Tim's Tech Tips

for ATVs

On a daily basis I am asked numerous questions about the proper procedures to operating and maintaining ATVs.  I have started this page in an attempt to assist with the most common questions.  Hopefully, this information will be useful to you.  Keep checking back - I plan to keep adding Tech Tips!  If you need more help please feel free to contact me through the Ask Tim page.

Tim's Tips

1. Drive Chain Adjustment

2. Replace Spark Plug

3. Carb and Air/Fuel Adjustment

4. Break-in Period

5. CDI Adjustment for E-ton ATVs

Drive Chain Adjustment

The drive chain will stretch with use and will require periodic adjustments. To check the chain tension, remove the chain guard and measure the slack. The amount of slack in the chain should not exceed 10-20mm or ¼” - ½”.

Inspect the drive and axle sprockets for worn, damaged or broken teeth. Replace as needed. Inspect the chain links for damaged, worn or loose rivets. Repair or replace as needed.

Chain Slack Adjustment

Loosen the axle position lock bolts slightly and turn the chain adjuster nut to take up the excess slack in the chain. Once the chain has been adjusted to the proper tension retighten the axle position locking bolt.

The chain should be kept well lubricated to prevent excess wear and premature failure. We recommend that you lubricate the chain every 15 hours of operation, or more frequently if needed, with a high qualitychain lubricant.

Replace Spark Plug

Two cycle engines burn a mixture of fuel and oil. When the mixture contains too much oil the spark plug can become fouled causing a weak spark condition that will drastically degrade the engine performance. When the plug is fouled heavily a no spark condition can occur the will prevent the engine from running at all.

You should replace your spark plug at the beginning of each riding season. To change the spark plug do the following.

1. Stop the engine and wait for it to cool, 30-60 min. (Never work on a hot engine because the heat can cause sever burning.)

2. Locate the spark plug at the front of the engine.

3. Remove the Spark plug lead wire by gently pulling on the plug wires boot. Do not pull on the wire itself as this could cause damage to the wire.

4. Remove the old spark plug using the supplied plug wrench and screwdriver by turning the plug counter clockwise.

5. Set the electro gap on the new plug to 0.6m-0.7mm / 0.023”.

6. Insert the new plug by hand and tighten finger tight by turning the plug in a clockwise direction. Use caution not to cross thread the plug in the head.

7. Use the plug wrench to tighten the plug another ¼ to ½ turn. Caution:  over tightening the plug can cause the thread in the
   engine head to be striped, under tightening the plug can cause compression lose and possible cylinder head failure.

8. Reinstall the plug wire by pressing the wire boot over the plug until it is completely seated on the spark plug.

Air/Fuel Adjustment

Step 1: Air adjusting screw

Turn adjusting screw all the way in then back off
¾ to 1¼ turn on 50cc engine
1 to 1½ turns on 90cc engine.
 

Step 2: Adjust idle RPM. (Warm Engine)

Turn the adjustment screw in or out to adjust the engine idle speed to
Between 1700—1900 RPM.

 

Click photo to enlarge

 

Break-in Period

Your ATV requires a break-In period just as with all other internal combustion engines.

This period allows the engine parts to seat and wear properly without undue strain which can cause premature failure.

Below is the recommended break-in period for the E-ton ATVs.

1. For the first two weeks of operation do not run your ATV at full throttle for extended periods of time.

2. Viper 50M/50/70/90/90R: Your first tank of fuel should be a pre-mixture of fuel and oil at a 50:1 ratio. This will insure that the oil pump system has been primed and bled of air that may have occurred in shipping.

3. Viper Jr:  All fuel should be a pre-mixture of fuel and oil at a 50:1 ratio.

4. Do not operate the unit at more than 85% of maximum speed.

5. Do not over rev the engine.

6. Use light braking pressure to allow the brake pads to seat to the rotor and drums.

CDI Adjustment For E-ton Vipers

Eton has installed an adjustable speed control on the 2005 Viper models from the RXL-50M through the RXL-90R. This devise allow the vehicle speed to be increased in steps as the rider becomes more experienced.

The CDI is located under the seat.

Click photo to enlarge
 

The table below illustrates the factory setting, which is a combination of the setting on the CDI pod and the throttle stop bolt. It can also be used to set the desired speed limit for each model as the rider develops their skill level. Use a combination the CDI control pod and throttle stop bolt to set the desired for the customer.

Adjustable CDI