Sled Didn't Start (Almost)

[brad81987]

We took a trip to the UP last weekend and when we got ready to unload, we were surprised to find that our sleds almost didnt start (04 & 05 Warrior, 05 Rage). We had been forced to tow them with about 1/2 a tank of gas and they also had been sitting for about 6 weeks with no use. The Warriors took about 10 minutes of on and off cranking to finally start. Initially it seemed like they were just turning over, no fire at all. After about 5 minutes they'd kinda putter but as soon as you let off the starter they'd die. Then they'd finally start running for a few seconds and then die. Again, after about 10 minutes they started running normally. The Rage was similar but only took about 5 minutes. We topped the tanks on all of them off with 92 octane and ran that though for the first tanks and everything has been fine since. I'm thinking that the problem was the fuel had just broken down over the 6 weeks, as auto fuel is meant to be used fairly quickly. I dont think it was likely fuel leaking into the cylinders otherwise i think we would have had a hydrostatic lock and alot more problems. Anyone else have any ideas? Does anyone add fuel stabilizer if they know the sled might not get used for a while?

Thanks

 

[p0wd3rp1l0t]

did u guys try changin plugs....sometimes when the sled doesnt start right away u end up just floodin the plugs out so bad that its really hard to get them to start.

 

[Newcastle Scott]

Yes, You have your finger on it. The fuel in the float bowls will go stale after a few weeks. The lighter more volatile elements in the fuel evaporate out the vents in the carbs. Hopefully fuel injection on the new sleds will make this a non issue.

 

[smokeless1]

The next time this happens, pull out the battery chargers and jump the battery. They will start right up. Then leave the charging on for 10 minutes to be sure it is completely charged. Finding out that computer doesn't like low voltage.

Also when they crank over, and almost start, just like an old chrysler product, just stay on the key til the motor is going on it's own. Suggest using some throttle at that point too.

I bet this will be more likely the cause since fuel break down in cold temps isn't like that when the temps are hot.

 

[brad81987]

I've noticed that sometimes you have to stay on the key for a second even after it seems to be running on its own, but im pretty sure the batteries were fine, atleast by the sound of the starter. I think you can usually tell when the voltage is starting to drop in the sound of the starter, but that seemed just fine.

 

[Ingolf]

The next time this happens, pull out the battery chargers and jump the battery. They will start right up. Then leave the charging on for 10 minutes to be sure it is completely charged. Finding out that computer doesn't like low voltage.

Also when they crank over, and almost start, just like an old chrysler product, just stay on the key til the motor is going on it's own. Suggest using some throttle at that point too.

I bet this will be more likely the cause since fuel break down in cold temps isn't like that when the temps are hot.

rofl, i like your opinions on batterys, and fuel in this thread, considering your buddy almost got blown up LOL

 

[BlgsRX-1mtn]

It sounds like bad gasoline to me. I run my sled evey week and keep fresh gas in it. I work in a refinery (blending gas) and know how quick it goes bad. During the winter additional butane is added to the blend to help in starting and it will vaporize out within about a 2 week span even though the gas has not started to varnish.

 

[LazyBastard]

Could also have been that the carbs and fuel pumps went DRY. Blow in the tank vent when that happens.

 

[Ski-Dog]

Happens to my sled since new. Fuel needs to be repressurized. Lazy's blow job will work. An electric fuel pump would be best. Will not be an issue with FI.

 

[rx-1 blue reverse]

I run Sta-Bil in the tank after every ride. When I ride the last day I put it in the tank in the morning. Normally do not use more than a tank full on the last day. I do this even if I am going to ride the following weekend

 

[JDKRXW]

LB & SD have nailed it. You can also blow directly into the tank if you pinch off the vent line and take off the handlebar pad. When blowing, you can tell when the tank gets fully presurized.
Next time this happens, try this and your sled will start in about 3 revolutions after hitting the key (mine does).

 

[Bob Miller]

I was reading in the manual that "Oxygenated Fuel" has a one month shelf life, so this is something to keep in mind! :? So run sta-bil into it when sitting more than a month. And as LB & SD mentioned the fuel pump lost its prime! :shock:

 

[Silverbullet]

My 03 always started better cold once I had installed a turbo with a electric fuel pump

 

[Indy]

Could also have been that the carbs and fuel pumps went DRY. Blow in the tank vent when that happens.

Hey LB, if my sled does this, can I call you to run over and blow it? LOL

 

[low slung]

Use yamahas brand of fuel stabllizer.Its well priced and safe to use in both both two and four-stoke yamahas.