2001 ZL 800, low power and knock then dies - Snowmobile Forum: Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

Chagbag · 01-01-2013, 05:56 PM

I have a 2001 Zl 800 it has flatside not efi. It ran fine, over the summer I would start atleast twice a month to run fuel through. I went on 2 decently long rides this year (10-20miles), and it ran and rode perfect. I went to take it out for the 3rd ride, rode about 1-2miles and it started dieing, feathered gas for a bit to keep it running then it died. Got it running and got it home(died again on way back), and started it the next morning and it now has a very loud knocking noise. The sled will not stay running without throttle. If you start driving it, it has no power but starts to feel normal with high speed, after a while it just dies again. I dont know what this is any answers will help. I can answer any questions. Checked y pipe, and power valves.

**kccats** · 01-01-2013, 07:28 PM

Clean the carbs!

Chagbag · 01-01-2013, 07:32 PM

why would cleaning the carbs fix a motor knock? P.S. it is starting to smoke alot more now. (since the porblem began)

mxz700brp · 01-01-2013, 07:38 PM

You'd be amazed how many different symptoms you can encounter when ur carbs aren't working properly... Also look over the carb boots real close.

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Chagbag · 01-01-2013, 07:40 PM

Could this be a sign of reeds going bad? The only adjustments that have been made to this since purchase was, a slight adjustment to the idle, it was idling a bit high so I turned it down.

mxz700brp · 01-01-2013, 08:00 PM

I had a slight hanging idle on my sled so i opened the carbs to clean them. I discovered a bent needle and some build of from old fuel im assuming. After this i put new plugs in it and it idles at 1900-2000.

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Chagbag · 01-01-2013, 08:04 PM

It idled at about 2200 which seemed a bit to high. I turned the idle down a bit, which seemed to low, so it had a bog at first, I rode it anyway. After the knock started I turned idle back up, the idle didnt change and the sled will not stay running.

mxz700brp · 01-01-2013, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chagbag

It idled at about 2200 which seemed a bit to high. I turned the idle down a bit, which seemed to low, so it had a bog at first, I rode it anyway. After the knock started I turned idle back up, the idle didnt change and the sled will not stay running.

Id start cheap and easy...clean carbs very good with carb cleaner and air compressor...take your time so you dont break or lose parts...check for cracks in the carb boots....put new plugs with the proper gap...

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**kccats** · 01-02-2013, 04:39 AM

The knock could be a lean condition and May have Ruined your motor!!!!!

Again, Clean the carbs!
Do a compression test at Wide Open Throtle! That 800 should be 140#! What do the plugs look like?