Suzuki LT50 Problems And Their Solutions
The classic Suzuki LT50 mini ATV packs big fun into a small package, but even these hard machines are susceptible to mechanical issues.
From bogging and hesitation to starting troubles and oil leaks, LT50 owners have encountered their fair share of technical gremlins over the years. However, every stubborn LT50 problem has a fix to get the bike back on the trails.
With some targeted troubleshooting and basic DIY wrenching skills, one can diagnose and remedy persistent LT50 issues. Whether it’s a carburetor cleaning or an engine rebuild, solutions exist to deal with lack of power, poor idling, or ride-ending breakdowns.
Some upgrades and preventative maintenance can also help maximize durability and performance. If you’re contending with a bothersome LT50, rest assured – solutions abound to unravel even the most confounding problems.
Common Suzuki LT50 Problems And Their Solutions
Contents
The Suzuki LT50 is a popular youth ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) that has been around for many years. While it’s generally a reliable machine, like any vehicle, it may encounter issues over time. Here are some common Suzuki LT50 problems and their potential solutions:
1. Starting Problems
The Suzuki LT50 mini ATV is known for having frustrating starting issues that leave owners scratching their heads. The engine will turn over but simply not ignite and run.
This can stem from several culprits like a fouled or faulty spark plug, a clogged carburetor due to dirt buildup or old gas, incorrect fuel mixture, low compression from a worn crank seal, or other ignition problems.
Symptoms of a starting issue include the engine cranking but not firing up after several tries, rough idling, or the bike bogging and stalling just after startup.
Solutions: Luckily, there are solutions for diagnosing and addressing LT50 starting woes.
Replacing the spark plug and air filter, cleaning out the carburetor thoroughly, adjusting fuel mixture screws, and checking the crank seal compression can help identify and fix the problem.
Patience and methodically checking the carb and ignition components is key. Some new gas, a carb cleaning, fresh plugs, and fuel adjustment is often all that’s needed to get back on the trails.
But a worn top end may require engine rebuilding if basic tune-ups don’t solve the cold start issues. With some targeted troubleshooting, you can have that reluctant LT50 motor roaring to life once again.
2. Running Problems
Once started, Suzuki LT50s can run into issues like lack of power, bogging, hesitation, or surging during riding.
This is typically caused by carburetor troubles like a clogged jet, stuck float, or improperly set fuel mixture.
An air leak, faulty spark plug, or bad gas could also be culprits. The bike may throttle at full choke but sputter when opened up.
Or it may surge unpredictably while riding or fail to accelerate properly. These running issues point to fuel delivery or ignition problems.
Solutions: Diagnosing and fixing running issues takes carefully inspecting the carburetor, fuel lines, air filter, and plugs.
Cleaning the carb jets and bowl, checking for air leaks, adjusting fuel screw settings, and inspecting the spark plug gap and wire can get to the bottom of most problems.
A fresh fill of gas after draining old fuel, along with new filters and plugs, may be all that’s needed.
But persistent issues might need a carb rebuild or top-end overhaul if the fuel mixture adjustments and routine tune-up components don’t solve the bike’s power loss and hesitation woes.
3. Clutch Problems
The LT50 clutch can suffer issues like slipping, dragging, or complete failure. A slipping clutch will rev the engine without moving the rear wheels.
This is typically caused by worn clutch plates, weak springs, or low oil levels.
Dragging can make it hard to shift gears and indicates sticky clutch plates. Finally, the clutch can completely burn out due to excessive wear, leaving the bike stuck in gear.
Solutions: Fixing LT50 clutch issues involves inspecting the clutch plates, springs, and cables, and verifying the oil level. Replacing worn plates and springs can return a slipping clutch to full engagement.
Cleaning or replacing plates resolves dragging issues. Adjusting the clutch cable also helps engagement. If the clutch is completely fried, a full rebuild or replacement of the clutch pack parts will be needed to get back on the trails.
Preventive care like regular oil changes helps avoid premature clutch wear in the first place.
4. Fuel Problem
Common fuel-related issues with the Suzuki LT50 include clogged carburetor jets, bad gasoline, incorrect fuel mixture (often due to a faulty oil injection pump), and fuel delivery problems (debris in fuel lines or a faulty fuel pump).
These issues can lead to engine hesitation, stalling, poor performance, starting troubles, and even a complete lack of fuel for the engine.
Solution: Fuel system issues can be diagnosed by inspecting the carb, fuel lines, and oil injection pump, and testing fuel quality.
Cleaning carb jets and bowls, draining old gas, replacing with fresh fuel, adjusting fuel screw settings, and rebuilding the oil injection pump help return proper fuel flow and mixture.
Checking for air leaks and spark problems should also be done. Methodically inspecting the entire fuel delivery system solves most LT50 fuel problems and gets these mini ATVs running smoothly again.
5. Engine Problem
The LT50 engine can suffer issues like overheating, smoking, knocking, or loss of power over time.
Overheating is often caused by low coolant/oil, a stuck thermostat, or debris blocking airflow. This damages cylinders and heads.
Smoking and burning oil points to worn piston rings or valve guide seals. Knocking or pinging under load indicates engine damage like a worn bottom end.
Loss of power comes from normal internal wear diminishing compression and engine output.
Solutions: Diagnosing and fixing engine issues requires a methodical approach. Checking coolant, oil, thermostat, and cooling fins addresses overheating.
Replacing worn piston rings and seals stops smoking issues. Heads may need skimming or cylinders bored out from heat damage.
Knocking engines likely need rebuilding with oversized pistons and bores. Maintaining air filters, monitoring oil levels, and regular tune-ups helps maximize engine life and power.
But high-mileage LT50s may need complete engine overhauls to fix worn bottom ends or low compression.
6. Stiff Starter Puller
The LT50 pull starter can become very stiff and difficult to operate over time. This is typically caused by old, thick grease gumming up the starter gears and shaft.
It could also stem from a kinked recoil spring or damaged starter rope fraying inside the assembly. This leaves the pull starter nearly seized up and unable to turn the engine over.
Solutions: Fixing a stuck starter requires disassembling the pull starter unit and inspecting the internal components.
Cleaning out all old, hardened grease and reapplying fresh lubricant helps free up the starter gears and shaft.
The recoil spring and pull rope should also be checked for binding or damage. Replacing any worn parts and properly lubricating the mechanism will restore smooth starter operation.
Preventative steps include keeping the pull assembly greased and monitoring the rope and spring condition.
7. Electrical Coil Issues
The LT50’s ignition coil can fail in several ways, causing issues like a weak spark or no spark at all.
Coils can short internally from age and heat damage, causing a weak spark. Their wiring can also short or corrode, interrupting ignition voltage.
Bad external connections at the CDI or spark plug boot can also hinder spark. No spark means the engine won’t start or run as the coil provides ignition voltage.
Solutions: Fixing coil issues requires methodically testing components. Checking coil resistance, insulation, wiring condition, and output voltage pinpoint problems.
Repairing or replacing shorted wiring restores voltage flow. Clean connections at the CDI, coil, and spark plug boot also help.
Weak coils must be replaced. Preventative care like sealing coils from water damage and avoiding coil overheating while riding helps maximize coil lifespan for consistent, robust spark.
8. Rev Problem
The LT50 can suffer from sluggish throttle and rev response while riding. When revving the throttle, there may not be an immediate power surge, instead a more gradual and delayed response.
This is typically caused by an air leak in the carburetor boot causing the engine to run leanly and lose low-end punch. Old worn jets and sticking carb components can also hamper rev response.
Solutions: Inspecting the carburetor boot for air leaks and checking the condition of the carb jets, float, and fuel screw setting can diagnose rev problems.
Replacing worn carburetor components and sealing any air leaks restores tight throttle response. Adjusting the fuel screw for optimum mixture helps improve rev timing.
Checking the rest of the ignition system for proper spark also ensures immediate throttle reaction. With the carb tuned right, the LT50 regains its signature instant acceleration when the throttle is cranked.
9. Idling And Power Problems
The Suzuki LT50 Sport may experience idling and power issues, commonly manifested as rough idling, stalling, or a lack of power during acceleration.
These problems often stem from issues like clogged carburetor jets, a dirty air filter restricting airflow, or an improperly adjusted idle speed.
Additionally, spark plug fouling or wear can contribute to inconsistent idling and reduced power output, impacting the overall performance of the ATV.
Solutions: To address idling and power problems in the Suzuki LT50 Sport, start by cleaning or replacing the spark plug to ensure a proper spark.
Check and clean the carburetor, focusing on the jets, to facilitate smooth fuel delivery. Adjust the idle speed according to the manufacturer’s specifications, and inspect the air filter for any blockages.
Regular maintenance, including periodic carburetor cleaning and spark plug replacement, plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal idling and power performance for the Suzuki LT50 Sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Suzuki LT50 weigh?
The Suzuki LT50 weighs approximately 80 pounds (36 kg).
What CC is an LT50?
The Suzuki LT50 is a 50cc ATV.
Is it a 50cc quad 2-stroke?
Yes, the Suzuki LT50 is a 2-stroke quad.
Conclusion
While the Suzuki LT50 is a reliable youth ATV, it may encounter common issues such as starting difficulties, idle problems, fuel system issues, and more.
Regular maintenance, including spark plug and carburetor checks, addressing fuel system concerns, and proper adjustments, plays a vital role in ensuring optimal performance.
Swift identification and resolution of these issues, along with adherence to recommended maintenance schedules, contribute to a smoother and trouble-free experience with the Suzuki LT50.
