I'm new here an hoping for fast help. I have a 1997 4x4 Timberline 250 that is my major helper here on the farm. We have had a tough winter so far and the machine is already struggling (another story) with a terrible oil leak (the case is cracked...I will need to find another engine this spring).

After cleaning the last round of snow last week (deeply sub-zero) I pulled the ATV into the barn. It has been in here during the recent extremely warm weather until last night when I pulled it out to get ready for this current and fast approaching weather. The temps dropped day before yesterday to normal below freezing and my son-in-law thinks condensation could have frozen in the line. I could not get the ATV to start at all and ended up pulling it out of the barn by hand, rolling it down to the front gates in preparation for work (I assumed I would eventually get it started!). My son-in-law was just here to get his son and said no gas is coming through the gas line (from the tank). He has added a full bottle of HEAT and changed the spark plug but had to get to his family while he can.

I am about to be hit with up to 15" of snow and the ATV, while covered, is at the gate and the only method I have of cleaning the coming blanket. I am alone here for the week and may not be able to get out of here within the next couple hours.

How long will the HEAT take to open a frozen line? If this is not the problem, is there anything else you can think of that I could do? I cannot get the ATV back in the barn and I am certainly not qualified to do major gas tank surgery. My neighbor was just here and said to get on the ATV and jump up and down -shaking it liberally- every now and then in order to dislodge any ice crystals or debris. HELP!

Cynthia in Wisconsin

 

I don't think a bottle of heat is going to fix your problem. If you have enough water in your fuel to plug a line you are going to have to flush the whole fuel system. Does it have a filter on it? Will it start with starting fluid? Need more info.

 

It still isn't working but someone suggested trying to blow compressed air through the petcock. I'll haul the compressor down by sled today and try that.

 

I would try the air thing first. This should free the debri in your tank. It might not hurt to take the tank off and dump it out. You dont want what ever nasty stuff is in there to get in your carbs some how