Last nite while riding in the first big snow of the year, our Scrambler 400 started to run funny. We had only ridden for about 15 minutes, stopped for about 5, and then tried to ride again when it would cut out and almost die. I had just filled up on gas, so that was not the problem, and it had been running just fine up until that point. We are thinking it is just the spark plug since it is getting kinda old and got wet cause of the snow, but just to be sure, I decided to ask you fine people what else could be the matter. It will sometime, go, but other times it will not, just sputters, which is very annoying once you get halfway into a big drift.
Any comments are appreciated.
thnx

 

Check the gas tank vent tube to be sure it is not cloged or froze. Also what about water in the gas that you just put in? Gas filter. Or go a head and change the plug. Let us know.

KD

 

Did you re-jet for the colder weather?

 

Got oil?

 

Hey~
It may sound stupid, but is your gas lever turned to on or reserve? Just a thought.

 

After changing the plug and the gas and adding a slight additive to it to reduce the moisture, it ran like a dream. What does the position of the gas lever make,? and the oil too..
thanks for the ideas

 

Most likely the problem is it's winter and cold, you have a two stroke engine, two stroke + cold = no go.
Your stock machine runs a 230 main jet it's rated for temps of 40 to 80 degrees. When the weather gets colder than 40 it's time to rejet.
Jet up to a 250 main jet and your problems should go away, also it would'nt hurt to switch to a cooler spark plug.
GOOD LUCK and remind the wife to keep the tread side down.

2000 SCRAMBLER 400 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400