Four Wheeler Question

[Richwon4]

So I have an older Kawasaki Bayou.
1. It has a tendency to overheat.
2. The electric start has never worked.
3. Now the Lights don't work.

A couple weeks ago I completely drained the battery. I pull start it and it takes off just fine of course. But could I have completely zapped what might have been left of the battery which would explain the lights issue? Thanks

 

[Sniper 79]

How old is the battery?
Stator putting out?

Radiator could use a flush and a new thermostat.

You can put power direct to starter and see if it cranks. If it does then it is a fuse,switch, solenoid or in the wiring.

All easy stuff to fix.

 

[Leadeye]

Buy a Honda, lower maintenance. My 300 doesn't look great, but fires up every day,

 

[fullauto 45]

Polaris Ranger is my favorite. Love my 2011 XP 800. All stock except for LEDs and roof, windshield, sound system.

 

[bigbaloo95]

Probably has a light regulator in the harness which go bad all the time. Google a wiring harness diagram and test it. The battery can be tested as well. And as said above check the stator for output.

 

[Jaybird1980]

If you have a multimeter it is pretty easy to check the battery leads to see if its getting 14-14.5vdc.If you don't get enough voltage then check the stator for output.

 

[ggglobert9]

Stator, drain your cooling system and flush it a couple times with garden hose. Use low pressure and just let it run through your system until it runs clear. Batteries fairly cheap to.

 

[tmschuller]

I think it's air cooled.. Other than that great advice. Could be wiring or the solenoid .. I found melted wires and on a older machine the wiring to the starter could be corroded or resistance too much. Check chrome batterys on eBay for your battery needs. Located in Carmel and I bought a agm battery for less than a regular battery at Walmart. . around 35.00 shipped and got it the next day.
When you say overheat what does it do?

 

[Richwon4]

It becomes difficult to start as in it will not staDr until 10-15 minutes of sitting.

 

[Jaybird1980]

After it gets hot it cranks over but does not fire? If so it may be the coil. Check it for spark when it is hot and not starting

 

[Jaybird1980]

If it does have good spark when it is hot, then it could be the cdi. If you have to replace the cdi I would suggest replacing the reg/rect also

 

[Richwon4]

It has a good plug in it only a year or two old. As far as the CDI and the reg/rect I have no idea what you are talking about.

 

[Sniper 79]

Let me know if you would like to sell it. Could probably fix it up for my kids to put around on.

 

[churchmouse]

You know these things require maint. on occassion.
The occasion of running hot means to figure out why before you ride it again and burn it down.
Just because it will start is not a reason to run the snot out of it until it overheats "Again"

If I sound blunt it is because I get these questions constantly and the answers are simple.....Fix things as the happen.
If you let them pile up they just get worse.

 

[Richwon4]

I will be selling it. PM me after thanksgiving.

 

[1DOWN4UP]

That hot no start,if you have a fan,make sure it is working.I f you get another one,I would say Honda.I am still riding the very first 4x4 Honda made(1986).It is very ugly.It still runs good.

 

[Richwon4]

My Bayou is getting all straightened out. I found a 4x4 and it ought to be ready by Christmas so I will look to sell the Bayou.

 

[BobDaniels]

So I have an older Kawasaki Bayou.
1. It has a tendency to overheat.
2. The electric start has never worked.
3. Now the Lights don't work.

A couple weeks ago I completely drained the battery. I pull start it and it takes off just fine of course. But could I have completely zapped what might have been left of the battery which would explain the lights issue? Thanks

We have a '99~ish Kawasaki Prairie and I have found the lights don't work well/at all when the battery is low or dead. Also had to replace the starter a couple years back as it would click but would not extend and spin.