I have two Polaris ATV 500 2004. They both have only about 20 hours on each. One started then after a short time died out and would not start again. I think the fuel gummed up and clog the needle valve. Does any one have any ideas short of taking off the carbartor and cleaning it. Looks like a tough job. Could really use the help, I am mechanically inclined but little experience with ATV's. Thanks Dom

 

your sure the gas is going to the carb? how long did it run before it died? if the jets are plugged or the float needle is then you'll ned to take off the carb bowl for sure.

 

when it quit.........Did you check to see if you still have spark??......Caper........

 

what caper said...how old it the gas in the machine?

hoyt

 

remove air filter hold hand over intake let no air by at the same time press the start botton as the eng trys to start youre hand will get wet with gas that will most likey clear the main jet in carb if no gas than get it to a repair shop sportsman carbs not easy to learn on

 

so your saying the enigne stills firing while its trying to start? so if your ahnd is getting wet from gas then the float is most likely working and letting gas in. i dont think the carb would be that bad as you thinkk to clean. did you pull the plug out to see if its still god or fouled out.

 

Ran for short time say couple of miniutes in the idle mode

 

The gas was old say one year in the ATV

 

Gas goes bad really fast these days (< month). I think it has a lot to do with the ethanol. Stabilizer helps a lot, but even that has its limits. Unfortunately it really doesn't take much to plug up a carb. There are lots of tiny holes/passages.

The best way to clean a carb is to soak the pieces in carb cleaner, BUT before you do that try "Sea Foam".

I would first drain/syphon out as much gas as possible and put it in my truck/unfriendly neighbors' truck whatever. Then put fresh gas in with stabilizer/Sea Foam. I have knocked stuff loose out of the gas tank puting cleaner into the tank, but that is what filters are for ... in other words, change the filter soon AFTER you change the gas.

I would probably change the spark plug too as it is a very cheap way to eliminate another variable.

Take the rubber air intake off at the carb and pour a capful of Sea Foam into the carb while it is running or being turned over - just enough to suck it into the carb (or kill it). Wait about five minutes and do it again.

Watch out for back fire - that's why I only use a capful. The worst that can happen is it scares you and you rap your knuckle hard[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

Also, don't breathe the exhaust from the stuff - it is nasty.

After doing this a few times, it will either work or it won't. If it does, GREAT. If not, it is probably time to find an old, retired mechanic that is looking for something to do and ask for his help cleaning the carb.

Good luck. Let us know what happens.
Brain

 

whats best way to check for spark?