Just looking for some advice on maybe where to start with this thing. I have a 96 sportsman 500 that has developed a problem with starting. I tried to start it with the choke as I usually do when it's below 60 degrees out. but it won't start. I have to take the choke off and feather the gas. Once it starts up it runs great and restarts fine when warm with one hit of the starter. when it's warmed up and she fires right up. I'm thinking the choke is out of adjustment. I also threw the choke on when it did fire up and it died. I still have to go through and do my checks but was wondering if anyone else has had this problem?

Bill

 

it might be putting too much gas in by the sounds of it. im surprised you need to choke it @ 60 degrees.

 

well I probably don't need the choke at 60 but It needed it today and it was 49 degrees. I'm going to check the carb settings tomorrow.

Bill

 

Check your valve clearance. Valves actually tighten up to the point that they don't close tight causing low compression, hard starting when cold.

 

thanks! I'll check the valves. they were checked about a month and a half ago could they loosen up that quick?

Bill

 

they shouldnt be loose if they were done a month ago.