When diagnosing a seized kick starter here are the steps I take:
1. Remove the Spark plug and see if it kicks over. There's always a possibility of a motor being hydro locked from water, coolant or fuel.
2. Remove the left side timing plugs from the stator side cover and see if you can turn the motor over by hand, I recommend using a breaker bar or something that does not ratchet.
3a. If the machine has electric start, I would Remove the starter motor and test it, as it could be seized causing it to seem like there is an engine issue. Example is a WR with electric start or any machine that has electric start with backup Kickstart.
3b. Remove the oil filter and/or drain the motor oil and inspect for debris/metal shavings or chunks.
4. If the oil is clean and has no metal, I would then remove the valve cover and inspect the valve train.
5. I would then move to removing the cylinder head and inspect the piston, rings and cylinder.
6. If all these checks pan out good, chances are the motor is seized. The crank bearing(s) are no good and a complete engine rebuild is needed or a new bike!
Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed this quick video!
#WickedRepairs #Yamaha #Motorsports #Diagnose #YZ
