northwoods srx
New member
First off, I want to say thanks to all in advance - this site has been great for gathering info. Anyways, I got my lake racer 98 SRX (just always loved these sleds). Had it parked over summer and decided to clean the carbs. It had been terribly difficult to start since I bought it. Apparently that is a pretty common trait among these models. So I got the carbs out and cleaned them. The pilots were completely clogged. Cleaned everything up really well, put new fuel lines in from pump to carbs, and got it all assembled. Put new 92 octance in the tank as well. Now for the problem.
Had difficulty starting it again until I tried pouring pre-mix down the clylinders. I just put a little bit in each cylinder, buttoned everything back up and pow - she started just great! I should also tell you that the track was off the ground at this point. What a relief (or so I was thinking at the time)! I let the sled idle and then gradually gave some throttle. It seems a little hesitant to accelerate but would get there eventually. However, I took the rear off the stand and tried giving some throttle again - nothing but lots of smoke out the exhaust, and it will not rev much at all. It was pretty disappointing to have done that work and then have this issue pop up. But, I want this to work so I'm gonna stick to it.
Is this a fuel related issue? Maybe a gas tank vent line got pinched? Any and all advice about what to check for or how to troubleshoot this issue will be GREATLY appreciated!
Had difficulty starting it again until I tried pouring pre-mix down the clylinders. I just put a little bit in each cylinder, buttoned everything back up and pow - she started just great! I should also tell you that the track was off the ground at this point. What a relief (or so I was thinking at the time)! I let the sled idle and then gradually gave some throttle. It seems a little hesitant to accelerate but would get there eventually. However, I took the rear off the stand and tried giving some throttle again - nothing but lots of smoke out the exhaust, and it will not rev much at all. It was pretty disappointing to have done that work and then have this issue pop up. But, I want this to work so I'm gonna stick to it.
Is this a fuel related issue? Maybe a gas tank vent line got pinched? Any and all advice about what to check for or how to troubleshoot this issue will be GREATLY appreciated!
Stephfg
New member
how long did you let it warm up for? also, did you clean your clutches and belt before trying to run it? My SRX, especially after being parked for a couple months, tends to smoke for a while. If you weren't outside, it might be sucking all the exhaust back in instead of fresh air. I don't think it's fuel related.
what about your plugs? Take your time and check your carbs again. Also what did youset the fuel screw at? Im on the east side if you need some help.
Let it fully warm up also, As was said get it outside, not in garage. fresh air. Check air screw settings,
Mine like to warm up at least 2 -5 min before getting her moving..
Mine like to warm up at least 2 -5 min before getting her moving..
lakeofthewoodsrider
New member
I woud concure with DV8, my 98 takes about 5 min. to warm up after a ong time...I start it 2 times a month in the summer to kill all the mosquitoes.hahaha
I would suggest some trouble shooting, after changing the plugs:
1]: put the sled on its jack stand
2]: check that belt is not pulled all the way down in secondary clutch...shud be about flush with top of clutch or slightly higher
3]:try to rotate the track by hand
If track is hard or will not rotate easily:
-is the park brake on or binding
-check jackshaft + driveshaft bearings
-check chaincase-chain-adjuster-bearings
4]Do compression test on Engine:
-all 3 shud be within @ 5 psi of each other[total varies with guages but look for 115-130 psi] do search for instructions on how to do this
5]pull carbs and clean again, check float level, fuel screw settings, ensure choke plungers are moving freely and choke is not stuck on
6]:check reed valves
JM .02c
1]: put the sled on its jack stand
2]: check that belt is not pulled all the way down in secondary clutch...shud be about flush with top of clutch or slightly higher
3]:try to rotate the track by hand
If track is hard or will not rotate easily:
-is the park brake on or binding
-check jackshaft + driveshaft bearings
-check chaincase-chain-adjuster-bearings
4]Do compression test on Engine:
-all 3 shud be within @ 5 psi of each other[total varies with guages but look for 115-130 psi] do search for instructions on how to do this
5]pull carbs and clean again, check float level, fuel screw settings, ensure choke plungers are moving freely and choke is not stuck on
6]:check reed valves
JM .02c

staggs65
Moderator
is it hanging up around 3000 rpms sounding like its bouncing off a rev limiter, if it is you got your throttle cable to tight when you reinstalled the carbs and youre activating the tors
staggs65 said:is it hanging up around 3000 rpms sounding like its bouncing off a rev limiter, if it is you got your throttle cable to tight when you reinstalled the carbs and youre activating the tors
X2
AH YES the dreaded TORS! I always forget about that as mine are all bypassed!
northwoods srx
New member
Thanks for all of the immediate replies. I think that I'm going to approach this systematically, starting with the basics first. I checked plugs this afternoon (I work overnights) and they appeared wet so we'll change those soon. The clutches look dirty (especially the primary - you can see rubber from where the belt starts to engage) and I'll have to clean the power valves. The PVs look dirty to me so I'll have to clean and adjust them as well.
It started up for me just fine (2 pulls) when I gave it a try. It does not want to idle very well at all. I have to crack the throttle just a bit to keep her going for warm up. It sounds weird though - like it may only be firing on 1 or 2 cylinders so a compression check is in order. Anyone have a good resource for compression gauges? I think the TORS maybe bypassed already because when track is off the ground, sled will rev past 6000. If I need to, I will look at carbs again. I looked at the explanation that MrViper wrote up that's posted in the technical section. I set my fuel screw to 1 1/8 turns out from lightly seated.
Again, thanks for the advice. I'm really going to try and get this resolved as I want to stay a part of the yammie faithful (I grew up and mercilessly tortured an 83 Excell III growing up). Hard part for me is going to keep from getting frustrated too easily and giving up. I will keep up to date as much as possible and let you all know how things go. I really do appreciate this!
It started up for me just fine (2 pulls) when I gave it a try. It does not want to idle very well at all. I have to crack the throttle just a bit to keep her going for warm up. It sounds weird though - like it may only be firing on 1 or 2 cylinders so a compression check is in order. Anyone have a good resource for compression gauges? I think the TORS maybe bypassed already because when track is off the ground, sled will rev past 6000. If I need to, I will look at carbs again. I looked at the explanation that MrViper wrote up that's posted in the technical section. I set my fuel screw to 1 1/8 turns out from lightly seated.
Again, thanks for the advice. I'm really going to try and get this resolved as I want to stay a part of the yammie faithful (I grew up and mercilessly tortured an 83 Excell III growing up). Hard part for me is going to keep from getting frustrated too easily and giving up. I will keep up to date as much as possible and let you all know how things go. I really do appreciate this!

staggs65
Moderator
think you'll need to be further out than that, probably closer to 2 turnsI set my fuel screw to 1 1/8 turns out from lightly seated.
northwoods srx
New member
staggs65 said:think you'll need to be further out than that, probably closer to 2 turns
I was wondering if 1 1/8 turns out was too few. I went by the listed stock spec listed here under the technical section. Anyone have better/more info on the fuel screw spec?

staggs65
Moderator
i ended up around 1 3/4 out if i remember correctly, others pointed out that over time the slides may wear and allow more air through at idle requiring the higher fuel screw settings, mines out for the idle hang issues, dont know if it will help your bog any
northwoods srx said:Thanks for all of the immediate replies. I think that I'm going to approach this systematically, starting with the basics first. I checked plugs this afternoon (I work overnights) and they appeared wet so we'll change those soon. The clutches look dirty (especially the primary - you can see rubber from where the belt starts to engage) and I'll have to clean the power valves. The PVs look dirty to me so I'll have to clean and adjust them as well.
It started up for me just fine (2 pulls) when I gave it a try. It does not want to idle very well at all. I have to crack the throttle just a bit to keep her going for warm up. It sounds weird though - like it may only be firing on 1 or 2 cylinders so a compression check is in order. Anyone have a good resource for compression gauges? I think the TORS maybe bypassed already because when track is off the ground, sled will rev past 6000. If I need to, I will look at carbs again. I looked at the explanation that MrViper wrote up that's posted in the technical section. I set my fuel screw to 1 1/8 turns out from lightly seated.
Again, thanks for the advice. I'm really going to try and get this resolved as I want to stay a part of the yammie faithful (I grew up and mercilessly tortured an 83 Excell III growing up). Hard part for me is going to keep from getting frustrated too easily and giving up. I will keep up to date as much as possible and let you all know how things go. I really do appreciate this!
I'd go through all you mentioned in your first paragraph but you didn't say how you long you've allowed it to warm up. Are the heat exchangers warm? If not, get them there and re-evaluate.
1-1/8 would make a, lean, off idle bog even worse. Especially if the sled is still cold. I'm good at 1-1/2 but run them at 1-3/4 to help with decel idle hang.
northwoods srx
New member
Got up this afternoon and decided to pull the SRX back into the garage to go over everything once again. Pulled the pipes off and discovered three things:
1) my power valves are all dirty - I will definitely have to clean those up and adjust
2) A mouse made a nice nest near the muffler from the previous owner storing the sled outdoors
3) my middle pipe had a lot of gas/oil mix inside - I am wondering if the mouse got in there, made a vacation home and clogged the pipe all up
So from where I sit right now, I want to go through the carbs again (I will try 1 3/4 turns out on the fuel screws as some have suggested). I am going to clean and adjust power valves, and then go over the sled with a fine tooth comb to see what other fun stuff I run across. Hopefully all will be well. I appreciate everyone's advice.
Anyone have ideas why my middle pipe was full of gas/oil??? Also, I had been letting the sled warm up for at least 5 minutes.
Thanks!
1) my power valves are all dirty - I will definitely have to clean those up and adjust
2) A mouse made a nice nest near the muffler from the previous owner storing the sled outdoors
3) my middle pipe had a lot of gas/oil mix inside - I am wondering if the mouse got in there, made a vacation home and clogged the pipe all up
So from where I sit right now, I want to go through the carbs again (I will try 1 3/4 turns out on the fuel screws as some have suggested). I am going to clean and adjust power valves, and then go over the sled with a fine tooth comb to see what other fun stuff I run across. Hopefully all will be well. I appreciate everyone's advice.
Anyone have ideas why my middle pipe was full of gas/oil??? Also, I had been letting the sled warm up for at least 5 minutes.
Thanks!
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yes it's not fireing. If you fouled the plugs trying to get to the bottom of the problem. Your going to have nothing but trouble with the idle. get rid of the mouse house change plugs put it back together let it warm up and give it a try.