It is kind of cold outside right now but in my garage it is probably about 40-45 degrees. That is where my cannibal is does anybody have any tricks or anything on getting it started?

 

Dude, ive been there! IT is not the cold, here in denver I had trouble one particular weekend and it was like 5 degrees that weekend and after I posted and figured it out it started just fine.

First off, brian helped me a ton with a few posts so ill recap, but if you want look thru old posts from Trout and I have asked the same thing.

1. Make sure your batter yis fully charged, this ended up being the problem for me, I charged it on 10 amps for 20 minutes and it started right up! and it was only 5-10 degrees outside and at 6000ft.

2. if you have the old ECU500, you are going to have to take up a little throttle, but I mean a LITTLE, like just the play, it is no more than 1/16 of an inch. if that.

3. Turn the key on, let the fuel pump do its thing for like 3 seconds, then just hit the starter with your thumb on the throttle, remember just the play, no more, and run the starter for not more than 3 seconds, if it doesnt start let go of the clutch and let the pump run again and do it all over again, if it doesnt start a 2nd or 3rd time I would turn it off and the nturn it on agoin and start over.

If you run it too long with out it starting you will foul a plug, I have dont this, but it is manageable to change a plug, make sure you use a cr8ek or a 9ek, the 9's run cooler nad RS performance recommends them.

If all else fails, cuss real loud and then go inside for 10 minutes and come back out with a fresh attitude, that usually helps.

 

hey you ever been to potosi missouri? im going there for a jeep jamboree in may, wonder if its sweet!

 

There is a starting procedure on cannondale's web page but this is basically what it is:

Turn all your switches on, make sure the quad is in neutral and battery is fully charged. Pull your clutch in and then just bump the starter button, don't hold it in, just bump it. You should hear the fuel pump for a few seconds. Wait about 5 seconds and now hit the starter button and hold it in for no more than 3 seconds. If it doesn't start, let it sit for like 5 seconds or so and then try again, usually that works. If all that fails, you may have already fouled the plug.

 

yep thats what I do, and it usually workd well, but it is still hard sometime.

 

hey brian I looked on the C-dale site but didnt see the starting instructions, where is it exactly?
thanks!

 

I just looked to and it's no longer there, I downloaded it several months ago and printed it off. It basically said what I mentioned above, nothing more to it. One thing that I forgot to mention is there is now a service bulletin out for cold starting problems on the C'dales. Check this out:

http://www.cannondale.com/motorsports/tech/maps/

There is a different calibration file for each quad, the Cannibals is 30203. If you haven't had your dealer download this change to your Cannibal and you are having problems with it starting in the cold, I would definitely have it done.

 

where is the spark plug located at? I can't find it. I tried charging the battery that didn't help it is weird because when I first started it, it started but died because of cold I suspect, did the same thing again, then it would not start at all. Any ideas let me know.

THANKS!!






<< I just looked to and it's no longer there, I downloaded it several months ago and printed it off. It basically said what I mentioned above, nothing more to it. One thing that I forgot to mention is there is now a service bulletin out for cold starting problems on the C'dales. Check this out:

http://www.cannondale.com/motorsports/tech/maps/

There is a different calibration file for each quad, the Cannibals is 30203. If you haven't had your dealer download this change to your Cannibal and you are having problems with it starting in the cold, I would definitely have it done. >>

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Oh boy, been there done this, replacing the plug is fun. Grab your owners manual cause it will help but this is the procedure:
remove front plastic
remove rear plastic
remove small side top plastic on both sides
remove seat
remove 2 screws that hold the cross metal brackets, loosen the other 2 and swing the brackets out of the way.
disconnect the 2 quick disconnect fuel lines, one in rear on bottom and one in front, just pinch the connector and they pop right off, very cool actually, then remove the fuel tank.
remove the upper frame spar bolt and loosen the lower frame spar bolt and tilt the frame spar back
disconnect the coil and remove the spar plug coil holder bolt
lift out the plug coil and use a spark plug socket and long extension to remove the plug.
don't go just by looks, a fouled plug on the C'dale's look deceiving, they can look fine but go ahead and swap it out.
correct plug is NGKCR8EK - from my manual anyway.
This procedure sounds alot worse than it actually is, especially after you have done it once. But thank GOD the plugs don't foul very often!!

 

This all sounds too familiar.

Don't feel too bad Mynewcannondale. I had the wrong starting procedure and a low battery and fouled my plug on day 1 before my first ride. After charging the battery, cleaning the plug, and getting the correct procedure I have not had a problem since.