Hi everyone! My family and I purchased 3 new 2008 Polaris Phoenix 200 ATVs at a "black Friday" sale at our local dealer. We took the ATVs out the following day and the problems started. While driving one of the ATVs on a flat open river bed, it stalled out of nowhere. After going up on a hill (approx 30-45 degree angle) 2 of the ATVs stalled. After waiting for while and then attempting to start again, the ATVs started without a problem. I took my ATV out for one last run down a bumpy trail and I stalled. I was unable to start my ATV. I tried to choke start it and I got nothing. I started to push it back to our base camp and it started with the choke fully open. I was able to ride about 100 feet and I stalled again. Again, it started with full choke and then stalled after 25 feet or so. We ended up having to tow it back to camp.

Took the ATV to the dealership and they adjusted the carborator. Took the ATVs out again and had no problems (only rode for a couple hours that day).

Last week we took the ATVs out of the trailer to make sure they were all in good working order and my ATV would not start. Cleaned the air filter, cleaned the spark plugs, charged the battery (went dead after many failed start up attempts). We bought new spark plugs and took the ATVs out this morning. I replaced the spark plug in my ATV and it did not help. It turns over, but does not start. We had 1 other ATV with the same problem. The 2nd ATV started during the week, but would not start this morning. The 3rd ATV started with no problems. We tried full choke, half choke, no choke and nothing worked. We decided to ride close to camp and take turns riding the only one working. Almost immediatly after starting down the road, it stalled. Got it started again and it stalled again. Could not get it to start after that, had to push it back to the trailer.

While looking at the air filter today, I noticed that they all had a greasy/gas smelling fluid on them. They are stored in a driveway with an approx 5-10 degree incline, the fuel switch is in the off position. What could cause the fluid to get onto the air filter?

Does anyone else have the same problems with starting their Phoenix? I see a lot of posts for 05 models, but I have not seen anything for the 08 models.

The ATVs are all going into the dealer on Friday, but if there is something I can test/fix before they go in it would be great!

PS - I am not very mechanical and these are our first ATVs, so we dont know too much about them but can follow directions.

 

Have the dealer adjust the air-fuel screw on the carbs, they will probably tell you they are non adjustable but that is not true, there is a brass plug covering them that can be drilled and removed, I have seen these completely closed on new machines, makes them very hard to start and very cold blooded, should be set at 2 to 2.5 turns out.Also sounds like the jetting is off and maybe fouling spark plugs, make them fix them so you can enjoy them.I could fix them but you are probably a long way from Wyoming.

 

Thanks! They go into the dealer on Friday so hopefully they fix the problems. We talked to our sales guy last night at the dealer and he said that he has never heard of so many problems with the Polaris ATV. Guess thats why they were on sale!

PS - Yes, I am a long way from Wyoming. Thanks for the offer though. Maybe if the dealer doesnt fix the problem I will suggest to my neighbor about the air-fuel screws and he will know what to do.

 

My daughter has a 2006 sawtooth (same motor) that has been a problem since purchased. The gas line from the shut off looses its prime to the carb. I believe because of the ways its routed. Pilot jet plugs easy also.