Anyone know the answer to this riddle? It started about 2 months ago. I'd be out on a ride and my V'd just die. I checked the airbox, gas, all the normal stuff, nothing looks wrong. In order to get it to start, I have to physically shake it back and forth, like I'm trying to get out of deep mud or something. When it turns back over, it runs good, as long as I stay on the gas. If I let up to corner or anything, it cuts back out. The only thing I noticed was it was either hot (never happened close to home), or wet every time this happened. So I took it to the dealer and they say it's a tightened valve, and they fixed it. So for the next week I ride around all happy and worry free until it happens again! It happened on a Saturday, after my dealer closed, so Sunday, since I wasn't planning on going riding, I installed a different clutch spring, after I hosed off my quad. Well then, cold, it wouldn't start at all. Monday, the dealer says before I bring it in, take off the gas cap, in case there's a breather line blockage. Before I do, I try the quad, it starts no problem, and runs all night without a hitch. Today I went out again, and after a short run, got splashed in a puddle. Get to the end of the trail, it dies. I try the gas cap thing, nothing. I shook the crap out of it, would not start. I pulled the plug wires to make sure they were on well, and ended up pulling one out of it's boot, so I gave up and we towed it home. Any suggestions before I take it back to the shop?

 

Does the V have a "Vehicle-down sensor" like the Prairie. if so check voltage

 

IMHO this is going to be a wiring issue. I suspect it will be in a primary wire somewhere. This is going to be a tough one to find. Look at all the connections and see if you can find any chaffed wires that will go to ground.

Not to cap on your dealer or anything, but if your engine just dies like you turned the switch off, it is not going to be a tight valve. (I guess I just did) I think I would be finding a new shop to take my quad to.

 

on a prairie the sensor is on the pass side rear of the bike. it works after 60 deg.

has a arrow "up" 0.4 - 1.4v

tilted 60 deg or more 3.7 - 4.4v

what make me wonder is he said he had to physically shake it back and forth to start.

 

You keep mentioning getting wet at the time it dies. My KLR-650 used to do this every time I ran in the rain, or through a creek. The carburetor vent line was getting water in it, and it would die. I simply routed the vent line up high where it wouldn't get wet anymore.

The purpose of the vent line is to provide atmospheric pressure to the carb, which "pushes" the fuel from the bowl through the jets. With the line clogged, there is fuel starvation, and it will sputter and die. This is a common problem, and an easy fix. I hope this helps.

 

This happened to me its with the wires rubbing under the seat, Next time it happens take off the seat and try starting it, it should work

 

Well it's at the dealers now. I took it over and it fired right up, so I hosed it off. If fired again, then died and wouldn't re-start. I've taken the seat off, so that's not it. Right now, I'm just going to see what they come up with. I have a club event next weekend and I really want my quad running for it. But if they fix "something" and it happens again, I'll start checking these things you guys are mentioning. I definetly get my front end over 60 degrees on a regular basis, and I checked the fuel lines and airbox, though I didn't try spraying fuel into it. I was thinking, and correct me if I'm wrong, but seeing how it still cranks, but won't fire, could it be a coil thing? Thanks very much for all the input, by the way.

 

I picked up the V today. They said it was a wiring harness that was grounding out on the frame. Looks like the wires right in front of the tool box on the right rear. Thanks for all the tips, we'll see if it's "fixed" this weekend.