Went out to start my Prairie, and it wouldn't turn over. I haven't done anything since the last time I rode it ( about a week ago, and it ran great).
Anyway, it seemed like it was flooded. I left it alone for awhile and tried again. Still won't start. Checked carbs and air filter--all looked normal. I pulled off the air filter and it turned over and started...THEN it was blowing white smoke and GAS out the muffler. WTF? Then white smoke was coming from under the bike somewhere. So...any ideas? Why all of a sudden? This is not a good time for this (like any time is, right?) [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img]

 

To much oil, check to see how much you have. It should be BETWEEn half and full NOT at full. Sounds like you got some extra oil in the airbox and maybe in the carbs.

 

I'm pissed. You know, I never have a dealer work on my quad, but I figured for the 1st service and belt check I'd let them do it. Well, the oil is nearly over flowing! It's all the way to the filler neck. I've rode it about 3 times since I had them do the oil. Is there damage that has been done?
I'll change the oil and see what happens, thanks bbertram.

 

Most dealers don't know crap about quads. You didn't hurt anything, just drain some out.

 

I changed the oil, and it's still blowing white smoke. There's little if any gas now. Runs great, but it stalls everytime when it stops. It's smoking off the header (?) pipes too. Atleast it runs now.

 

Probably will have to let all the oil burn off. I'm guessing you will have to run it more so it clears up. Someone else might know more about this.

 

Was your gas valve still open or did you have it shut off ? my 700 will and has done this a couple of times last winter, it filled up the crank case way over full. I would check yor oil for a gas smell. T he prairies gas tanks will pressure up sometimes. Hope this helps ..

 

If you saved the oil you took out compare it with new oil. The viscosity should be very close. You may have a problem with gas migrating into the oil thru a leaking carb. Since you had ridden it a few times since the oil change it seems strange the problem did not show up before.

If you have been turning the fuel valve off when not running the engine you may have a leaking valve. There was a mention of this happening on this or another forum.

 

Thanks all...I've never shut off the fuel before. I'll see how it runs next weekend as I'm going on a 100 mile trip (crossing fingers)..Man, that was scary seeing gas blowing out the rear end...that usually happens after I have Pizza Hut, but never seen it on an ATV before....

 

Check your coolant level, sounds as if the coolant was getting into the cylinder and hydraulic locked it, and some got past the rings, enough to raise the oil level. White smoke is nearly always coolant. What did the oil look like, anything like chocolate milk?