I have a 99 Sportsman 500 that cranks at a normal rpm but will not start (when cold). It doesn't pop or sputter or anything...appears to have no spark at all. But if you allow it to coast down a hill in gear then hit the starter it immediately fires up, every time, even at slow speeds. When it is warm, it starts fine. I have an idea what it may be but I don't want to steer anyone down a path. Any ideas from you experinced folk would be appreciated. Thanks

 

does it satrt w/ the pull cord? have you checked to see if the plug is firing when you turn it over w/ the key. i dont see what having it coast down a hill in gear will do as its not a stanard to pop the clutch as it shouldnt(clutch) be turning the engine over when its rolling as it takes rpms to engage the clutch to the belt. i would try to start it w/ the recoil first and if it starts then we can go from there. just a couple of questions and suggestions.

 

Thanks for the idea. I will try that and see what happens.

 

I would pull the belt off the clutches and try to start it. See if the belt and clutches is binding it up when not in motion.