Polaris 550 Shift 136 Owner's Manual For Maintenance And Safety page 105

Engine Troubleshooting
Problem
Engine turns but fails
to start
Engine lacks power
Engine continually
backfires
Probable Cause Solution
Faulty ignition
No fuel to engine
Flooded engine (too
much choke used)
Poor engine com-
pression
Fouled or defective
spark plug(s)
Fuel filter (loss of
high RPM power)
Incorrect clutching
Carburetor and fuel
pump
Faulty plug(s)
Carburetor / Fuel
System
Incorrect throttle
freeplay or faulty
switch
TROUBLESHOOTING
• Install new spark plug(s). If engine
still fails to start, check for spark. If
there's no spark, SEE YOUR
DEALER.
• Make sure the fuel valve is on.
• Use the choke.
• Make sure fuel tank contains fuel.
• Ice may be in fuel line, filter or
pump. Add isopropyl alcohol to fuel
system. On the standard POLARIS
carburetor, the choke will not func-
tion with the throttle depressed. See
second item under Probable Cause"
of Engine Continually Backfires".
• Hold throttle open, crank engine
several times (may be necessary to
change plug(s).
• Mixture is too lean. A main jet that
is too small will cause seizure result-
ing in loss of power. This indicates a
major engine problem that must be
repaired before operating. SEE
YOUR DEALER.
• Replace the plug(s).
• Check fuel filter flow. Disconnect
hose and drain 1/2 cup. Fuel flow
should be steady and encompass the
entire diameter of fuel line. If not,
replace filter.
• SEE YOUR DEALER.
• SEE YOUR DEALER.
• Change plug(s).
• Dirt or ice may be in the fuel system
(add deicer to non-ethanol fuel at all
times to prevent icing).
• SEE YOUR DEALER.
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