After sitting for a couple months, I checked the tank on my '99 sportsman 500 to find that it was bone dry. I checked the oil and it was as thin as water and reeked of gas. I did an oil change and put about a 1/4 of tank of gas in. When I came out the next day, the gas was about gone and the new oil was thinned and smelling of gas again. I was told that it was more than likely that the floats were sticking in the carb. I removed the carb and checked the floats and have found no problem with them. Any other ideas?

 

Welcome to the forum! Sitting without fuel stabilizer will cause damage to carb parts,plus if needle and seat were already worn in the carb and if the fuel valve is left on,the carb can empty a tank of gas directly into the engine just by vacuum! I seen this several times! Replace the worn carb parts,fresh gas (with marine Stabil) especially if you are going to let it sit again! Plus if any trace of gas is still in the tank,change oil and filter again! Cheaper in the long run than having to replace a flattened cam or piston and rings because of thinned out oil!! Plus the 1996-2000 year models 425 and 500 engines in the Magnum and Sportsman already had a problem on excessive cam wear and this could increase the risk of damage!!!! OPT