How to Troubleshoot the Kawasaki Lakota 300

by Brianna Collins

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Released by Kawasaki from 1995 through 1999, the Lakota 300 make of utility quad required periodic maintenance and regular servicing. Without this maintenance, and even with it, the quad could periodically experience problems that prevented it from starting or running. During these times, Kawasaki encouraged owners to systematically troubleshoot the four-wheeler and to perform any minor repairs or servicing needed to get the quad back on the trails again.

Starting

Step 1

Check the Lakota 300's electrical system if the quad experiences starting problems. Begin this check with the main fuse, located beneath the rear portion of the Lakota seat on the battery holder.

Step 2

Remove the main fuse using a pair of pliers and inspect. If its central connection has broken, then the fuse has blown. Replace it with a new 30 amp fuse.

Step 3

Troubleshoot the Lakota's battery next. Remove both the Lakota's seat and the rear panel of the battery case to access the battery.

Step 4

Unscrew and remove the battery vent hose. Then unhook the battery holder, disconnect the battery lead from the negative terminal, then disconnect the battery lead from the positive terminal. Gently lift the battery from the case.

Step 5

Clean the battery terminals if buildup has collected. Use baking soda mixed with water for this cleaning.

Step 6

Replace the battery if it is damaged or if the terminals are cracked. The Lakota 300 takes a 12-volt, 14 ampere-hour battery.

Step 7

Use a separately powered battery charger to charge the battery fully to 12.8 volts.

Step 8

Reverse battery removal steps to reinstall the Lakota's battery.

Step 9

Try to start the engine again. If the engine won't turn over, then the electrical system is probably still faulty. Take the Lakota to the shop for inspection and diagnosis.

Running

Step 1

Check the fuel supply, air filter, and spark plugs if the Lakota 300's engine runs erratically or misfires.

Step 2

Ensure that both the fuel and engine oil tanks are full. The Lakota 300 takes unleaded gasoline with a minimum research octane number of 91 and SAE 10W30, 10W40, 10W50, 20W40 or 20W50 engine oil.

Step 3

Check the Lakota's fuel system to ensure that no debris has collected in this system that is restricting the flow of fuel. Begin this check by turning the fuel tap to the "ON" position.

Step 4

Unscrew the lower end of the carburetor drain hose and run it into a collection container.

Step 5

Turn out the drain screw two or three times to drain the carburetor. If drained fuel contains water, dirt or gummy fuel, then the fuel system has been contaminated. Drain the Lakota's fuel tank fully and refuel with clean, non-contaminated fuel or ask a skilled mechanic to perform this repair.

Step 6

Locate the air element cleaner next, located on the left side of the Lakota near the engine. Remove the plugs and air cleaner cover screws and cover to access the air cleaner.

Step 7

Pull the air cleaner element carefully from its housing and check the inlet tract for dirt. If it is somewhat dirty, use a clean, lint-free towel to clean buildup from the inlet tract. If it is very dirty or clogged, replace it with a new air cleaner element.

Step 8

Wipe the inside of the airbox with a damp, clean towel and dry it thoroughly. Reinstall the air cleaner element, its cover and all screws.

Step 9

Check the spark plug next. The Lakota 300 has one spark plug, located inside the engine's single cylinder.

Step 10

Remove the spark plug cap and unscrew the plug using a spark plug wrench. If the insulator tip is dirty or burned, replace the spark plug with a new NGK D8EA plug.

Step 11

Measure the spark plug gap with a wire thickness gauge. It should measure between 0.024 and 0.028 inches. If not, set the gap to this width using a spark plug gap tool.