yankeeslover
New member
hello, dumb question.. .this is the first time having electric start on a snowmobile for me.... I ride my sled on the weekends, which means it sits all week without running...I was advised the other day, that if it sits all week and its very cold out, im better off starting the first time w/the pull cord...Is this true? I have always used the electric start, even if its under 10 degrees outside and sled sat for the week, it may take a few cycles to start, or about 20-30 seconds sometimes, but I never use the pull start, is it true that my first ride of the day, should be started with the pull cord? I have never heard this before, and not really sure what im hurting by not using the pull start,,,,,, thanks much, Pete
If the battery will turn everything over then use the electric start. Keep in mind the 4stroke yamahas do not have pull starts and with the weatherr lately I'm sure most all of them are starting just fine.
horkn
New member
What's funny is our 97 Venture 's E start will do nothing until the sled has been warmed up for use. This usually is only the first time I pull it out of the shed when we get up north. I have to ull start it, and it runs right away. After that first ride the E start works fine, cold or hot.
I think maybe moisture is getting in somewhere, and the heat form use clears it up.
But yes, using E start is fine when it works, reardless of temp.
I think maybe moisture is getting in somewhere, and the heat form use clears it up.
But yes, using E start is fine when it works, reardless of temp.
gmwa_pro
New member
I have a 98 Venture 600 that has the same issue....no crank on cold mornings...if you come across a fix please let me know....thanks!
My viper E start works well at -35c.It had a new battery and took about 20 seconds to start and stay running. The 4stroke took an hour to start after bringing in half the electronics and using a blow dryer on the injectors.
yankeeslover said:
I would guess the reason behind such advise is that the colder things get the less efficient they are. It requires more amperage to spin a cold engine (and starter) and is more taxing on the battery.
Four strokes are more suseptable than 2 strokes because of the need to pressurize the oil system. In automotive applications you also have to contend with a torque converter/pump full of cold oil too.
The only reason I could see other than building your triceps is to extend the life of the battery.
FuzzButt
New member
I might disagree a bit with the cold and the starter. I think the starters we use are oblivious to low temperatures. As long as there isn't ice in the bendix.snomofo said:
All I know is if my sled isn't warm there is no way I'm going to start it with the rope.
braindead1684
Member
You can use it and it won't hurt it,
However the first time you start it for the year i would pull it over once or twice before turning the key just to feel for compression and such.
However the first time you start it for the year i would pull it over once or twice before turning the key just to feel for compression and such.
tripplec
New member
I agree, manually pull it over first a few times. This will make it easier for the E-start and save the battery if low. I usually put my auto charger on the sleds battery which I leave connected in the machine on the 2A range and bring it up. When it been sitting a long time I seem to pull my guts out and it will not fire. Hmm I touch the key with the choke on and it fires right away. After that it will pull start whenever I want. Hot or cold, since the battery is only used for starting and not the lights or grip heaters I would not be too concerned about using the E-start myself. But you don't want too use it too often in suction or you may run the battery too low. A very low battery will freeze if left long enough. If I pull over and stop for up to 30 min it starts easily still on the first pull for me.braindead1684 said:
I have a 94 Formula as well with the 600 and you virtually need two arms to pull that sucker over even when warm at +10 which I did a month ago. No e-start on it so your arms have to be in good shape.
Exciterfan
Member
Here is the bottom line, a cold stiff engine will cause the starter to draw a LOT more current from the battery than if the engine is warmed up and loose. This is hard on the starter windings and the commutator (more arcing and burning). As an electrical engineer my advice to you would be to pull the rope slowly a couple of times just to loosen the motor up a bit (don't try to start it), then use your electric start to fire up the sled.
If you do this then your starter and battery will last much longer.
Cheers,
Exciterfan
If you do this then your starter and battery will last much longer.
Cheers,
Exciterfan