Hey everyone, noob here to both the forum and atv ownership. I've had toys all my life but this is my first ATV.

I am having a bizarre problem of losing power when going uphill on occasion. It seems as though the engine is gasping for fuel. If it shuts off going uphill, I have a hard time restarting it. It 'putters' and will shut itself off again, like there is a lack of fuel. After numerous attempts, I am able to get her going again and she seems to run fine.

Any ideas as to what would cause this to happen just going uphill? It's happened twice...1st time was just going up a hill (engine cut half way up) and the 2nd time was going up a steep incline and getting a little bit of air. As soon as I landed back on the ground, engine cut out.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts on this problem.

 

Sounds like you have some crap in the carb that is getting lodged and then dislodged in the main jet, depending on what you are doing. Take the carb off and have a look.

 

The float level could be set too low, Maybe some loose, dangling wire that only grounds going up hill. Anytime I have trouble with hills, fuel level comes to mind first.

 

Thanks for the replies. How is the float level set?

 

Probably ought to look it up on youtube or google. I don't think I can explain it as well.

 

i had the same problem with my 300ex take the carb off and get youre needle out (pain in the ***) and take a flashlight and look down through ur jet hole (main jet) there was a peice of rubber o-ring in there holding the fuel back. replace the o-ring and ur a happy camper!

 

Ok, I'll check those things out. After looking at the parts diagram, the carb seems to be missing the baffle...aka holder, jet. I guess it's a disk shaped piece of plastic that keeps gas out of the carb when climbing hills?? If that's the case, it could be why I get bogged down sometimes on an incline. Ordered the part and all of the seals (and a new fuel filter for good measure) and we'll see how it goes!

 

None of my carbs have baffles... except maybe the 250ex since I've never looked inside that one. The list includes a 220 bayou, 300 lakota, 230 and 250 quadsports, 300 king quad, and 350 warrior. That is what the baffle is designed for though.. to keep the gas next to the jet.

 

In the diagram, it has a baffle listed on the main jet. When I took it apart, it wasn't there so I am assuming the previous owner removed/broke it. Either way, it MAY be my problem...hoping it is!

 

Yes I know exactly what you're talking about. Everyone forgets or just doesn't put them back in. I have a compartment full of baffles in my jet box lol. It could be your problem. Let's hope it is.