I have my 700 Twin rejetted for better cold weather starts and better overall performance, but this is pushing things a little. Engine would crank OK, and coughed once in a while like it was trying to start, but it just couldn't get there.

I have a can of spray starter fluid around for starting the loader/backhoe's Cummins diesel in cold weather. It says it's OK for small gasoline engines, so I figured go slow and see what happens.

I removed the air box cover and the filter, sprayed starter fluid directly toward the carb for about one second, turned the key, and VROOOM! All was well. Once started it warmed up normally and idled just fine.

I'd blame the battery except that the starter was turning the engine over nice and strong. I frankly don't know why it wouldn't start but it's nice to know I have an option.

Meanwhile, my wife's 2006 SP500 EFI fired up instantly. I really like the dependability of EFI but miss the ability to so easily tinker with carb jetting. With the stock jets, her 500 was basically about as powerful as my 700... but after rejetting there's simply no contest. Takeoff, acceleration, top speed, everything is night-and-day different between the two machines. Except for cold starting in subzero temps, apparently.

 

I just realzed I haven't needed starting fluid to start a quad in a few years. I actually used to carry a can of it under the seat when I had a carb 500.

 

For that very reason, I've been considering putting an oil tank heater in mine...cause it gets bloody cold here in the winter too!

 

Starting fluid is great! I always have a can of it around.

 

My carb 2006 Sp 450 starts very well in Cold weather here in Canada........-25 to -30deg C is normal here now and with the choke pull out idles fast for awhile and choke back in no trouble.....

Maybe the 700 model is the differance in cold weather too,needs more battery juice and twin Cyl. will make it harder to turn over........Good clean oil makes a huge differance also.........Caper..........

 

One winter when my old quad wouldn't start and I didn't have starting fluid, I used propane. I stuck the torch next to the air intake and turned the gas on. When I cranked up the quad it started, even though it wouldn't start a moment earlier without the propane. Propane has less energy than gasoline and I don't know why it even worked. Maybe because it's already a gas, not a liquid. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img] I'm completely stumped. I'm not suggesting anyone else try it either, I'm just saying that I did and it worked.

 

The starting fluid will let you know when you have a fuel vs ignition problem also. If it fires with a spritz of starter fluid most likely an ignition problem.