hello,

have a 1996 polaris express 400 that runs fine. the problem is the plug gets wet when sitting. after sitting, I remove the plug, clean the water off, then the thing runs great. gas is fresh. I still use the oil injection system.

is this a known problem that I need to just take the plug out and get the water off of it?

it is kept in a non-heated garage and the weather has been all over the place....50-0 the past few weeks.

thanks for any help.

 

Is it water or fuel you're cleaning off of the plug? If you're getting water in the cylinder then you have a bad gasket or seal somewhere. If it's gas it could be a leaking needle/seat in the carb that is allowing fuel into the cylinder while the engine is off. It's good practice to turn the petcock to OFF when the bike isn't running. Also, do you have antifreeze in the cooling system or just water?

 

definitely water. does not smell like fuel and does not burn under a lighter.

I do shut the petcock off when not running.

there is antifreeze in the system. Plug does not taste sweet like anti freeze.

 

Then siphon or disconnect the fuel line and fill a clear container with gas from the tank. Let it sit for awhile. If you have any water contaminated fuel you'll see the water at the bottom of the container. Plus if you have access to a radiator coolant pressure tester,this can tell for sure if you have a coolant leak from a head gasket,etc. Must hold 10psi with no drop.

 

already did the head pressure test today. passed with flying colors.

think I may drain the tank and go to the small engine gas to get rid of the ethanol.

 

most times if it will pull start with the hand recoil starter the battery could be weak. it will turn the starter motor over but not have enough power in reserve to fire the ignition system. check the battery for voltage with a volt meter .
www.carobd2shop.com