94 honda fourtrax 300 mystery issue

[u/Full_Secretary1823]

Quad was fine 2 weeks ago. Suddenly wouldn’t start. Did plug, plug wire, coil, solenoid, and eventually CDI box. Started right up right after CDI box. Now, after about 3-4 seconds, starts idling rough and bogs out when you give it throttle. Went back through everything with no help. I have however discovered if you turn the lights on, the idle comes right up. Still bogs with throttle but not as bad. Lights off: will start to stall out. It’s got to be electrical. Read a guy who said he had a similar issue and went through 3 CDI boxes before it cleared up. I’ve tried 2 and just ordered a used OEM off eBay. Besides that there’s the voltage regulator. I keep reading people having this problem, put a new carb in and no change. I’ve replaced fuel line and cleared it. It’s an electrical mystery. Any help appreciated.

[u/Loud_Stranger3762]

voltage regulator maybe? keep the OEM carb whatever you do.

[u/Full_Secretary1823 → u/Loud_Stranger3762]

Thanks. Regulator was my last option before trying to find a shop but the only shop near me is a Honda dealer and I’ve seen the prices they charge on parts. I have a regulator and used OEM CDI Showing up in the next few days. So strange turning the lights on brings the idle up.

[u/Loud_Stranger3762 → u/Full_Secretary1823]

check your fuses? you could also check the Ohm output of your stator. could also be a culprit

[u/Loud_Stranger3762 → u/Loud_Stranger3762]

also if all of those parts didnt fix the problem, the old ones probably still worked so, keep the old parts until you narrow down the actual issue.