99 xplorer 400 - Won't start without ether
 

Just picked up a 99 xplorer 400 that wasn't running.I put a new top end in it and replaced the oil/water pump seals since the counterbalance oil was milky. So now I've got it running and idling fairly well but the only way it will start is with Ether. Cold/Warm it doesn't matter it just won't start, but a shot of Ether and it fires right up and idles. Also at idle if I just barely tap the throttle it'll rev up pretty good(more than it should I think) then slowly idle back down. It doesn't seem normal so if anyone could point me in the right direction I would appreciate it.

If you didn't replace the crank seals at least replace the one behind the drive clutch. This is the one that leaks the most and could be the problem on hard starting and erratic idle.Polaris Pure ATV Oil Seal 3084725 | eBay Or just cheaper to buy a set.http://www.ebay.com/itm/Polaris-Spor...FVEyZ0&vxp=mtr

I'm assuming I would have to spit the case to replace this one? Is there anyway to check it first without splitting the case? In the attachment are you referring to #47.

Attachment 10069

Parts break downs don't always show parts correctly in place. The seal(47) is on the outside of the case as is the seal behind the stator. You don't have to pull the engine,just pull the drive clutch to get to that seal.Replace this seal first as it's always the one that gives the most trouble on leaking.On the stator side the recoil housing,flywheel and stator have to be removed to get to this seal. But again you can do this in the frame. One way to check this seal is to pull the clutch cover and spray contact cleaner behind the clutch around the seal while cranking the engine over. If it starts easier then the seal is leaking,sucking in the contact cleaner. Plus you can usually smell the cleaner going through the exhaust if it sucks into the engine.