Engine failure? XScream SS865

[SeksSJ]

I’m at the ramp starting ski for the first time and it makes a loud gunshot pop. Lots of smoke. After that it wouldn’t start up and stay on after for a few minutes. Tried it again a little later and it would start but not stay on after giving gas.
I’m not mechanically savvy but I know checking the compression would be one of the first steps.
Has anybody had an experience like this before? Either way I’m taking it to a mechanic to work on but would love to know if someone has had this issue before. Thanks.

 

[Mike W]

If it backfired (which sounds like what you are describing), you probably damaged the reeds.

 

[SeksSJ]

If it backfired (which sounds like what you are describing), you probably damaged the reeds.

I thought it was a backfire. Just never had that happen on a ski. Thank you for the reply .

 

[Big Kahuna]

Check your flywheel key. If it sheared then your timing is off which would cause a backfire and also cause it to not run correctly.

 

[SeksSJ]

Check your flywheel key. If it sheared then your timing is off which would cause a backfire and also cause it to not run correctly.

Thanks I’ll look into that as well. I’ve been researching and it seems like those are the two things it could be. I saw one person say they had a piston failure but I’m not sure that’s the same symptoms I’m seeing.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Thanks I’ll look into that as well. I’ve been researching and it seems like those are the two things it could be. I saw one person say they had a piston failure but I’m not sure that’s the same symptoms I’m seeing.

Piston failure not gonna cause a backfire!

 

[Baja 252]

If your engine has power valves, I bet they have torn or popped off the bellows.

 

[superjetkev]

Check your waterbox and also crankshaft seals. A backfire can blow out both

 

[SeksSJ]

Check your waterbox and also crankshaft seals. A backfire can blow out bot

If your engine has power valves, I bet they have torn or popped off the bellows

If your engine has power valves, I bet they have torn or popped off the bellows.

That’s the first thing I checked I used to have a Dasa that I blew off a couple of times.

 

[SeksSJ]

Check your waterbox and also crankshaft seals. A backfire can blow out both

I saw the crankshaft seals were a possibility as well. Thank you I’ll look into it!

 

[SeksSJ]

Piston failure not gonna cause a backfire!

Ok for some reason this guy was saying that was his problem and then a piece of his piston was missing. Either way it’s looking like the engine is ok based on all these responses so that’s a relief!

 

[SeksSJ]

Update:
It turned out it was just the exhaust that had popped off. Engine bay is tight so you can’t really see that it was off without a camera. Thanks for the help y’all.