Can we save this old Yamaha Big Bear 350?

We decided to help a friend out with her old Yamaha. The front brakes were seized up, the throttle didn't work and the front wheel bearings were totally shot. Other than that it just needed a tune-up and a proper fix on the recoil to be usable again.
#willow
#alaska
#yamaha
#bigbear350
#cutthecord
#atvdrumbrakes
#respoolingtherecoil
#earringsbyfrostycreations907.com
#gopro
#neewerlights
[e-mail]

[@michaelmanzo1716]

Hello from Interior, cool old rig. Like those old itp tires. Got a coupla old yamaha atvs I'm trying to fix up. A 1997 big bear 350 and a 1997 kodiak 400. Both very similiar. Our silty Alaskan mud must really were these bearings our eh? 1500 miles on these machines and wobbly bearings all four corners, ha!

[@alaskacutthecord769]

Hey how are you? Boy oh boy you couldn't be more correct about the bearings! Ive even heard of people trying to get a higher quality bearing but is doesn't matter at all in the silt. God forbid if you get it in the motor!

[@michaelmanzo1716]

@@alaskacutthecord769 Alls well in interior. lotta rain here lately, so no chance of bad wildfire smoke yet. Nice clean air.
The big bear 350 was $600 and the kodiak 400 was $900. Hoping to use them for training dog teams, firewood chores and hauling slabs outta the woods from the chain saw mill. Waiting on parts for these neglected yamahas.

[@alaskacutthecord769]

As long as they have good compression they should be very solid machines for you. Ya, it seems to sprinkle and be cloudy everyday here lately. I'm doing the same thing this weekend making lumber in the woods. It sure beats having the mess in the yard.

[@michaelmanzo1716]

@@alaskacutthecord769 nice, yep mill it where you fall it eh? First started out with stihl 660 mag. Did fine in spruce, but fell flat on it's face in birch. No torque, stingy oiler. Saw would heat up and melt plastic oiler gears.
Upgraded to a stihl 881 mag. Rattle trap garbage, stingy oiler, no low end torque.
Went to a ported echo cs 1201. Press fit metal oiler gear. A darn Valdez oil spiller, amazing oiler. Torque for days in birch or spruce.
On 60 cc-70 cc saws, in 14-17 inch diameter logs, I use an Australian GB 3/8 low profile 20" milling bar with a g777 small mill. I use stihl pmx ripping chain. That thin kerf really allows the smaller saws to maintain its rpms in the cut, even on birch.
Always 16 ft long rips. Less work, versatile board length.
Been chainsaw milling for a good long while.

[@alaskacutthecord769]

I've been using an Ms441 with a 25" bar. It works o.k. I guess but I've been running the winter oil in it for the lower viscosity and better flow. Way less issues. But I'm definitely interested it the Echo with a ripping chain. I may try that. Thank you for the advice.

[@Travizzlee]

Great video!

[@alaskacutthecord769]

Thanks!

[@jesseheldt4501]

I like the tractor central coat.

[@mikepechmiller1315]

That was the first thing I noticed also I deal with menomonie tractor central

[@jmt6615]

👍👍

[@RusticByNature]

I was wondering hw you were going to get the axle into the spindle? LOL

[@GoMidwestFishing]

Is there anything you can't do? On another note, I will be in Anchorage mid July. I have two free days, and was wondering if you want to go fishing, or wouldn't mind if we came over to see the place. If you are up for it, I will give you more details.

[@alaskacutthecord769]

Thank you Randy! While there are definitely things I can't do I've always tried to challenge myself beyond what I am comfortable with. I will make myself available in July without question. Look forward to seeing you!!

[@GoMidwestFishing]

@@alaskacutthecord769 I assume your messenger account still works. I will message you there.

[@buckeyebob55]

when you do a video at least have the right tools ... an adjustable wrench ? you've got to be kidding me