I friend rolled his kawi today in the river. It was under for about 5 seconds or so. He tried to start it but it wouldn't turn over. We then tipped it and let all the water drain from the muffler. We undid a few hoses to get the rest out. We checked the air filer and it was okay. After we let it sit for a while we got it started. It would run forever but when we try to give it gas it cuts out on us. Any ideas? He thinks there's water in the carb.? We ended up towing it 20 miles back to the truck. He's taking it a part tomorrow.

 

I would say water int he carb....drain all the fluids and stuff and then try it again

 

Next time you swamp an ATV you'll want to keep this in mind.

1) Don't try and start it right away if it has been submerged for any time. If it is going to go under the best thing to do is just shut it off. Don't sink it and sit there with it running. All you are doing is drawing water into the engine till it dies.
2) Once out, tip the quad and let the exhaust drain.
3) Open the airbox and drain it. Squeeze out the airfilter and put it aside. Pull the airbox hose dain plug too. There is one hose and one drain flap. The other hose is a carb vent.
4) Remove the spark plugs. If you have water in the clylinders you can break a rod when you crank it over. So, remove the plugs and turn the engine over with the hand pull. Watch the water fly out.
5) Open both carb drain screws and turn the key on. Let it flush a bit.
6) Now, put the plugs back in and try to start the engine. Choke it if it fails to start.
7) Run the engine a bit, then check the oil for water. You will have some water in the oil. But, an engine can tolerate some. It will evaporate out once warmed up. If the oil looks very milky then don't run it. Either way, change the oil once you get it back. Muddy water carries dirt. You have no idea how much got into the crank case. It may take a few oil changes to clear up a waterlogged engine.

There are some experienced riders out there who make dealing with swamped engines look routine. Neglect the process and you may do more harm than good.

What did I forget? Hmmmm.


Oh yeah, yes it does sound like water in the carb. That is exactly how it will act. Just open the float bowl drains (allen head) and turn the key on.

 

Thanks. I thought that's what it was. We were about 40 miles from anywhere and about 15 miles from the truck so there was no way to a maintenance job like that on the trail. We were a little worried about even pulling the thing out of there because the terrain was hurrendous! I have nothing but respect for the little 300 Kawi that pulled this thing all the way back. There were only a few times where I had to help with my Vinson to winch the two of them out.