A friend picked up a Cannondale quad that had been sitting out in the weather for a year or longer, and we've been trying to got it back into shape. We got it running, but it sounds like the starter is not disengaging after it's started. I see in the manual that the starter has a clutch system rather than a solenoid, but do they sound odd after starting? Is there any way to tell if things are working properly? We don't want to cause any more harm.

Thanks for any advice.

Does it have a pull rope, or can you push start it? If so, remove the starter, fire it up, and see if the noise is still there.

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06 Vinson
Black, Auto
Warn 2.5ci Winch
Amsteel Green with UHMW Fairlead
Cycle Country 60" Blade
Remote Blade Angle Release Kit
Hand and Thumb Warmers
Duel Halogen Backup Lights
White Reflective Striping
Turn Signal Kit (for street legal)

Do not pull /push start it. EVER.
Cannondale engines make alot of rattling knocking noise at idle. Does it go away when reving the engine up a little?
There is a starter clutch on the right side of the engine and also a one way bearing on the end of the counterbalance shaft. The clutch only spins while the starter is running and if the one way is bad it wont even crank the engine.

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Witech-450mx
Witech-450trail
Witech -470 drag ,dune

WISTECH - thanks for the information. From your post, I gather that there's really no way the starter can be stuck engaged as a solenoid system can do? We'll try running it up and see if it smoothes out.

Curious as to why it's so taboo to push start? A fuel injection issue?

Thanks,
Todd

There has been occasion for a starter relay to stick on after startup but if you shut the quad off right away and it keeps cranking you will know it right away. There are several reasons not to pull start a dale. Rarely there is a phenomena called hydrostatic lock that can occur if a check ball in the oil pump curcuit gets a tiny piece of debris in the seat. It will allow oil from the frame spar to seep into the crankcase and keep the piston from moving. The starter will not be able to crank the motor from the resistance and if you tried pull starting the quad you could end up blowing hoses and covers apart or cause major engine damage that way.
Another reason is if the starter wont start the engine it probalbly has a fouled plug and Cannondales will never start no matter how fast you pull it. Or you have a mechanical issue like tight valves .

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Witech-450mx
Witech-450trail
Witech -470 drag ,dune

The clutch may just be sticking a little. At worst the clutch will relieve itself of a little material initially. If you drive it around it should release and be fine. Cannondale is known for making noise. Always better to ask though. As long as the atv is not doing what WISTECH is saying about the solenoid, all is good! jerry @ http://www.freeengineinfo.com