'08 RS VECTOR LTX GT WON'T START

[ArcherRS]

Second season and Yamaha won't start. First off season I stored it with full fuel tank with fuel stabilizer and ran fine. Second off season I left the tank/lines dry refilled with half a tank and now won't start. No sputter no signs of life! To all the Yammy Wise Men...what are the steps I should follow before hauling to shop for maintenance? My garage tools are very limited as is my knowledge on repairs. Your expertise is greatly appreciated. All the best in the new year!

 

[Len Todd]

Take out spark plugs. Determine if they are wet or dry. If dry, shoot a little gas in the Carb throats and try to start it. If it fires, try it again until you get it running. If it does not fire, then we need to think about checking the spark.

Once you get it running, keep an eye on its idle. If it starts to idle high, you are in for a fuel system cleaning. I left my carbs dry this year, too. I had to clean the carbs three times to get all the sediment/varnish all out.

 

[ArcherRS]

Thanks Len, not what I wanted to hear. I figured that's what was required but thought there may have been an easier less time consuming method...no additive or other magical potion? I was told that the access to the plugs are a pain and require a special plug wrench.....I will never leave my sled dry in the off season again!

 

[Addict]

Take 5 minutes and try this first. Remove clutch side panel and clutch cover. On the frame for the foothold there is the vent line for the fuel tank encased in a flex spring. Remove the clamp and blow into it to pressurize the fuel system. Hold your thumb over it and crank the sled. I have had to do this to both of my vectors on first start every year.

 

[ArcherRS]

Addict I will be sure to try this tomorrow. How do you normally store your vectors? I find it difficult to think that three months of dry storage woujld cause it to not start. Thanks alot I appreciate it.

 

[Riceburner]

Take 5 minutes and try this first. Remove clutch side panel and clutch cover. On the frame for the foothold there is the vent line for the fuel tank encased in a flex spring. Remove the clamp and blow into it to pressurize the fuel system. Hold your thumb over it and crank the sled. I have had to do this to both of my vectors on first start every year.

X 2.

This should work for you. Always has worked for me.

Vectors seem to drop fuel from the Kehlins easy and are hard to start if left over a month or two. My Supercharged RX 1 and Apex start right up even if left for months, Not the Vector.

I run them all up for 10 to 12 minutes every 4 to 6 weeks in the off season.

Needless to say, I leave them wet. I leave about 3 gallons in and add Seafoam. This time of year I fill with premium to make up for the lost octane over the summer. After that its 87 for the Apex and Vector. [SC RX 1 always gets the good stuff

 

[ArcherRS]

Addict/Riceburner, You guys were absolutely right. Started right up and runs great...no error codes either. I appreciate your help, thanks so much.

 

[Addict]

Learned that tip on this site. glad to share.

I store mine with stabilized fuel, not topped up. Never tried draining them.