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Aaawww man!!!! (Snowmobile Problem)

Angus Cattle Shower

Well-known member
Well jeepers anyways!!
I went out to go for a little rip on the snowmobile, go see if there as been any whiteys that have shed their hatracks yet. So here I am all bundled up, I get the sled going, and about 30 seconds in after ive been idling it, it just died. Just like that! The fuel tank is 1/2 full, and the oil level is good. Ive been fighting with it and it just won't go!! We got it in october, diddnt ride ti till December 31. We put 88 miles of trails on there, and a few with me racing a little bit (just a little, not much) and I broke a shock. we took it in to get repaired, and we got ti back three days ago. Since we got it back, I put on 90 miles.

Does anyone know why it won't run? I need it for thursday, im getting it to the outskirts of town so I can go to my buddies place (where were dropping it off) and I can get home when I finish my exams.

Any ideas are appreciated!!! :D:D:D:D
 

IL Rancher

Well-known member
Engine turn at all ACS? I just had to bring in my Quad to get worked out (tore to CV boots on it just about off) and it was having trouble... Guy thought maybe bad fuel sinc eI hadn't riddenf or a while but it was actually something screwing with the throttle setting... Not suggesting either of these as your problem because my handle on mechanics is only surpassed by my mastery of the english language (unaccurate :wink:) but just understanding how agravating it can be when something should be working and it won't...
 

Angus Cattle Shower

Well-known member
It's turning, it just won't start!!!!

Man oh man I think Im going to have to go whack somethign right away, its starting to aggrivate me! We just ahd it in! 90 miles and it wont run!!! :mad: :mad: :mad:

Thanks much Il!!
 

TimH

Well-known member
OT is on the right track(probably). I would suspect a fuel problem. Clogged filter, ice in the fuel line , carb. float valve(if it has one) stuck or frozen, water/ice in the carb bowl from condensation etc.
Try pouring some methyl hydrate or "gas line anti-freeze" in the fuel tank and let it sit for the time it takes to drink 5 shots of apricot brandy(ski-doo anti-freeze). :D Then see if it will flash up.
Also, if it is a 2-stroke, a new set of spark plugs can work wonders. Don't use NGK plugs. They are garbage. Buy Champions. :)
 

Angus Cattle Shower

Well-known member
I'll put the new spark plugs i ordered and picked up today in during my study break. Ill also check for condensation cause it was +1 today :O:O:O:O. lol.

It is a straight gas.

If it helps, it is a 1998 Polaris 500 Indy SKS.

TimH we picked osme of that up when we got it, ill pour some down this evening yet mabye, then we'll have to scoot around the yard a little. lol.

It seems to be hard to turn once in a while, anyone know why? Its not a problem, just been on my mind a little while.

After 90+ miles a weekend you tend tyonotice these things lol.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Besides gasoline anti-freeze, a product I have found that really works is called Sea-Foam...It is a gasoline additive that was developed for boats...Works fantastic with taking moisture out of fuel line/tank....

That old swather I run was building up moisture in the tank always- be replacing sometime 2-3 filters a day- got so I'd just let them dry out and use them over again- but you still had the time and effort of changing them...Found the Sea-Foam, poured a few ounces in each tank fill- never had to replace another filter....Went all last year without changing a filter...

I carry a can behind my seat along with a couple jugs of Heet...
 

Manitoba_Rancher

Well-known member
OT,

We use that product called heet as well. It comes in that lil red bottle. we add a bit to the tank on the tractor when it gets real cold. Seems to keep the moisture down and we dont have trouble with the diesel gelling up or filters freezing up. It is good for both gas and diesel.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Manitoba_Rancher said:
OT,

We use that product called heet as well. It comes in that lil red bottle. we add a bit to the tank on the tractor when it gets real cold. Seems to keep the moisture down and we dont have trouble with the diesel gelling up or filters freezing up. It is good for both gas and diesel.

Yep- I think the Sea-Foam says it can't be used in diesels-- but it sure works for gas engines.....My uncle called the other day- having problems with his pickup gas cap frosting up on the inside and pickup spitting and sputtering from moisture...He had put in Heet but still having problems...Told him about the Sea-Foam which he got and put in his tank- says he hasn't had a problem since....
 

Angus Cattle Shower

Well-known member
Dad is going to the city tomorrow, I'll see if he would mind picking up one of those things of Sea-Foam for me.

I knew I could count on you guys!!!!!

Now, only if you would write these exams for me. lol.
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
Angus Cattle Shower said:
Dad is going to the city tomorrow, I'll see if he would mind picking up one of those things of Sea-Foam for me.

I knew I could count on you guys!!!!!

Now, only if you would write these exams for me. lol.

The only places I have found it down here is at Marine (boat) sales places and Carquest....About 6-7 bucks for a 32 oz(?) can- but it doesn't take much.....
 

SHAWN

Well-known member
Acs, after you try to start it with no succes, pull the plugs and see if they are wet. If they are dry it is a fuel problem, iced up line or carb, filter ect. If they are wet and you put in new plugs it is a coil or wiring problem. There is also a saftey feature on the throttle that can go haywire. wiggle it back and forth not open and closed. good luck. Shawn
 

John SD

Well-known member
I agree with OT. IMO, Sea Foam is good stuff, and yes it CAN be used and is recommended in diesels also. "Here", Sea Foam is available at most any good farm store or co-op and places like CarQuest and NAPA.

ACS, when you get that sled running, give it a good dose of Sea Foam in the last tank of gas you run through it and try to run all the gas out and start again fresh next season. Sea Foam also makes an aerosol "fogging oil" to spray through the air intake when parking stuff for the season to lube and protect carbs and internal engine parts. I've never used the fogging oil myself, but I have poured straight Sea Foam down automotive carbs.

Kids, if you try this at home, always be careful when spraying flammable materials into a running engine! :shock: Preferably do it outside or at least in a well ventilated area. I'd recommend having Dad around to assist if you go that route, just in case!
 

cowwrangler

Well-known member
hey Angus,might as well get used to this,a guy who owned a sled told me this once,snowmobles are alot like women,you have to work on them both 2 hours for a 15 minute ride :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 

nonothing

Well-known member
cowwrangler said:
hey Angus,might as well get used to this,a guy who owned a sled told me this once,snowmobles are alot like women,you have to work on them both 2 hours for a 15 minute ride :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

now that was funny..... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
A

Anonymous

Guest
John SD said:
I agree with OT. IMO, Sea Foam is good stuff, and yes it CAN be used and is recommended in diesels also. "Here", Sea Foam is available at most any good farm store or co-op and places like CarQuest and NAPA.

ACS, when you get that sled running, give it a good dose of Sea Foam in the last tank of gas you run through it and try to run all the gas out and start again fresh next season. Sea Foam also makes an aerosol "fogging oil" to spray through the air intake when parking stuff for the season to lube and protect carbs and internal engine parts. I've never used the fogging oil myself, but I have poured straight Sea Foam down automotive carbs.

Kids, if you try this at home, always be careful when spraying flammable materials into a running engine! :shock: Preferably do it outside or at least in a well ventilated area. I'd recommend having Dad around to assist if you go that route, just in case!

Thanks John- Wasn't aware of the aerosol spray-- Will have to look for it....

I have lost a few eyebrows a time or two- and got blew on my rear once playing with those carbs...An enlightning experience... :lol: :lol:
 

IL Rancher

Well-known member
If it is the fuel you might be best served emptying the tank too. I know when I brought my Polaris ATV in to get the boots taken care off (Also had a wrench flashing, just though to #$% with it, let them fix it) it did the whole start and die thing... Guy there thought fuel might have gotten some condensation in it... Burn that gas in 30 days was his advice or drain it... The additives probably would do just as good of a job, sometimes this guy acts a bit paranoid.. I think too many of his customers just use their darn quads for a week during hunting out west or something like that.
 
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