Hello everyone. My LT80 is having a rough time starting below 32 degrees. Yesterday it was 25 degrees and it wouldn't fire. When it's above freezing, no issues what so ever. I'm not sure what I can do to make it more reliable in cold temps. Maybe a new spark plug????

Any suggestions are welcome.

 

Bad starting is usually a sign of low compression. I would do a compression test and fit a new plug (just in case). Under 90psi and the "top end" is getting towards needing a rebuild. Any tiny water droplets in the fuel can freeze, but if there is water in an LT80 carb, it probably won't start anyway.

 

When we raced in the cold, I had to have a torpedo heater with me to warm them up.

 

so...being a sled guy I'd suggest you jet it all around a bit fatter (rich) for cold weather use...that'll help with the real colds start and will keep you out of a lean condition as the temps drop...the main is pretty rich from the factory...so that one should be ok...but I'd still do a plug chop at WOT just to make sure it's not running too lean...my $0.02

 

My top end rebuild was done 16 hours of run time ago. I think I'll try a new plug and hope for the best. Any idea of how long a rebuild lasts?

 

Not long with a dirty air filter. LOL The variables: air filter and oil.
If its a Suzuki cylinder/piston it should last a lot longer than 16 hrs. If it's a china kit, never know.
Anyways, I'm with Merryman on the comp test. <---- Always tells a lot.
They are a cold blooded beasts.

 

have you checked choke operation...

 

The rebuild was completed with OEM Suzuki rings, piston, and everything else that gets replaced during a top end rebuild. The choke works fine. I'm going to go out today and give it another try. Current temp in N. KC is 33; we'll see what happens.