Quad idles good for 30 seconds, then loads up like someone pulls choke. Then will run great. Runs good as long as riding, just won’t idle. What could be wrong? {Andy, TX, USA - 1997 Suzuki King Quad 300cc}

The three items your need to check, because they are most likely the causes of your poor idle, are:

Check your carb float height. When the carburetor float is set too high it causes fuel to continually dribble into the engine. Use the Search Box below to search our site for more references to this.


Next, inspect your choke lever and cable. Is the lever able to make a full range of motion? Does it feel sticky or loose? Inspect your cable & housing. It may not be fully retracting. Make sure you have free play in the cable. If it feels sticky or gritty, you can spray some cable lube into the cable housing.

Check the cable routing also. A mis-routed cable can not operate properly. If your cable has damage, like a serious kink, it may not be able to move inside the housing and should be replaced.

Last, take a look at your air filter. A dirty or soaking wet air filter can wreak havoc on your idle. If it is filthy, clean it, oil it & check again for poor idle. You should find it much improved.