have spark the starter switch circuit is grounding your coil somewhere

[@arnomaas6452]

As he said and also dismantle the start switch completely since there most possibly is a short with the neighbouring kill switch inside either through their posts or the cables at that place.

[@thething4763]

I agree. The kill and start are one unit. When you open it up your going to find loose bits in it. To test first hook up a remote button since the kill is still working. You know temporary/perm fix.

[@billsemmendinger2592]

This was my thought as well. take the starter handle bar collar apart and inspect it, please let us know what you find.

[@gregcartmill6337]

Hi Matt from Australia. Re the cracks it is always good to drill a fine hole in the ends of crack to stop the stress continuing. Same thing for clear plastic ‘glass’.

[@gerry-p9x]

Flex seal tape and a few decals you gotta it made

[@travisboatwright5466]

Also, on plastics, put the thin vibration panels n back side, will stop plastics from flexing and cracking more

[@Madpegasusmax]

Matt, a lot of Quads (like mine) you must depress the brake/clutch to start electrically , it's a safety feature . some of them have fall over kill switch like the boats , but yours start up , so I assume yours dont have it or is not wired . Because I don't see your tail light up (because it's broken) and/or maybe the brake switch is also isolated , you must check it ;)

[@hugodesrosiers-plaisance3156]

Hey Matt! Very cool to see you tackle something like that instead of the usual larger heavier machinery. It makes for a very fun change of scenery! 😅

[@7xtc25]

Just about eight minutes into this video and I’m chuckling as I listen to Matt say “it shouldn’t be much of an issue getting this thing going!” And then I noticed video is an hour and 15 minutes long.

[@Roboticus_Prime_RC]

Awesome! I recently fixed up my old Honda ATC 70 for my kid. Had to delete the old stator with points and condenser and swap to a CDI kit. A big part of the suspension of those old things are the tires themselves. Gotta run them with low pressure, so they have some squish.

[@barrygrant2907]

My worst "accident" on a Yamaha 200 3-wheeler was due to just that--overinflated tires. I knew something wasn't right as it felt bouncy. The rear tires hit a rut across the road and flipped me over the front at about 30 MPH. To make matters worse, the bike landed on top of me. My buddy was shocked it did kill me. Just killed a couple ribs.

[@firewalker1372]

That is a nice little 4-wheeler. And you got it for free! Bonus!! And you are correct about the dust. That is definitely powder from an ABC extinguisher. That dry chemical from an extinguisher can also be very corrosive, especially to electronics.

[@timtimtimmay4654]

You scored a beauty of a quad. I'm leaning team Yamaha for durability after seeing Hondas (while very high quality) suffer from malfunctions of their own newer technology. Yamaha just kept it simple for decades and have been very easy to maintain bc of their simplicity.

[@Thedudeabides803]

I fixed up an 86 moto 4 Yamaha a few years ago. Fuel was getting into the case, so that might be why your oil is over full. I shut off the fuel when done running it and it hasn’t happen again. But when the case is too full of oil, oil shoots out the top end onto the headers like you saw. It can go anywhere. So light and excellent traction. My 9 year old drives that and I drive the can am. So fun.

[@Udluz]

Yes sir! Carburetor float gets stuck or deteriorated

[@assessor1276]

I run vintage motorcycles and I ALWAYS shut the fuel petcocks off and run the carbs dry when finishing a ride. Those primitive carbs are not meant to shutoff very well and if you don’t run the carbs dry, they will leak with fuel going into the crankcase.

[@ianbedwell4871]

Remember when these and similar first came to NZ, farmers snapped them up like crazy. Hondas were a favourite for dairy as they seemed to be just a bit quieter.. put along behind the herd it’s the dog sitting on the rack

[@SkinnySkinch]

Your carb float is stuck open. Need to either clean the needle and seat or replace. Super cheap and easy to do.

[@jeandupont9140]

Hi , Mat, the height of fuel in the tank is just adjusted by slightly bending the tab which presses on the needle, unless the float is pierced (which you must test)

[@masontexan5443]

That is the exact ATV model I had as a kid growing up in the 80s, loved that thing! Great machine, lots of fun.

[@WhiskyCardinalWes]

Way back in 1987 at Ft. Lewis, our Scout Platoon had a bunch of those things. They had some massive mufflers on them making them damn near silent.

[@therenault4cvproject145]

I had an '86 YFM200DX brand new in 1986; it cost $1986. The front chrome basket is standard but the black racks were typically from the 225 model. Always ran well and, as light-weight teenager, it would top out around 50-55 MPH.

[@denismcardle9568]

Glad to hear you mentioned the crane will be a great asset to the work shop

[@aeroforce100]

+1 on getting the crane installed before an ultrasonic cleaner. The crane will be much more useful than the Ultrasonic cleaner.

[@markstone6368]

Matt, When you are checking for spark make sure you have the body of the plug pressed against a ground. Holding the plug away from the ground is making the spark jump two gaps and it might not reliably do that. MJ

[@douglasrdeaton]

Battery nut problem : Small piece of cardboard or like we did back in the day. (90's) a cigarette butt will work to hold the nut up high enough to engage the bolt. He had a problem with it starting. Note: the fire. LoL I have confidence that you will get it started. 🎉 Thanks for sharing 👍🏼

[@CrimeVid]

I like plastic welding with reinforcements , I've been using a blow lamp, pliers and bits of tig stainless rod for years, works really well.

[@Jimbo65203]

Small engines are fun to work on from time to time. I remember my hunting buddy and I goose hunting in the mid-80s and he'd always take this three-wheeler across the fields with me on the back. Not a bad quad for a freebee. I've been watching your show since 20 and always enjoy it. You've come a long way since your "shade tree mechanic" day. Have a good weekend.

[@2LateIWon]

On the plastic welder, once you are down to the level you want give it a 1/16 twist. This will lock under the good plastic and have a stronger bond

[@petersutton76]

I could be wrong. But I kinda remember you have to apply the brake during the electric start. Some type of safety thing.

[@mikehunt3222]

@@petersutton76 that’s only if you want to start it while it’s in gear. My Article Cat 500 has the same thing.

[@DennisLDavis]

You are wrong - the safety switch on the brake Keeps the starter from engaging -NO elec power.

[@jacksonclark7751]

Hey Matt my dad and I inherited almost the same old red Yamaha moto 4 from my great grandfather the only difference being wider more cover on the fenders front and back along with a winch with original plow and mount and tool box behind the rear light, he used it to log for fire wood and we still use it to plow our driveway, they are absolute units.

[@daveallen8824]

Give you a tip for hooking up cables on these batteries. If you put a little piece of folded up paper or whatever under the nut, it will raise it up to where you can easily start the screw.

[@thisoldminewithlars5324]

I knew when you first tried to start it and there was still 40 minutes left on the video that you had an ignition problem. That’s always a good diagnostic tool.

[@jurgenkuhlmann9194]

At 10:00 or so it becomes clear why this vehicle didn't cost Matt a dime! Good luck! Throughout the past 15 years I have witnessed countless adventures of Matt repairing all kinds of heavy equipment, successes and mishaps included! Thanks again & all the best!

[@gregsommer5805]

cut a circle around the broken piece, removing the entire mount, do the same to get the non broken part from the other air box, then plastic weld the good one in

[@PerBroberg-c5p]

There should be a "jumper" for start position when running the starter, so the coil is dead when pushing the button, when you let up it gets power and spark. This is why it starts on the pull starter.

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

I can help you with the electric start issue. The electrical start was a special add on kit and when people replaced the starter with a newer starter the new starter spins the motor too fast for the stator to create the right amount of power. Most people just manually start the 4 wheeler when it happens don't worry about it

[@johnDingoFoxVelocity]

And if you have that motor set right pull starts everytime and starts up immediately they are reliable

[@andershagstrom5789]

If the electrical starter draws too much current and lowers the voltage, there might not be enough for the ignition circuit.

[@TheMunky83]

@@andershagstrom5789 Either option is plausible and likely

[@Ðisrupt]

@@andershagstrom5789 my thought too. not enough crank amps in the battery

[@NotJRB]

I was thinking that it was spending too fast. Is it possible add resistor to the starter circuit to reduce the voltage? Just an ignorant thought.

[@kurt8327]

Always liked the semi auto transmissions in old quads. Easy to ride and great engine breaking. It's too bad those aren't used anymore.

[@timziegler9358]

You have a rare talent...you don't give up! Great job restoring that ATV. Best wishes.

[@g2theb584]

I like any content you put up here Matt. Diesel, ATV, housebuilding. It's all good 👍

[@trailrider0194]

We had an old ford tractor that cranked over just fine but wouldn’t start. You could drift start it and it would fire right up. It turned out the brushes in the starter were bad. The starter was pulling so much electricity from the battery that it didn’t have enough for the ignition. Once we rebuilt the starter we had no more problems.

[@Hawlbucker]

Even if a glass fuse appears visually intact, if the coating is worn off, it's best to replace it as the missing coating can significantly impact its conductivity.

[@1701enter]

A perfect little machine and just right for the farm, glad you will keep it and not wreck it! very enjoyable to watch, Thanks (from Spain!)

[@butchmetzger7023]

Hubby says electric starter has to have something out of adjustment if you're only getting the occasional spark from it. I'm impressed with how many likes you get. Around 4k when I started watching and over 9 now!

[@charlescarriere76]

Connect a Voltmeter to the battery, and take a reading before and during cranking. If it drops too low you won't get a good spark.

[@brianb8401]

this was my thought also so ill just say dido

[@TheCherie1955]

Matt do your self a favor and replace the fuel line from the tank and add a filter. Ethanol eats up the rubber in the hose and sluffs rubber chunks witch end up in the needle seat. Loved the video.

[@keithmikolich908]

Taking on a small task like this is a quick rewarding victory. All your content is great. Have to say my favorite channel by far.

[@CowboyCree63]

Many powersports batteries don't have date codes, because they are shipped and sold dry, you add the electrolyte and give it initial charge once you purchase it. As long as there's no electrolyte, it can store literally forever.

[@chevyrebel3276]

9:57 I have two Yamaha Moto fours and a Moto three frame if you need parts, I most likely have them

[@DownEastSaw]

Matt, check your starter relay and its associated wiring. That most likely the reason your coil is shut off while the starter is cranking. Typically due to the high current draw of the starter, these some sort of relay activated short circuit for the coil to make sure it still works during cranking.

[@JiggyPapason]

mix boiled linseed oil and paint thinner 50/50. Wipe it on the plastic lighty with a rag. Works on metal too!

[@Baer1990]

8:40 over full makes sense, the oilfilm on all parts has settled in all the years of not moving

[@lildude2599]

Clean all the ground contacts. It makes a big difference if all connections are good. I have a 94 yamaha timberwolf that had the same problem and the whole time it was a ground connection.

[@paulwest3905]

Congrats on 800K+ subs Matt! I enjoyed the detour on the Yamaha, they made stuff to last back in the day for sure. Nice job, hope you can figure out the electric start.

[@Icebuntrucker]

Just got a 350 bigbear quad for free , But mine was a farm unit so not in good shape and not run in about five years . But dry stored and only a small amount of mice damage so this video will be a massive help Thanks Matt .

[@TheBest-ob1kj]

We have a Polaris old 4 wheeler does the same thing only starts on the pull! We are in our 70's and enjoybthe old ride, you enjoy yours!!❤

[@canadian_gamerzslol6174]

i would check inside the box that the push start button is in .i have 250 yamaha big bear and mine was same way only run on pull start ..i changed the push start box out and electric start would start it after that .cnnections in the push start button /kill switch (BOX) that only allowed current/spark after u let off due to corrosion /moisture ..

[@robertjimmie8886]

loved My 86 Moto 4, had that forever. Wish I never sold now. Thanks for them memories. (first post watching for years now)

[@AdamAlistair]

That date code tells me that battery was manufactured in 2003 on a moderately overcast and unseasonably chilly Wednesday September afternoon by a middle aged chap named Gary Harnish. Gary was really looking forward to clocking out and going to his in-laws for their weekly family roast beef dinner. Man she made good roast beef dinners with Yorkshire pudding and all the fixins! And always enough left over for him to have a nice thick roast beef sandwiches for the rest of the week at work. But Yeah, Gary loved his job and made the hell out of those batteries.

[@DieselCreek]

🤣🤣🤣

[@mikehunt3222]

@@AdamAlistair 🤣🤣🤣

[@DarrellJustesen]

Matt I don't like the power sports battery terminals either. A good way to deal with the connections is to preload the nut on the terminal with a small vacuum hose about a 1/2" long and pinch it under the nut. It keeps it in place for assembly and also future work.

[@simplegamerz9485]

I have two 1983 three wheelers at our cabin and I’ve been working on getting those working and I have one working and the other one has a shift pedal that stripped so I’ve been looking for a new one and the one I have running works super well and is a lot of fun to drive and man working on older vehicles is so nice

[@jesseowens2864]

The neighbors mom had one of these. Got it running for them, and we had a blast on it. No suspension made for some sketchy fun.

[@davidfurey7609]

that small spring you lost and found goes on the fuel screw with a small washer and oring

[@klapaucius77]

We picked up an 86 Kawi 300 for free from family. It hadn't run in 15 years. We were told it lost compression and needed rebuilt. We adjusted the intake valve, and it now runs great! You can't kill the old atv's.

[@feron450]

Great video Matt, once the shop is ready with the crane and everything getting an ultra sonic cleaner is a must. I do small engine repair as a side gig and the single best tool I’ve purchased was a ultra sonic cleaner

[@_RocketRooster]

I like when you work on the smaller stuff myself.I particularly like your old cub cadet's you have and would love to see you restore one some day. Loved the video and love this channel, Matt.

[@badmonkey3669]

Ignition switch had the same issue with a few quads I fixed for people

[@EdwardTilley]

Great project. These things are great fun; if you encounter a couple more in your travels, they make fun one-hour or even half-hour overland outings.

[@RumMonkeyable]

What is SO amazing is Matt ALWAYS knows how each piece of equipment "works" regardless of age or make. 👍👏❤😍

[@mikethomas2730]

Back in the 80's I had a Honda H100 that the CDI suddenly went bad on, no warning it just stopped working, It cost me about £80 then. I've been following you since you started the channel. Keep up the good work.

[@jamescrewe6845]

Im at 46:30. I would suspect there is a safety switch, meaning the electric start only works if the brake or clutch lever(s) are pulled at the same time as the start button.

[@TheMadJoker87]

its possible, but in that case instead of intermittent spark there should be no spark at all, unless the safety switch is also malfunctioning/corroded

[@cammos]

That could b a thing but unlikely on this due to age

[@AquaSourceLLC]

Must’ve been mid to late 80’s when I had one these gems. We switched the thumb to a twist throttle because it constantly would seize.

[@gepettoe]

It was nice to go back to your Mom and Dads basement and work on riding lawnmowers. I remember those days when you first started your channel. 😊

[@zachwisler9976]

Time for my weekend routine of stopping what I'm doing to see what Matt has this time!!!

[@daver18qc]

@37:35 Nearly every modern fuse box has a set of spare fuses either plugged into unused sockets or in the cap. At least that is my experience as a ATV/Marine tech. But I still agree that "they don't make'em like they used to" hehe

[@barrygrant2907]

I lived in Alaska in the mid-eighties, and three wheelers were more common than fleas on a stray dog. I rode a Yamaha 200 3-wheeler, even during the long sub-zero temps, and it was amazing what it would go through. Honda's "Big Red" was more popular, mainly for being build heavier and more racks, the Yamaha only having a stock rear rack. Carried moose or caribou over many miles of tundra. The 4-wheelers were just hitting the trails when I left in '86. I think I only saw a couple Yamaha 4-wheelers. While much more stable, the 4-wheelers were much heavier to deal with. The shaft drive was supposed to be a big upgrade over chain drive, but I never saw any evidence to merit that claim. Reverse also was a big improvement.

[@chevyrebel3276]

49:58 I would say a tiny bit of wet sanding than lightly go over it with a torch. It’ll bring back the color and gloss and also remove some scratches and imperfections.

[@Slane583]

Those little Moto-4's are just as simple and bulletproof as the beloved Honda 350 Four Trax. The biggest Moto-4 offered in later years was a 350 but it's harder to find. The 200 and 225 are the most commonly owned units. As for the back tires, those are not factory OE tires. Those are Carlisle Bushwhacker's and were a very popular replacement tire in the 90's. When our local Sam's Club opened up in 1995 they carried those Carlisle's in the tire department. My father bought some for his Honda ATC 185S, they were heavy and very stiff tires but they lasted forever and it felt like you could go through anything with them. It's a shame Carlisle stopped making them they're great tires. They're just not great on something with no suspension. :)

[@richardthomas1743]

HEY! Good morning everybody! Diesel Creek with Matt is a perfect start to any weekend! Thumbs UP !!!

[@gerry-p9x]

Whooo hoooo😊😊😊😊

[@TuckerandSonsfarm]

Matt, I got more excited about this video than any I’ve seen in the past 4 years! I’ve got an 87 moto 4 that my dad bought new in 1987. It had kind of been pushed off in the woods to die years ago. I drug it out about 6 years ago and got it going and it’s been a great machine for me

[@jwfinley7808]

We all appreciate old school stuff! If your old enough to know better!

[@rustyaxelrod]

Four wheelers are super popular in my area. They don’t seem intimidating to ride and uninitiated people, especially younger folks, get overconfident real quick. Unfortunately that leads to crashes and lots of injuries. There’s one in the newspaper here nearly every week. I’m not normally a safety nazi but I would suggest snagging some safety gear for the wife and kids.

[@bubsy3861]

Yup. That cool and it's nice to see stuff like that for a change.

[@kevinackley7064]

Wow this is cool just remember i have know a few people that have found out the hard way please keep your feet on the pegs, this is why all new quads have a full feet guard going from front wheel guard to rear wheel guard it is very easy to put your feet down when cornering and your leg will get caught under the wheels

[@michaelm.1807]

Hi 👋 Boss!!! Warning ⚠️ on those....DO NOT PUT YOUR FEET DOWN ON THE GROUND WHILE THE REAR TIRE'S ARE MOVING FORWARD!!!! PLUS, turning radius isn't the greatest 😮.

[@MrBigbuckzilla]

Ha I spent several months in a cast and still have problems to this day from the exact same thing. Had muddy boots I thought I would wash off as I drove through a wide narrow stream. Boots were looking great until I met a large rock. My foot changed directions when the peg met my heal and then flipped on its side to make it over said rock and under the peg. I was in Alaska and just had looked at trail cam footage of a large Grizz in the area. I’m sure if he was any closer he would have really liked watching me flopping around on the ground before he ate me.

[@lrrs428]

Matt, try the piece of zip tie trick with the battery terminal nuts. Just cut a piece of tip tie fold it in half put it under the nut and it will hold it up against the terminal holding it in place while you start the bolt.

[@The_Pink_Powerstroke]

It’s always a good day when I get a notification you posted a new video!

[@tubeDude48]

I've had both. But my favorite was my 1980 650 Yamaha. I still have it, (hear on 2024) and the only part I've replaced is the Clutch Pack! --- I'd say something is grounding out on electric start, causing no ignition. The schematic should give you a clue. Check the actual starter switch. See: James Condon, (who restores generators), always oils those sponge filters. Speaking of Generators, when you get one for the new house, consider a Kholer, NOT a Generac. Ask me now I know!

[@Lau-zon180]

That crane would be a great reward once finished

[@gerry-p9x]

A mustie mini lift wood be helpful

[@jasonweir6345]

I was watching a junkyard digs vid and Keven was having a similar issue. The starter grounds out the ignition while cranking. Install a direct wire from the battery to the ignition switch. That way both items get fed full voltage

[@richardthomas1743]

Sounds like a wire on the starter is on a wrong terminal.. ALSO that is more than likely why it caught fire , it sparked at the wrong time after the cranking was stopped and back fired into the intake setting it on fire years ago.

[@scottfortune9016]

It's a great little machine to send your kids to go get the mail, once you're all moved into the new house. Would love to see more videos on your house as well. I know morning inside, but the outside would be great

[@duru2882]

It looks like an 1987-89 Yamaha Moto-4 with pristine “Wooly Boogers” tires on the rear, and four-trax tires on front! The plastic isn’t sun faded, it’s MINT!

[@artking7715]

The ignition switch needs to allow spark in the crank position as well as the run position. Thats why it sparks as you let up on the starter but not in the crank

[@109number9]

You and Scrappy both uploaded, there goes my morning!

[@mikebrunner1577]

Hey Matt, Mop and Glo is amazing on old plastics. I use to use on my 200, and 350X. Made them look like new. You found a Diamond.

[@TheHomePros6221]

I love pretty much anything from the 80s and 90s prob the best years in history

[@donquijote6030]

Agreed. Especially the 80's.

[@gerry-p9x]

​@@donquijote6030Madonna kinda skanky

[@DennisLDavis]

If your CDI box is 6 pin -4 pins on one plug and 2 pins on other plug- on two pin unplug or cut top wire(should be green-ground) other red and starter should work. Green wire is for kill switch. Found this out after hours of searching on my 2000 E-Ton 150. Good Luck -watch all of your UTubes !!

[@outandaboutwithdon656]

Time spent with Matt is quality time

[@kevinhitchner6347]

I have seen videos of plastic stadium seats being restored from nothing with a flame. Not what you should do on your quad, but the heat definitely works

[@outandaboutwithdon656]

Another long video, this is awesome

[@brandonchristian2411]

Matt, I rebuild old chainsaws and I’ve had very bad luck with Chinese coils. Buy 10 of them and you might get one good one.

[@richardthomas1743]

We all know the saying , "FREE IS FOR ME" LOL

[@2dogsmowing]

Free stuff is the best stuff. 😉

[@jstar1000]

Free99 my favorite price.

[@jillstevens9944]

What a helm Don't forget your helmet

[@NellieCarlson-s1b]

We picked up an 86 Kawi 300 for free from family. It hadn't run in 15 years. We were told it lost compression and needed rebuilt. We adjusted the intake valve, and it now runs great! You can't kill the old atv's.

[@klapaucius77]

I don't recall seeing you working on it. Get a life and stop stealing comments.

[@davidhopkins9021]

​@@klapaucius77think you need to get a life how the hell do you know

[@tine]

My suggestion is that the fault is in the start and stop buttons. They are prone to rain and corrosion. Possibly where the wires move bed the handlebars. Sincerely, Tobias Pettersen, Trondheim, Norway.