Well, I guess it's not too smart to be riding around on ice when it is 65 degrees out! Ok, I'm an idiot.......

I sunk my 2000 SP500 up to the seat in a pond, it was in the water for quite awhile. I tried keeping it running, but it died on me. Then I tried to start it while it was still under water, which I'm sure now was a very stupid thing to do.
The airbox and PVT case were both completely full of water. I drained and dried them both out. Then I emptied the oil, the first one cup of liquid out the drain was pure water. I let the oil drain out over a few hours, then put in new. I also remembered to pull the crank to drain out that last 1 cup. I have pulled out the spark plug and cranked the engine a bunch of times to get out the last bit of water. A ton of water came out when I first pulled the crank. The spark plug is pretty black, I will get a new one tomorrow. I also pulled the plug at the back of the pull starter, nothing came out, but the starter rope is wet. Here's my question:

It still won't start, so I'm sure I also have to drain the carb. I've never touched a carb, so I'd like a little guidance. There are alot of hoses coming to and from the carb, and I really don't think I'm qualified to be taking that thing out and apart. Is there some way that I can just pull one of those hoses and drain out everything that is in the carb? Better yet, is there some drain plug on that thing that I'm not seeing? If so, please let me know how. If not, I'm probably best off taking it into the dealer on Monday.

BTW, I also plan on draining all the fuel, and all the other fluids as well. It was time to anyways. I'll also drain out the engine oil at least one more time after I get it running. Is there something else that I am forgetting? Thanks alot for your help!

Scott

 

The bowl drain screw is located on the bottom left side of the float bowl. Turn fuel valve off, then turn drain screw out two turns so that fuel in the float and fuel line drain. So far you have done the right thing. You might have to keep changing your oil until there is no milky look to it. Once you clean every thing up and put a new plug in , it should fire up.

 

Thanks GE4x4, that did the trick. After replacing the spark plug and draining the water out of the carb, she fired right up and purrs like a kitten. I drove it around for awhile, and it runs perfect. I think I'll be a bit more cautious about driving on ice from now on!
BTW, I changed the engine oil 3 more times before it stopped coming out milky. The front and rear crankcases were also milky when I changed them. I kept the gas, but added some of the red bottle of Heat to soak up any water that may have gotten in there. Tomorrow I'll stop by the dealer and get some hub oil and engine coolant and replace those as well. As far as I know, I think that will be all the fluids.

Scott

 

I'd change the oil one more time after about an hours worth of riding just to be sure....I'd also put on a new filter with the final oil change.

PS
Remember...It's an ATV not a SUB!!!!

 

I'm glad everything went well, but to let you know, your not the only one that's sunk a quad, it happens a lot. You wouldn't believe some of the places that people put there atv's. But that is what makes it fun.

 

Hey $hit happens
Did anyone get a picture of your face when it went in
or one of the handlebars sticking up
That would be one for the books[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I also agree with sam,check the fluids again after a short ride
get the crank cases slotching around and check it.
Did you check the break fluid under the seat?
I would spray everything down with WD-40(carb,starter,everything under the headlight pod,ect ect)
Also get your throttle cable,spray it and lube it
And of course grease everything

One more thing to do is Drain and flush the rad fluid.You can tell if water got in by checking the overflow bottel

 

someone needs help