Yamaha Raptor 700 Problems – We Found All Weak Links

The Yamaha Raptor 700 has already etched itself in history as the best-selling ATV on the market today. It's considered to be a bang-for-the-buck product because of its powertrain that's guaranteed to deliver a pretty decent performance and reliability.

The unit also boasts an ergonomic design that's designed for comfort and efficiency for riders. Combine these with Yamaha's enduring legacy when it comes to quality in its mobility products, and you can hardly go wrong with your choice.

Despite all these, the Raptor 700 is not exactly a spotless product. Sure, it has generally good reviews from buyers and analysts alike over the years but its users are bound to encounter troubles riding it along the way due to the tendency of some of its parts to wear quicker than others, especially due to tough usage, abuse, neglect, and very long intervals in between maintenance or none at all.

So, these are what we will uncover in this article to give owners and potential buyers an idea of the worst they can expect from this particular ATV with all the said things considered and to have an idea of how to address the problems should they ever end up facing them.

Common Problems Found in the Yamaha Raptor 700 and Their Possible Solutions

Although the Yamaha Raptor is virtually known for its reliability, it does have its own Kryptonite. Some complaints about it tend to pop out more in numbers within forums, reviews, and reports.

We have streamlined the most common ones here for your easy reference, and these are the following:

1. Fuel Pump Failure

Your fuel pump should be able to last throughout the life of your ATV, but if you start noticing symptoms such as low performance, hesitation when accelerating, engine knocking, and stalling, then you may be dealing with a bad fuel pump.

If you're experiencing any of these signs, it's likely time to replace your fuel pump. According to owners, the Yamaha Raptor 700 is more prone to this once it accumulates a significant amount of mileage or it's frequently subjected to tough riding conditions.

When it comes to diagnosing fuel pump problems in the Raptor 700, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to rule out any potential issues with the fuel system itself. This means checking for any leaks or blockages that might be present. If everything looks good on that front, then you can move on to testing the fuel pump itself.

There are a few ways to go about this, but the most effective method is to use a fuel pressure gauge. This will allow you to see if the pump can build up enough pressure to properly supply the engine with fuel. To do this, remove the fuel line from the fuel rail and connect a fuel pressure gauge. Start the engine and measure the pressure. The reading should not be below the specified specification of your ATV's model.

If the fuel pressure is within spec, there may still be a problem with the fuel pump. To confirm, remove the fuel pump and check for debris or water in the housing. If there are signs of wear, debris or water inside, the pump needs to be replaced.

In some cases, it is also possible for the fuel pump relay to be at fault. This is a relatively easy fix, as all you need to do is swap out the old relay for a new one. However, if the problem persists even after doing this, then it is likely that there is an issue with the electrical system of the bike and a more complex repair will be required.

No matter what the cause of your fuel pump problems might be, it is important to have them addressed by a mechanic as soon as possible. They can make a more accurate diagnosis given the wide array of tools at their disposal and their experience in the field.

2. Cooling Fan Seizing

Another part of the Yamaha Raptor that has a high likelihood to fail at some point is the cooling fan. One symptom of a cooling fan problem on the Raptor 700 is if the engine starts to overheat. If you notice that the temperature gauge is climbing into the red zone, or if the engine light comes on, these are both signs that the cooling system isn't working properly.

Another symptom is if you hear strange noises coming from the engine area. If you hear a grinding noise or a squealing noise, this could be a sign that the cooling fan blades are hitting something or that the bearings are going bad.

If your Raptor 700 experiencing either of these symptoms, it's important to diagnose the problem as soon as possible Overheating can cause serious damage to the engine, so it's best to take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.

There are a few potential causes of cooling fan problems on the Raptor 700. One possibility is that the cooling fan itself is faulty and needs to be replaced. Another possibility is that there is something blocking the path of the cooling air, such as a build-up of dirt and debris.

Fortunately, both of these problems are relatively easy to fix. If the cooling fan is the problem, it's a simple matter of replacing it with a new one. If something is simply blocking the path of the cooling air, it can usually be cleared away with a brush or compressed air.

In some cases, though, the problem may be more serious. If your engine is overheating to the point where it's in danger of seizure, it's important to get it to a mechanic as soon as possible. Severe overheating can cause serious damage to the engine, and it may even require a complete rebuild.

If you think you might have a cooling fan problem on your Yamaha Raptor 700, the best thing to do is to take it to a mechanic for a diagnosis. They will be able to tell you for sure what the problem is and how to fix it.

3. Drain Plug Thread Wear

One major inconvenience usually encountered by Yamaha Raptor 700 owners who prefer going DIY when it comes to minor maintenance works is the tendency of the ATV's drain plug thread to wear out over time. This makes the part such a pain to remove and it may even be a cause of leaks.

One possible solution to this problem is to tap the thread with a slightly larger drill bit. There are a lot of repair kits available for this purpose both online and in physical shops. This will make the thread thicker and less prone to wear. Another option is to replace the drain plug with a better quality one, made of stainless steel or any other material that is more resistant to wear.

Both of these solutions should help fix the issue of a worn drain plug thread on your Raptor 700. With the assistance of a pro, choose the one that you think is more convenient for you and get started on fixing this minor issue so you can continue enjoying your ride.

4. Clutch Slipping

When you're riding your Yamaha Raptor 700, you may notice that the clutch starts to slip. This can be a symptom of several different problems, so it's important to diagnose the issue properly to find the best solution.

One potential cause of clutch slippage is worn-out friction materials. Over time, the things that make up the clutch discs and plates can wear down, causing them to slip when engaging. This is most likely to happen if you ride in dusty or sandy conditions often, as these particles can grind away at the friction materials. You'll need to replace the damaged parts with new ones in order to fix this problem.

Another possible cause of clutch slippage is an issue with the hydraulic system. If there is a leak in the line or the fluid is dirty, it can cause the clutch to slip. You'll need to have the system inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic to solve this problem. The most common culprits of leaks are bad seals and gaskets, which can be easily replaced by a professional.

Finally, clutch slippage can also be caused by a damaged or warped flywheel. If the flywheel is damaged, it can cause the clutch discs to spin too fast and slip. This is a more serious issue that will require the replacement of the flywheel in order to be fixed.

If you notice your Yamaha Raptor 700's clutch slipping, don't ignore it. Diagnosing and fixing the problem as soon as possible will help to avoid further damage and keep you riding safely.

Conclusion

No matter what kind of problem you are encountering with your Yamaha Raptor 700, it is best to bring it for diagnosis and repair to your trusted mechanic without much delay. Doing so will help reduce your risk of ever encountering the mentioned weak links of the ATV and will let you easily go around them should you end up facing them.