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Engine timing is mission-critical. Getting this stuff wrong can spell big trouble. If you suspect timing is out, best not to run the motor.
Checking ATV engine camshaft and crankshaft timing marks is the correct way to verify timing. It’s a simple 4 step process:
By the end of this post, you’ll understand clearly how to check your ATV engine timing marks, why timing jumps and how to fix it, and also other causes of bad timing.
Page Contents
Timing is everything, every component of your engine has an important job to do, and some components have to do it at a very precise moment in the engine cycle. Doing their job too early or too late can make the difference between an engine on full song and no singing at all.
The bottom end of your engine (crankshaft) coordinates the top end (valve train). It employs sprockets, chains, tensioners, and guides rails to keep everything in time. The valves positioned in the cylinder head open and close sequentially, allowing fuel in and spent gases out.
The spark plug needs to fire at the correct time. Ordinarily, when the engine is idling, the plug fires when the engine is at TDC, and it signifies the beginning of the power stroke.
As the engine speeds up, though, the plug is fired earlier. Know as BTDC (Before Top Dead Center), this is because the spark plug takes time to produce a spark. Starting the process early, therefore, means the plug continues to fire at the sweet spot in the engine cycle.
The firing, advancing, and retarding of the spark plug is controlled by the trigger (aka pulse, pickup, or crankshaft sensor (CKP)) and the CDI box (Capacitor Discharge Ignition).
An ignition timing issue may be caused by a faulty CDI box or an incorrectly positioned pickup sensor.
Your ATV engine is a four-stroke simply because it has four clearly defined stages in its operation.
The piston moves down the cylinder and draws fuel mix in through the open intake valve.
The piston moves up the cylinder, compressing the air-fuel mix (valves closed).
Plug fires and the piston moves down the cylinder powering the crankshaft (valves closed).
The piston moves back up the cylinder forcing spent gases out the open exhaust valve.
And the cycle starts over.
There may be lots of reasons why your ATV engine doesn’t sound or operate like normal. Timing is not one of the first items checked unless it suffers from some of the following symptoms:
Don’t rule out some of the simple causes first and they include the following:
Checking your timing is a straightforward procedure, but you’ll likely need to remove a few items to gain access. This guide guesses that your engine is an Over Head Cam found in most modern ATVs. I’ve included a single and a twin-cam, your timing markings will likely be different but not to worry, from the timing diagrams below, you’ll get the picture.
The process goes like this:
For twin-cam engines, the process is similar, with just an extra sprocket mark to line up. Typically, both sprocket marks align with the horizon plain of the cylinder head (marked as red lines below) and some sprockets may have an additional mark (not in the pic below), and typically they point straight upwards (90°).
The timing chain and valve train are all mechanical and require adjustment and maintenance for trouble-free service.
The more usual causes of jumped timing include:
Resetting the timing can be a pain in the ass, but you do need to get it correct. If the timing isn’t correct, the piston could impact the valves, causing some very expensive repairs. Your very first job is to find a manual for your engine. The process, torque specs, and tightening sequences vary from engine to engine.
Critical information and tools
You’ll need to know your timing marks, torque specs, fastener sequences, and you’ll need a torque wrench. You’ll find a list of all the tools I use here on the ATV tools page.
This guide will give you a general flavor of the job ahead.
A full inspection of the chain, sprockets, guides, and tensioner is advised. A failing tensioner is a very common cause of jumped timing, and obviously, if root causes aren’t fixed, timing will jump again and maybe with costly consequences.
You may find these posts useful:
How often to service an ATV?
ATV parts page
ATV won’t jumpstart
Air-cooled ATV white smoke
Will ATV start with a bad stator?
OFF-ROAD METAMORPHOSES
A similar transformation took place this year with the Arctic Cat 700 Mud Pro ATV, which received LTD performance. Despite the fact that there are practically no technically significant changes, it is extremely difficult to even recognize it externally. This is due to the snorkel placed above the “hood”. It is installed regularly, even at the factory, and it resembles either a periscope tube, or the barrel of some incomprehensible, but therefore even more terrible weapon. However, the characteristic feline cut of the eye-headlights remained. nine0003
The dashboard is very laconic, but with all that, everything you need is on it. The large analog speedometer scale is complemented by a digital display showing the fuel level, the transmission mode involved, as well as those parameters that the driver has selected in advance.
The Arctic Cat 700 Mud Pro is purpose-built for tame off-road use. This is clear from the last two words in its title. Therefore, a highly raised snorkel is not a whim of an erotically inclined designer. There are also large 28-inch alloy wheels for better cross-country ability. Regular tires corresponding — Maxxis Zilla. The levers and CV joints from below and from the sides have special protection. True, it is more decorative, and when hitting a stone, there will probably be little sense from it. But the plastic of the wings looks very reliable. nine0010 The ATV is equipped with two luggage platforms. The front one takes on 45 kg, and on the back one can generally load almost a centner! There is a winch and the possibility of installing a tow bar. The role of the front bumper is performed by a kengurin, which even covers the headlights; reinforced rear bumper.
INDIVIDUAL WEAPON
Despite its solid size and powerful engine, it is better to use the Arctic Cat 700 Mud Pro alone for reconnaissance. No, if necessary, a passenger can also be seated on it, but there will be nowhere to put his legs: there is not even a place where they can be put down. A subtle hint that the cool guys don't need the second number. nine0003
Having driven the cat over rugged terrain, I understood the reason: the Arctic Cat 700 Mud Pro simply provokes you to climb into such jungle, from which it is not always possible to emerge victorious even without a passenger. With a standard base and track, the ground clearance of the Arctic Cat 700 Mud Pro can be called huge - 35 cm, which means that its center of gravity is quite high. It is possible to overcome the tendency to capsize, which is inevitable in this situation, only by timely and correct movement of the pilot over the entire surface of the quadra. The passenger may simply not keep up with the pilot. nine0003
Injection motor with a low growl instantly confirms its 700 "cubes". It immediately becomes clear that the jokes with him are bad. It is necessary to stroke such a “kitty” very carefully. Probably, in order to exclude the possibility of thoughtless flirting, the engine speed limit is provided in the reverse mode: that is, you can only drive slowly, no matter how hard you press the gas trigger. But this restriction can be removed: just press the yellow Reverse Override button on the left handle with your thumb. And then the engine and in reverse mode will work with full power. nine0003
However, the Arctic Cat 700 Mud Pro calls forward, and only forward. For starters, the drive is only on two wheels, so you will feel the suspension better. Yes, it is really very comfortable - independent both front and rear. Its large strokes allow it to pass decent-sized obstacles without loss of control. And if both driving wheels are firmly on the ground, then you can not connect the “front end” yet, save it.
However, the moisture-saturated land near Moscow is treacherous and still requires the 4x4 mode. The front axle is connected in an elementary way: you just need to move the black key on the right handle to the left. You can do it on the go as well. The main thing is not to turn and that there is no slippage. With all-wheel drive, Arctic Cat ran more confidently. These unnecessary drifts of stern have ceased. It is pleasant to note that the steering wheel is practically not heavier - all thanks to the electric power steering. On the contrary, there was a feeling that confidence had flowed into the hands. With such an arsenal, you can go into the swamps. Really, why not ride along the park paths with such a huge snorkel and on evil rubber? nine0003
Seat-drenched Arctic Cat 700 Mud Pro hacked hard through the swamp slush. Only, unlike him, I was somehow uncomfortable, sitting in the water…
The forest clearing abounded with flooded pits. I almost fell into one of them. I had to turn on the low row, lock the front differential and get out slowly, slowly. By the way, the 4WD Lock mode turns on in an interesting way: the same black key must be pushed up with the thumb of the right hand (notches applied to it also hint at this). And soon after me, one of my colleagues fell into this hole. This is where the standard winch came in handy. nine0003
In general, I definitely liked Mud Pro by LTD. By and large, what happened to him can be called factory tuning. Let it be. This is no worse than looking for the necessary bells and whistles in stores and on the Internet - of course, this approach deprives you of an exciting process, but it gives a guaranteed result.
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Model year | 2015 |
Type | ATV |
Grade | Utility ATV |
Length, mm | 2195 |
Width, mm | 1220 |
Height, mm | 1257 |
Seat height, mm | - |
Assembly country | USA |
Maximum speed, km/h | Liquid |
Show all specifications Unfortunately, this model has no classmates. .. Owner reviews Arctic Cat 550Arctic Cat 550, 2016 First ATV in my life, and in general for the first time I ride an ATV. Impressions so far only extremely positive, let's see how it will be further, I have nothing to compare with. The Arctic Cat 550 has big wheels, a snorkel, a winch installed, I installed it myself: manual start, heated handles, a viewing mirror - at least look at your face and wipe off dirt. I also installed hand protection and a battery charge indicator. I also took an additional oil cooler, but then I thought about it and realized that I didn’t need it. The impressions from riding the Arctic Cat 550 are not at all unambiguous. I’ve skated all my life on a boat, I haven’t got off snowmobiles for 8 years, I’m already thinking about which fourth snowmobile in my personal use to change seats, but riding in the mud is somehow not impressive. I also think it’s necessary to install a small glass, otherwise if the breeze is oncoming, it blows off the ATV, and let it cut off mosquitoes. While I'm rolling. nine0003 Pros: Great as a first ATV. Permeability at altitude. Disadvantages of : I would like a regular windshield. Pavel, Norilsk Arctic Cat 550, 2014 I have owned the Arctic Cat 550 for over a year now. I mainly use an ATV for trips with friends in my free time, and sometimes for hunting. What I liked about it is the energy-intensive suspension, and besides, it is also reliable. After the first season, I changed the tie rods and pads, these are all the investments that the Arctic Cat 550 needed, except, of course, the standard maintenance. This is a real tractor for serious swamps. Despite the volume, it is very traction. Tried to ride with CFMoto 700cc so mine beat it. The device is cool, service on time, and everything will be fine. nine0003 Advantages of : Easy to maintain. Reliable. Moderately frisky. Economical. Cons : Not the cheapest option. Nikita, Perm Arctic Cat 550, 2015 A successful model, as it seemed to me, the most optimal of all Arctic Cats. Runs great in winter. It drives through swamps and forests like an all-terrain vehicle. I purposefully took the 550 cc engine, since I didn’t plan to carry anything with me, and I myself weigh only 70 kg. As for the dynamics - I have enough of it with my head. Since this is the first ATV, riding it seems very frisky to me. Perhaps there is nothing to compare with, but at least everything is enough for me. All-wheel drive and CVT Arctic Cat 550 pull out of any ambush. I want to buy mud tires and how to mix the swamp in our area in the spring. nine0003 Advantages of : patency. Driving qualities. Controllability. Excellent engine. Disadvantages of : roll suspension, I would like it to be stiffer. Paul, Quebec
Wallpaper Arctic Cat 550
Wallpaper Arctic Cat 550
Arctic Cat 550 at a GlanceArctic Cat 550 / Arctic Cat 550 The Arctic Cat 550 ATV is a versatile all-terrain vehicle that will help you with your household and will become a reliable companion on rough terrain. |