I'm new to the site and a new ATV owner. It ran fine for a couple weeks but now it won't start. It was idling and died, but now it won't start either with the starter or the recoil. It sounds like it is turning over but not getting any fire. It has a new battery, gas, oil, etc... The air filter looks fine and I can smell gas so I guess it is getting gas. Suggestions? By the way...it is about 10 degrees outside.

 

First check to see if you're getting fire and change the plug in case you've fouled that one.
If you're leaving the gas on while its stored, you may have gas sitting in the carb. With someone's help, turn it completely on its side and let the gas drain out of the carb. When you see a puddle on the floor, turn it back up on its wheels and see if it will start then.

 

Check the compression it should be over 100lbs.My 400 did that and it was down to 65lbs.A topend did wonders.

 

yes i had the same promblem had fire, had gas, but them did a compression test only had 45pounds of comp.. did a top end rebuild and walaa runs great now....$215 on parts my labor

 

We'll see what happens. Thanks for the advice. I'll start with plugs and go from there!

 

yea....we have two 99 400s one had the some problem, I pulled the head and everything looked good, but then decided to pull the cylinder and I was missing an entire skirt. I did have a major fouled plug with melted aluminum on it...so I had some good indicators that it needed a top end. Since then it runs like a champ. Becareful just putting a new plug in, because I put a new plug and mine ran eventhough it was missing a skirt...you dont want to do more damage.

 

Hope you folks are always upgrading to Wiseco pistons when you do a top end rebuild.


Ken

 

oh yea definatly whent with wesco forged piston, i also had a cracked stock piston skirt, also checked the stock reeds and they where not closed all the way so i upgraded to boysen reeds