[baldy]

For the last (2) weeks I have been having problems starting my 1996 polaris xcr 600. I just got it a month ago now and I hate to take it back to have it worked on if it is something simple. Looking for someone who my have an idea what could be the problem. I spent 1/2 tonight trying to get it started. I took the spark plugs out looked for spark (had spark) wiped the plugs off good with a rag. One thing I have been doing is leaving the gas on after I get through riding, I shut it off tonight. If you have any ideas what could be causing the problem I would sure like to hear it.

 

[dano]

So, if i got ya right, it wouldn't start at all last night. Were the plugs wet when you wiped em off? If the plugs were wet, then that means you are geting gas, but if not, you may not be getting gas to the carbs. Also, you may not be getting air to the carbs, though that is less likley. I would change the plugs anyway cause then you will know for sure. You should only need to shut off your gas when trailering. But it sounds to me that you aren't geting one or both of air and gas, or at least in the right mixture. Maybe just call the shop, they usually give advice over the phone, maybe try that.

dano

 

[baldy]

hard to start

dano
The spark plugs were wet. While I had the spark plugs out I rolled her over a few times...Maybe give her some air. Anyways I will call the shop and see what they say. I did get her going last night after a half an hour of trying to get started. I checked the gas filter by taking removing the out hose. Getting gas no problem. What about this air you were talking about??

 

[dano]

It doesn't sound right to me either, but in fire school they taught the fire triangle. Heat, Fuel, Oxygen. It sounds like you have heat and fuel, but maybe no oxygen, but when the carbs are down all the way, there is still room for air to pass through. I would maybe try taking the air box all the way off and make sure both carbs go up and down together. I had a prob with my rmk, one carb kept coming off the cable, witch made it impossible to start. Then run it without the air box, that way you can rule out the carb air prob. Or dork with the air screw a lil bit, but do to one side as you would do to both, that way the carbs are in sync. It just doesn't seem right. ALso, maybe you have water in the fuel, that always screws things up as well. Let me know how it works.

 

[baldy]

OH no!!

Dano,
I did a no-no...Remember this and I will never forget it.
(Never use dry gas.)
Thats it end of story. From what the snowmobile shop told me is oil does not mix with dry gas therefore you can destroy the engine. rings, piston, side walls?? It's going to the shop tonight to get checked out. Oh another thing the rubber gaskettes in each carberator swells to the point where the jets will be open all the time which explains why when I first try to start the sled I get a spark and after that it won't try to start again. I try to start it with the gas off to get rid of the over abundance of gas in the engine. I will know more after tonight. thanks for your help.

 

[baldy]

ready to ride

WOW....just went and got my sled back. The shop Replaced the gas filter, gas lines, took apart all carbs, cleaned air intake, replaced my new spark plugs with one(s) a little hotter, pressure tested each cylinder (3)(tested good???) All-in-all I spent $70 for a good cleaning and upkeep PLUS I now have peace of mind that I didn't ruin my sled....Boy does she run nice....Ready to ride? OH one more thing....Has anybody ever heard of a carb sincronizer??

 

[bjanssen]

A carb synchronizer is a tool to make sure that the air/fuel ratio in all carbs are the same. I believe they make them to handle up to four carbs like a motorcycle setup.

I normally don't bother with one. I just adjust the slides by finger, and idle and air/fuel screws to factory spec. My manual gives me all of the specs and it's really not that difficult.

 

[doomsday]

Whoa, theres a dry and wet gas? Just when you think you know something

 

[dano]

yeah, what is dry gas. I have a boost bottle, it connects the carbs so they are equal. Best 35 bucks i have spent.