My Magnum wont start with the electric start, starts first pull with rope though. Now that it is cold outside though (0 - minus 25 degrees Celcius) it is a real brute to get running! I usually have to turn it with the starter for 20 to 30 seconds, then switch to the rope to start it. (last night though even that didnt work. Also the throttle has a dead spot in it which causes the engine to idle terrible unless i wrap an elastic band around it to take out the dead spot. Can I take this slack or dead spot out with an adjustment? Any help on anything you see here would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

 

Make sure the battery is good,load test it if in doubt! Problem could be as simple as this? Just answered you pm before I saw this post. Look on page 3 of this forum at "lovetowrenchit" posts and his findings. He was able to move the pulse coil a little closer to the flywheel enabling the electric start to work along with the recoil start. Don't know if this solves your problem,but you can give it a try.You may have to "slightly tap" the pulse coil and bracket inward a little,then replace the recoil cover and give it a try. The fuel air screw in the carb is under a sealed plug and the plug must be drilled carefully and then removed with a drywall screw, then you can fine tune the idle.
Plus check the valve clearance (.006 intake and exhaust)and especially for any wear on the exhaust cam lobe.This is in the year range of cam problems on the Magnum 425 and early Sportsman 500s.(1996-2000) Could be this might be causing the idle problem. If the cam/clearance checks out,could be just the carb adjustment or time to clean/rebuild the carb. Seemed like The Magnums as they got older did have a habit of running rich,fouling plugs,etc. At least seems like most of the ones I worked on did. OPT

 

Thanks OPT,
I will have a look at the other posts and give a few things a try

 

Maybe this. Video: Polaris ATV Thumb Throttle Maintenance Tips | eHow.com