SXR Hard to start when warm

[djkorn1]

My ski fires right up in my driveway when its cold if I just bump the start stop switch, once I fill it up with gas and drive to the lake it is very difficult to start and gets worse after riding and sitting on the beach. After about 10 seconds of running crappy, it rips and runs perfect.

Theories:

1. Too Lean on the low: Not getting gas
2. Too Rich on the low: flooding too much gas
3. No fuel shutoff: flooding the carbs when sitting
4. need a primer??

However, the ski runs soooo good, I hate to touch it.

 

[OCD Solutions]

Mine did the same thing and I've seen it posted here many times from other SXR owners. I never did solve what caused it but always assumed it was fuel expanding and forcing it's way into the carbs loading them up. My 07 SJ was doing something similar until I installed a fuel shutoff valve and actually remembered to use it.

 

[djkorn1]

Thanks....I will stop and pick one up.

 

[blaster800]

................... , You have 2 valves already called '' needles and seats '' and if they are leaking then a fix of them will only make your ski run that much better , if all the other skis can sit next to yours on the beach and start right up after sitting and not using the shut off valve on the beach then so should yours . I use my shut valve when im dun for the day . start with some carb builds and go from there , IMO FWIW

 

[OCD Solutions]

................... , You have 2 valves already called '' needles and seats '' and if they are leaking then a fix of them will only make your ski run that much better , if all the other skis can sit next to yours on the beach and start right up after sitting and not using the shut off valve on the beach then so should yours . I use my shut valve when im dun for the day . start with some carb builds and go from there , IMO FWIW

Well that does sound good in theory but FWIW, Mine did it right from day one and I bought mine brand new.

 

[blaster800]

I believe you had a problem and found an indirect solution . however thats not ''THEORY '' and not the way any eng should operate , Im sure most here would agree with that . For instance : If your garden hose nozzle leaks '' change the nozzle, dont change the valve on the house. '''' a well tuned ski will brap on the first crank .. even if it sits all day with the fuel valve on ... I say fix the actual problem and your ski will run better for it and you can then trust your equipment .

 

[MADMAT]

Korn since your carbs are all fresh I say low speed screws.

I finally got mine dialed in yesterday on some flat water. RIPS now!

 

[djkorn1]

Carbs were just rebuilt in the fall...and I had this problem before and after the carb rebuilds. It runs wayyyy better after the rebuilds. It has brand new needles and seats, only got a few hours on them...

I just can't figure it out. If I go out in the garage and accidentally bump into the start stop switch it will fire up...it only has issues after I pull it downtown. Then it is really difficult to start. My ski has had this problem for 3 years.

 

[MADMAT]

Weird man....lets go ride...

 

[djkorn1]

Leaned it a wee bit on the low..easier to start...but still hard...runs like a raped ape.

 

[Crab]

Check piston wash, bet they are clean.

 

[djkorn1]

They are kinda clean, like a light brown...which means??????? too rich?

 

[rollin5150]

They are kinda clean, like a light brown...which means??????? too rich?

I think the center one is just a tad rich myself but a good visual aid.

 

[octane972]

We had a problem with a SXR we put a 1100 engine in at the shop where I work. The first time it sat outside in the sun on a trailer pressure in the tank pushed all the fuel into the engine. We checked the pop-off valves and they held pressure. We wound up installing a T fitting in the vent line with a check valve that would let pressure out of the tank if it got over 1psi. This system was used by Polaris. The stock vent on the SXR will let air into the tank, but will not let any out. The perfect combination for making the greatest possible pressure on a hot day.

 

[Big Kahuna]

My Kawi use to build up alot of pressure. Try loosening the gas cap before you try and start it.

 

[djkorn1]

My piston looks like the center one... I guess I am right on...but that shouldn't make a difference with the low screws...(starting problems). It runs great on the top...

I will try the gas cap thing...although this happened on cool cloudy days too. (damn, another reason to hate internal fill)

 

[ohell]

try the Tee in fuel air inlet line as octane972 suggested, add a check valve like seadoo or polaris with 1-3psi opening. I'm running same set up as him with a seadoo vent check valve. BTW - cool cloudy days don't count for much if starting issue is after you run, it is under hood temp creating expansion.

 

[djkorn1]

Okay, it's not gas cap pressure. Fired right up, then drove it down to the docks with the gas cap loose. Wouldn't start for like 3 minutes of cranking....then fired up.

Ran great all day, but still REALLY REALLY hard to start (like 3 minutes of cranking) and have to give it full throttle to get it to fire over.

Starts running like crap on the way back to the docks...

Look in the hood, one of the nuts holding the cyllinder down is missing...(start it up) slight free rev. I am obviously very lean right now (air leak) Gotta pull the motor and tighten that down and then start over trying to figure it out if it is still happening.

I hate ongoing problems that I can't figure out.

 

[Big Kahuna]

Loosen gas cap, let out pressure. Tighten. Crank. Never ride with the cap loose.

 

[rollin5150]

Mine has been having the same problem lately. I have not rebuilt my carbs since 07 so that might have something to do with it. I was also wondering if I might have a little water in the carbs.