won't stay running
 

I have a 2001 Sportsman 400. It is having a hard time starting. It seems to have good spark, the starter kicks over but will not kick in the motor. It has started a few times but won't stay running and runs rough when it does start. Any suggestions of what to try?

might have a bad piston.check compression

Is the gas old??? if so drain it and put in new. How long has it been since it was running good???

I had the same problem and all I did was disconnect the intake hose going from the air filter into the carb... then open up the throttle all the way and spray carb cleaner into the carb... spray everything really good.... dont worry about using too much... let it sit for about 10 minutes then try starting again.

To get it started you might have to take the spark plug out and add about a table spoon of gas directly into the cylinder.... this should provide enough turning of the engine to pull some good gas through the carb.

good luck.

It was a bad plug wire

check your plug wires LOL sorry couldnt resist