I just got my Prairie 400 4x4 today, and I have a problem that I've discovered. This thing is very hard to start!!! It takes around 3 tries of the electric starter to get it running. It'll run but then idle really slow and then stall. It is hard to get it to run and stay running. I might just call the dealer and see what's up with it. Think the idle is too slow? It is supposed to idle at 1300, but sounds more like 700 or around there... It only has two hours on it! Will it get better?

 

I have a 2000 Prairie 400 4X4 and it has an idle adjustment **** on the left side of the machine just below the gas tank. You don't need a screw driver or any tools to adjust the idle, the **** is shaped something like a star.

 

Prairieman is right---the idle adjuster is just in front of the cap on the coolant surge tank. It was probably set when the engine was hot, so after raising the idle speed when cold (turning it clockwise raises the rpm), you may have to lower it when hot, but you will find a speed that works in most conditions so you don't have to adjust it all the time. Another thing---if its anything like mine, it is very easy to flood the engine. Don't leave the choke on too long! If it is warm out, you may not even need to use it when the engine is cold. If it won't start, just pull it on and crank it and as soon as the engine fires, push it about 3/4 off, then right off as soon as its running smoothly. You may already know this but if you flood it, hold the throttle in the full on position and don't let it off. Crank the engine until it fires and slowly let off the throttle as the engine starts to run properly (don't let it race).

 

I've tried all of those things, and it still does not want to start correctly. Even with the idle adjusted all the way to fast, it'll take forever to start, and when it finally does it barely runs. It is a very slow idle. Then it'll speed up after a few seconds. I'll ask the dealer when I take it in for it's first service in a few days. The only bad thing about that, the first service is going to cost me $200!!

 

This may be off-base, but I experienced similar symptoms with my brand new Rubicon. It turned out that the breather tube for the gas tank was crimped and thus gas was not consistently making it's way into the carb. Just a wag.

 

Janderson may be right, you could be having fuel problems. I'm really guessing because you haven't given much information. Does it run well once it is warm? If you have to choke it to death before it fires, it may be starved for fuel. If you don't have to choke it, it may be flooding. After trying to start it,if it doesn't start, remove the spark plug and see if it is wet. If it is, you may be choking it too much, or you may have a float problem etc. or a plugged air filter. Make sure your air filter hasn't been over oiled or something like that. You could try starting it with the air filter removed if the plug was wet. If it is dry, try choking it more. If it is still dry, you aren't getting any fuel. Also make sure your gas cap vent isn't plugged. Remove and reinstall the cap before starting it if the plug is dry. If the vent is plugged, it will create a vaccuum in the tank and the fuel can't flow to the carburetor, but this usually shows up after running for a while. While you have the plug out, attach the wire and let the bottom of the plug touch the engine head and crank the engine and check for a good spark. Don't hold it there by your bare hand or you will get a good jolt---you probably know this, I'm just making sure you do. Good luck. With more information we may be able to help you.

 

Hey if you just bought this machine new or used from a dealer take it to him and tell him he is going to fix it not just suggest that he fix it make it clear what you need him to do and settle for nothing less. Please don't think I like to cause trouble it's just that you need to stand up and get s--t rolling. Well what ya waiting for.You paid good money for the machine and you should have a good running machine

 

When I start it now, it starts fine. I doubled the idle, now it actually idles smooth, and I also hold the throttle in slightly and it fires right up. Thanks everyone for the help, it gave me the ideas to make it run right!