ATVs and UTVs are workhorses around many small farm , provide off - road transportation system ; hauling tool , fencing and firewood ; and even serve as tractors , draw in mower , tillers and manure spreader . On top of that , they ’re just homely fun ! But even workhorse need a little maintenance now and then , specially as they mature . The engine and powertrain get most of the wear and require the most attention , so allow ’s initiate there .
Engine
Most ATVs and some UTVs have air - cooled engine . That ’s okay for general use , but issues get up with heat when the engine is pulling hard at low-toned focal ratio that do n’t give it enough airflow to in effect cool the cylinders . This can have several consequences .
For one affair , it can cheapen the carrying into action of the locomotive engine oil colour , and in an extreme cause , it can warp the piston chamber header . Your first line of defense is to make certain that the cooling fins are well-defined of brush or anything that would reduce the airflow over them . A quick runaway with compressed air should do the trick . If your vehicle has an external vegetable oil tank , make certain that it also has good airflow through it . If it has a radiator , clean it out regularly — compress air work well here , as well — as leaves and dust can clog it , and use the recommended antifreeze even in the summer . Many engine have water system pumps that depend on the lubricating attribute of antifreeze .
Fuel
Ethanol in fuel is an event for many small engine , include motorcycle , ATVs and UTVs . It destroys some plastic commonly used in carburetors and fuel credit line , and it can leave a residue if left to sit for protracted periods . If possible , use ethanol - free agiotage fuel . If ethanol - free fuel is not available , use a fuel stabilizer , such as STA - BIL , if you wo n’t be riding for a duet of weeks or longsighted . For extended period of nonuse ( six months or more ) , turn off the fuel valve and launch the locomotive engine until it dies to off fuel from the fuel lines and carburetor ( or injectors ) .
Filters
Every sentence you change the oil on your ATV or UTV , supplant the oil filter and strain filter , as well . You might call for to vary the zephyr filter even more often if you operate on in stale conditions . A clogged air filter can cause the engine to run rich ( too much fuel for the amount of line taken in ) , which in number can cause the engine to run rough and wicked the Muriel Spark plugs .
A choked fuel filter has the polar issue , cause the locomotive engine to lam skimpy ( not enough fuel for the amount of air taken in ) , which can cause the engine to run hotter than normal . It would be very unusual for a fuel filter to overload up , but follow the manufacturer ’s instructions if you need to perform maintenance .
Spark Plugs
ATVs and UTVs typically have electronic ignition that are as foolproof as it gets . The main troublemakers are the spark chaw and wires . If the locomotive engine is not run as it should , make certain the Dame Muriel Spark wad wires are in dear precondition . Sometimes , they can get snag , damaged or rend out .
One thing that a lot of people lose is setting the spark plug gap : Do n’t assume that this is right when you buy them . Use a barbel standard of measurement and adjust the gap until you just feel the electrode scratching against it . If necessary , open up up the gap by prying it with a small expansion slot screwdriver or close it up a bit by tapping the electrode with the screwdriver handle . It is soft metal and bends easily , so take it easy .
Use a spark plug wrench . It has a India rubber inset that hold the stopple while you pull in it out or put it back in . When you substitute the Dame Muriel Spark stopple , start it by hand to check that you do n’t pass over wander it . Tighten it down by paw , then add no more than a quartern turning with the wrench . Most ATVs have aluminum heads that are much softer than the flicker hoopla , and over tightening can dismantle them out . Damaged spark chew duds will ask major repair .
Engine Oil
Ideally , you should jibe the engine fossil oil every time you utilise the machine . There are some oils that are explicate specifically to perform under mellow temperature . Oil changes are probably the individual most important maintenance military operation that prolongs engine life , so keep them within the factory spec .
One of the most common mistake is overfilling the oil . Unlike a car , which is down a quart when the oil drops to the “ add ” marker , it does n’t take much to top off the oil in an ATV or UTV . Too much oil color can do the engine to race hot . If you do add too much , drain a little out to get it at or below the full mark .
Changing locomotive oil on a regular cornerstone is the one single matter that can most prolong the life of your locomotive engine . If the simple machine is fresh , abide by the good word for the initial oil / filter variety — typically after the first 50 hour of procedure — to bring out in the locomotive engine and clear out any material left by the fabrication cognitive operation .
The debate between petroleum - based oil and synthetic vegetable oil stay on . Many people break in the engines with petroleum - base then change to synthetics , which tend to hold up well under heavy use at high temperature . Go with your dealer ’s advice on this .
Battery
The assault and battery may also be the source of provocation . They are typically humble and expensive and do n’t seem to last as long as they should . This problem ordinarily shows up in cold weather or when the ATV or UTV has n’t been ram for a while . A bombardment left field discharged over the winter will almost sure need replacing . Use a battery sustainer to keep it topped off . There are some inexpensive solar battery charger that also work well .
If your ATV / UTV electric battery is tucked forth in an unobtainable office , consider attaching a couple of wire leads to it ( red for positive and black for damaging ) for gentle hook - up . While you ’re at it , correspond for erosion around the battery terminal . you could make clean the terminals with a wire brushing , then coat them with a gel that prevents future corrosion . If the battery is not sealed , check up on the level of the electrolyte every clock time you alter the oil . If the electrolyte level is low , top it off with distilled body of water .
Lubrication
Almost every moving part of your ATV or UTV will involve lubrication of some sort . The manual of arms that came with your ATV or UTV should have a diagram depict all lubricating substance degree . If your machine has an automatic transmittance or hydrostatic driving force , keep them topped off , and check the artificial lake for hydraulic brake if your fomite has them .
light beam drive are passably much trouble - gratis , though there may be a place to top off the appurtenance oil . For range of mountains - drive ATVs , use the commend chain lube . pass over down the chain with a rag , spray on the lubricator , then pass over off the excess . If there is a chain tension allowance , set it to the level where there is about 1/4 inch of free rein in the chain . Too wet , and you risk give way the chain . Too loose , and it could arrive off when you least ask it .
Cables
wet is the overall most destructive element on equipment — especially in cable’s length where even a small amount of rust can freeze it in its housing , causing it to move bolt , if at all . Usually a little cable’s length lube will free it up .
Cables can also get crimp . If you ca n’t straighten one out so that it operates swimmingly , forthwith replace it . This is a safety proceeds ; you need the throttle to go back to an idle any time you let go .
Tires
calculate on how you use the ATV or UTV , the tire can take quite a beating . To make the topic more complicated , it can be difficult to tell when those bad floatation tires are low just by search at them , which makes a tyre standard of measurement a key piece of equipment . The dial - case calibre are the good , but the pencil - type one mob comfortably in the tool box seat .
The biggest issues are nails , thorns , incisive stubs or anything else that can slice or thump a hole in the tires . Be especially watchful for slice on the sides of tires , as these can open up at any sentence . I do n’t recommend the use of a tire sealer because it can corrode the flange , making the tire nearly out of the question to remove . Sealant also mumble up the inside of the tire so patches wo n’t adhere if you ever need one . One product that I do recommend is Armor All or other such textile to protect the tire . Usually , you ’ll find that the tire historic period and cracks before the tread wears down , and this will stretch forth the lifespan of your tire .
Brakes
Most ATVs and UTVs habituate hydraulic brakes . Check the pasture brake fluid reservoir at least three clip a class or any clip the brakes feel soft . If your fomite has a bracken pad wear off indicator , check it periodically .
If the brakes yak , snaffle or feel voiced , take the wheel off and check the pads , drums and/or rotors for wear , and replace if necessary . Generally , you should put back them in front or rearward pairs . If this looks like more of a task than you want to undertake , take it to a car-mechanic .
Spark Arrester
Taking Your ATV/UTV To The Shop
At some point , you ’ll be in over your head on a fixture for your ATV or UTV . It may be a carburetor adjustment or even taking a tire off the rim to prepare a flat . When you retrieve yourself in this situation , there are a few things you could do to save on the $ 60 - an - hour workshop fee . Clean up the ATV before taking it in . At least get most of the mud off of it . If it is a matter of a level tyre , take the wheel off and just take it in . It save you cart the entire simple machine and save on the auto-mechanic ’s time . If you have a specific trouble , be prepared to provide as much information as potential .
The old adage that “ an apothecaries' ounce of bar is worth a pound of therapeutic ” is certainly rightful of equipment sustentation . quotidian care , such as changing oil and filters , reduce equipment vesture and more expenses down the road . The simple upkeep procedures outline in this article will help ensure that your ATV or UTV will be useable to do a mixed bag of jobs at a moment ’s notice for age to add up .
This article originally seem in the November / December 2015 issue ofHobby Farms .
