Cold starting issue that big of a concern?

[dwh039]

Looking at buying a 2014 viper xtx. A bit concerned with the talk of cold starting issues with the viper. Recently had a trip ruined by my phazer not starting in -28C weather, even after sitting in a heated enclosed trailer. Think the premium fuel I used may Not have helped things. Buddies AC xf1100 turbo fired right up like it was summer. Hate having to worry about if my sled will start in the morning. Phazer used to be dependable till my last trip. So basically concern or no concern on viper cold starting?

 

[super1c]

It’s not a “cold start problem” it’s just the relays can freeze and sled won’t start. A PIA for sure. I take a hair dryer and keep in trailer in case a super cold morning freeze up relays. Just point at fuse box for a minute and good to go. Heard a simple hand warmer on the fuse box works also. But this isn’t a viper problem. It’s a relay problem. Our nytros do the same thing.

 

[dwh039]

It’s not a “cold start problem” it’s just the relays can freeze and sled won’t start. A PIA for sure. I take a hair dryer and keep in trailer in case a super cold morning freeze up relays. Just point at fuse box for a minute and good to go. Heard a simple hand warmer on the fuse box works also. But this isn’t a viper problem. It’s a relay problem. Our nytros do the same thing.

Thanks Super 1c.

 

[savageman69]

I dont feel all of them have this issue...different relay manfuactures or something...over 7000 miles never had a no start...-35c....it was -23c on sunday fired right up first crank.

Friday met a guy at the bar with his hood off his 7000 cat trying to get his running, we went in and came out almost 2 hours later mine fired right up. So again i think its either you got good relays or you dont.

How many guys having issues have been messing in the fuse block? perhaps opening them is getting moisture in or something, ive never opened mine

 

[yamamarc]

Same here no issue on either sled both always started right up regardless of the temp!!!

I do carry a few "hot paws" and electrical tape in rear bag! If i ever run into this issue i'll just tape a few hot paws on fuse box

 

[blueironranger]

My Phazer starts better at -20f than my viper does, the Viper usually takes a second or 3rd attempt at frigid temps. My Phazer had the frozen fuel pump relay issue but I replaced it with the red relay and it's been good since. I haven't had an issue with a frozen relay on the viper yet but I'm thinking about wiring a small 12v/5 watt heating element inside the cover that could be turned on for a few minutes to preheat them before starting them. Frozen relay's seem to become an issue on all modern sleds.

 

[rbell14]

I think the fact that you can't pull start this 4 stroke makes some a bit nervous if battery won't crank in cold conditions. Mine has started in -21 degrees. Don't see it being a big issue.

 

[RTX]

It’s not a “cold start problem” it’s just the relays can freeze and sled won’t start. A PIA for sure. I take a hair dryer and keep in trailer in case a super cold morning freeze up relays. Just point at fuse box for a minute and good to go. Heard a simple hand warmer on the fuse box works also. But this isn’t a viper problem. It’s a relay problem. Our nytros do the same thing.

I respectfully disagree with you. In my opinion, it is more than just a relay issue.
The only time i have starting issues is below -10 which is rare for maine, but it does happen.
I keep relays in the house for days like this. And i make a point to garage it overnight when i know its going to get that cold.
Even with warm relays installed, on -10 start up mine spins and cough and chokes and requires multiple tries to start before it will start. It is honestly upsetting listening to the noises it makes trying to start in those kinds of temps.
If i lived in an area where it got real cold like this on a regular basis, this is not a sled i would ever begin to consider purchasing

If you need to go yamaha 4 stroke, would get a sidewinder and then keep extra/warm relays on hand just in case
Just my opinion

 

[Wannaviper]

I experienced the "relay issue" with my old Vector one time in severe cold, and now I have experienced it one time with my Viper. That having been said, my recent experience with a "cold snap" in Maine and four different Vipers suggest that other than the possibility of a frozen relay, the only other issue is making certain you have a good battery that is fully charged. Our temps last weekend were in the -12 to -15 range, with howling winds that put the wind chill down close to -40 F. Granted the sleds were inside a trailer, but they had been sitting in zero + or - temps all week long. My 2014 is going into its 5th year on the original battery, and had trouble starting in below zero temps the previous weekend, so I put it on the charger the night before. All four started without issue.

 

[savageman69]

A good battery is essential to start anything in extreme colds

 

[Yamatuner]

I have not had an issue with starting since I reflashed 2000 miles ago. Maybe I'm lucky or maybe it's something with tuning. Either way don't be afraid to go Yamaha!

 

[super1c]

I agree with the good battery. I keep mine on a tender whenever not riding. But even leaving them outside for the weekend with super cold conditions. The battery has never been the issue. Just relays. I think we all know even with the up to date flash it takes 2 starts most time to fire up. I’m In The opinion of who cares one or two turns of the key. Runs like a beast every time without fail!