Hard first start

[Way2fast]

Hi guys, quick question...

My 09 nytro rtx se has been starting a little hard, meaning I turn the key and wait for the fuel pump then try to start...takes up to three seconds to fire starts then stalls. This happens about 3-4 times before it will start and idle normally. Once it idles normally for a while I can shut the sled off and start it back up just fine but if it's off for a while it will be tough to start again. Sled has 1600 miles.

First I thought I'd change the plugs, put cr10ek's in. Started it and it seemed fine (but it had been running about 30 min earlier so I expected it to). The next morning back to the same issue starting. So I bought a new battery thinking the old one should be replaced anyway. Sled definately turns over faster but still has the rough start issue.

Any thoughts on what I should investigate next? I ordered new exhaust donuts and will put them in this week. I just sold my 09 rtx that had about 3000 miles and never had a starting issue so I'm a little stumped...

 

[devilnabludress]

I'd check your connections and grounds. I know a poor ground will to strange things like this. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Way2fast]

Ok I'll check the harness by the primary, are there any other typical locations I should look for issues?

 

[poor farmer/logger]

how cold of temps are we talking overnight? My 09 does similar things when it sits overnight below -15C If I catch it quick enough with the throttle I can keep it running by speeding the motor up just a tiny bit. Other wise 2 tries and it fires up fine till about -30C. Then sometimes it takes a few tries unless like I said I keep it going with just a tiny touch of the throttle.

 

[Way2fast]

Overnight Temps in the 30s (F) really hasn't been too cold yet.

 

[poor farmer/logger]

That's pretty warm allright. How fresh is your gas? First time you've had problems with it? Are you running premium? My 09 doesn't like premium as well as regular. Runs smoother on regular.

 

[Way2fast]

Yeah its last year's gas, not m ugh left in the tank and I think it was 91, it's all they had where I was riding. Maybe drain gas and fill with fresh? Should I throw in another set of new plugs?

 

[poor farmer/logger]

Wouldn't hurt to drain it out and fill it up with fresh. Mine runs fine on premium just not quite as smooth. I wouldn't bother changing plugs again. I wouldn't think you'd have fowled them up to badly.

 

[porkchop]

I do a 2 time on/ off sorta "prime" with mine, seems to fire better- might just be me thinking it but??
I had always done this as well with my Phazer, same result.

 

[herndonp]

X2 on some fresh gas!!

 

[Beenba]

This may not be your issue but got me thinking. Do these sleds have a low oil pressure shutoff?
It could explain why it takes a few tries to start after sitting a bit, to rebuild pressure..
It could also be your fuel pump not holding prime....the double key-on trick should test that easily though.

 

[Big_Phil]

If you can drain the gas and refill. If youre lazy you can prob just top the tank off with some good 91 octane and should be good. If you left the tank almost empty, the tank probably picked up alot of condensation over the summer months. What you have in the tank is prob super low octane now.

 

[Way2fast]

Thanks for the advise guys! Plan for this weekend is to drain the old gas and fill with fresh, put in new solid state fuel pump relay, install new exhaust gaskets and check all cable connections and possible cable/wire wear. All on top of studding my new apex xtx! Going to be a busy weekend and hoping to put a few miles on as well. Will follow up with results in case this happens to someone else. Thanks again.

 

[Way2fast]

Just wanted to follow up on this, seems like the new plugs, fresh gas, exhaust gaskets, new fuel pump relay and putting dielectric grease on main connections solved the problem! First start was a little rough but since has been working fine. Thanks again for the advise!

 

[Sevey]

I know this is repetitive, but sometime before the season starts I siphon the fuel out of the tank (that had stabilizer in it all summer) and dump it in my suv. Then fill it up with fresh fuel. its not worth taking a chance.
MS