Hard to start, flooded turbo in the cold

[JD]

Need some advice peoples…
We are out in Hudson Bay Saskatchewan for 7 days of riding the local trail system. This morning my RX-1 Turbo refused to start. It’s been pretty hard to start since the Wiseco piston install. But this morning being -31 Celsius with wind, it flooded bad and would not start at all. Had to trailer it to the local Polaris dealer to warm it up and change the plugs. I have this fear that tomorrow is going to repeat itself. I plan on covering it with something and putting a small heater under the belly for a couple hours first, before I even try to start it. Question is, anyone know why she would be so stubborn starting. Even when warm, I shut it down and when I try to start 20 minutes later it is always so darn hit and miss….If there is something simple that any of you can think of to try, I’m pretty worried that this may ruin our week long getaway…..

 

[lakercr]

John, Your compression is even lower because I believe you have stacked gaskets as well? You need air, fuel, spark and compression to light the motor, and you've made a pretty significant change to the compression. Add to that the fact that the engine cranks slower when it is cold, and gas doesn't like to ignite as well in colder temps.

When it is time to turn your sled off, let it idle first for about 30-45 seconds. Also, if you aren't running a low weight synthetic, it would be a worthwhile change.

If there is a Yamaha dealer near you, I'd pick up the inline block heater that they sell. It is about $40, and will make your life a lot easier.

 

[Turk]

my simons turbo never had an issue starting at -30 with low comp pistons & extra head gasket on premium. maybe your plugs are getting weak.mine allways started 100% of the time

 

[JD]

Ok, I have considered the heater. But right now not really an option for me as there is no Yamaha dealer anywhere near here. I will give it some serious thought when I get her home though. I am running Amsoil 0W40 for oil. Plugs were new about 1000 miles back. Even with the fresh set today, the first time I restarted after a short stop, it was still like it was about to flood again. Just have to hope for the best. If I suspect it’s going to be a hard start, would you still start with the choke or WOT or what…while cranking, I just can’t seem to find the trick…..

 

[Turk]

I allways started with choke wide open. I think maybe instead of flooding your not getting enuff fuel to it?

 

[JD]

I have been starting out with full choke and no throttle.....stop a bit then full choke and varying throttle positions till she starts to pop...when it does start it is not running on all cyl for at least 10 seconds or so...holding at WOT to keep chugging then just comes to life.....When I pulled those plugs this morning when it refused to go, they were gas soaked. With the new set installed in heated shop she fired right away…..

Thanks Guys…John

 

[Need for Speed 2]

Jd If you can on initial start up in the cold shut off your fuel wind the engine on the starter buil some heat in the cylinders and get the frost out then open fuel and it should go. I went throught the same thing last year on my ape. Now I run switches on all fuel pumps to give me controll in the really cold .Works great for minus 35 evertime

 

[mmmkokanee]

choke wide open and crack the throttle 1/4 to 1/2 way...fires right away

 

[shanksRX-1]

I found with my turbo its always rich off the start. I usually give it full choke in the cold. It will start and usually die right off. Then I take the choke completely off and turn the key. if it dosnt fire in the first second or two I give it about an eighth throttle and it fires up. I then give it just a little choke for a couple seconds until it starts to die and take the choke off. Sometimes I have to pump the throttle a couple times to give it some air just like a 71 dodge...

 

[sledfvr]

I go with 1/4 choke and 1/4 throttle to get mine to fire up. Once it fires then its no choke and 1/2 throttle. Then once its running work the choke between 1/4 and none with no throttle.

 

[mbarryracing]

What type of fuel did you have in it?
Fuel has a whole lot to do with that, too. The higher the octane, the harder it is to vaporize when there is less heat in the air (cold). Anything with ethanol or an alcohol is worse.
Some race fuels i've seen tried in the turbo sleds won't even light when it's that cold, have to drag them in a warm trailer first.
Add that combined with low CR = hard starting.