Just bought a 1994 polaris 400L that hadn't been started in about 3 years. It ran fine for the first couple of times then would not start. Took out the spark plug and it was saturated. Cleaned it out then put back in and started/ran just fine. Later on in the day I started it and took off-it died again. I cleaned the spark plug again and when it started it would idle but if you gave it gas, it would flood out and not start again. Now I can't get it to start at all. Want to learn to work on these things-any help would be appreciated! (My husband thinks I am crazy!!! LOL)

 

In your carb, your bowl which regulates your gas may be stuck. Also your reeds may be open. You may want to start at your carb, I would def get a repair manual for your atv. It will give you step by step directions and troubleshooting with pictures, way worth the money. But to get you started here are two articles on reeds and carb cleaning. Good luck on learning, Im a youngen (well not that young- 25) and have taken the same approach as you. Im a firm believer in the "learn, then do methodology".

Repair Manual
http://www.themotorbookstore.com/polat19.html

Carb Cleaning
ATV Carb Cleaning How-To

Reeds
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Your inlet valve(needle/seat assembly) is worn out and needs relacement.
Steve

 

thanks for the info! I will check it out when I get to my moms this weekend!