I just purchased a 95 xplorer 400 2 stroke, and it doesn't want to idle. I took the carb apart, and cleaned it out. Now it runs a little better, but still doesn't want to idle, and it bogs down if I try to push the throttle all the way in. I noticed that when I mess with the choke cable going to the carb, it actually makes it better until I bend the choke cable where it is supposed to be under the airbox, then it wants to die again. Any help is appreciated!

 

Always install a carb kit when you tear a carb apart. Not worth having to go back into it as just cleaning a carb doesn't always solve the problem especially if you have a worn needle and seat,etc. Plus float arm sets parallel with the bottom of the carb body. http://www.ebay.com/itm/94-95-Polaris-Xplorer-Sport-400L-400-CARBURETOR-CARB-KIT-MADE-IN-JAPAN-03-404-/370651027450?pt=Motors_ATV_Parts_Accessories&hash=item564c85d7fa&vxp=mtr

 

Ok, just ordered the carb kit. What about how it gets better or worse when I mess with the choke cable coming off the carb?

 

Probably because of jets aren't completely clean,jet needle could have some trash in its small holes,then the choke has to be used if a main or pilot jet may still have a little trash or dirt in them. Plus could be needle and seat sticking or allowing too much fuel or not enough fuel and therefore the choke may be needed to keep it running. Could be a number of problems. That's why in most cases a carb kit will solve this as long as the rest of the engine,electronics,etc are ok. Plus not a bad idea to do a compression check. Should be at least around 120 psi or more. If lower a carb kit may not help.

 

I"m rebuilding an xplorer 300 2 stroke right now. not sure if its the same but might the crank seals be bad too?

 

A LOT of people forget or don't know about crank seals also!

 

Another quick question: The elevation where I live is around 3100 feet, and where I go riding is around 5-6000 ft. Should I purchase a jet for the higher elevations, or just adjust the air screw different?

 

Stock main jet is a 200. Manual shows good up to around 3000 ft at 40-80 degrees. 3000-6000 shows dropping down to a 180 main jet. That is if temps range between 40-80 degrees. Down here with all the slow farmers/ranchers and high temps I had to drop the std 200 main down to a 190 for them to run right and not foul plugs.Messing with the air screw doesn't help as much as the fuel screw on a four stroke does. I'd at least have a 180 and possibly a 170 main jet on hand.Again it depends on temperature not just altitude.Hotter the temp,richer they run. Colder temps they run leaner.Look under jetting chart in this manual to give you a better idea as to what you may need. http://gh-ftp.com/ORV%20Manuals/Pola...e%20Manual.pdf

 

Ok, something else I just noticed...if I crank the handlebars to the right, it runs great, and idles up. When I crank the handlebars to the left, it just about kills it, and I have to keep on the throttle. Would this be something to do with the choke cable getting bound up???

 

Check the throttle cable and choke cable for any binding plus check that you have 1/8" slack at the throttle lever,adjust slack if necessary. Dangerous if turning the bars affects the idle..