Let me ask you guys this...I read here ,many comparisons on EFI versus carbs on the Polaris, etc. In my readings I came across the point that carb parts will eventually wear out, one of them being the main needle and diaphram..this is the needle that has the adjustable circlip on it. I recent.ay moved my circlip down a notch (or up, i can't quite recall which way, it would only go one way) in order to overcome a problem I was having. Ocasionally when either in water or traveling up an incline the motor would sputter big time as if it was getting too much gas. There was a distinct odor of unburnt gas in the air as well and guys behind me could smell it to. When I made the adjustment in the circlip, problem solved. Heres the question....if the circlip is adjustable, whats the disadvantage of the adjustment? There has to be one I assume. Is the clip adjustable due to altitude differences? Because mine needed an adjustment is replacement a good idea? Is it a good idea to replace other partsss at the same time? Is this a typical occurence? The ATV is an 03 Sportsman 500 HO with about 1500 miles on it. It's running pretty good but I have to choke it to get it started regardless of temperature.

 

Normally the tube that the needle runs in will show the most wear. I always replace them as a set but I know some mechanics that only replace the tube. The parts diagram will call it a needle jet. The hole gets too large for the needle to fully close off the main jet at idle causeing unit load up at idle. Should not effect top end because main jet will only let so much fuel through. Other high wear items are the float valve (needle and seat ), and float pin. All can effect fuel control.