Hello everyone,
I have a 1998 SRX 600 sled. It's in good shape but it is a bear to start. Requires quite a few pulls and it seems to lack some take off power (March 2010). In February it was pretty good as far as take off power.
The cylinder compression is 120 psi on piston 2 and 3 and number 1 is about 110 psi. I do not have the equipment to do a leak down test however.
My question is where should I start to get this thing to start with one pull (or close to it) and restore the power it had at the end of the season?
I was thinking carb cleaning (even though they look quite clean). I run Yamalube, 93 octane gas with Seafoam and marvel oil occasionally. Any advice I would greatly appreciate. Thanks!
jason_srx

I have a 1998 SRX 600 sled. It's in good shape but it is a bear to start. Requires quite a few pulls and it seems to lack some take off power (March 2010). In February it was pretty good as far as take off power.
The cylinder compression is 120 psi on piston 2 and 3 and number 1 is about 110 psi. I do not have the equipment to do a leak down test however.
My question is where should I start to get this thing to start with one pull (or close to it) and restore the power it had at the end of the season?
I was thinking carb cleaning (even though they look quite clean). I run Yamalube, 93 octane gas with Seafoam and marvel oil occasionally. Any advice I would greatly appreciate. Thanks!
jason_srx

Good luck getting any SRX to start in 1 or 2 pulls. Unless they have been running in the last hour, they usually require a few pulls to get started.
Ok, well, from what it sounds like from others the SRX requires some pulling to get started. That I can deal with. Any ideas to restore the power on take off?
Also, does anyone know where to get a deal on the plugs? My old 540 SRV used the BR9ES which seem very similar minus the shorter contact point on the plugs.
Does anyone have issues with the SRV plugs fouling out a lot? Wondering if I should sell it after this winter and look into a new Yamaha model. Any suggestions? Thanks.
-jasonsrx

Also, does anyone know where to get a deal on the plugs? My old 540 SRV used the BR9ES which seem very similar minus the shorter contact point on the plugs.
Does anyone have issues with the SRV plugs fouling out a lot? Wondering if I should sell it after this winter and look into a new Yamaha model. Any suggestions? Thanks.
-jasonsrx

crazyrunningkid
New member
I know with my 98 srx the best thing I've found so far is I put a primer on it and now it will start within 3 pulls on those cold days. As for lacking power on take off, check your throttle position sensor. I had the same problem and a little adjustment it was back to snapping my neck back off the line
Theres a long list of things that will contribute to poor take off power on any sled.
Dirty,worn out, or misaligned clutches
Belt worn and/or needs adjustement
Dirty(inside) Carbs
Plugged exhaust(rats nest)
etc.....
Not sure I like the sound of 10lb difference in just 1 cylinder, but others will give their input.
Dirty,worn out, or misaligned clutches
Belt worn and/or needs adjustement
Dirty(inside) Carbs
Plugged exhaust(rats nest)
etc.....
Not sure I like the sound of 10lb difference in just 1 cylinder, but others will give their input.
if its really cold out i can barely pull mine over and takes many pulls to get it running, i have found if i tip it on its side for a minute , it will start usually on 2nd pull, primer would be alot easier on my back im sure
I'm pretty sure it is the carbs. I took them off last night and it appears that they have never been taken off. I did notice the spring for the starter/choke bar is rusted and does not spring back well. I'm thinking that is part of the problem.
I am going to clean the carbs as directed by the documentation on the forum, including the power valves. I did notice a leak on the center cylinder power valve. I'm guessing a gasket kit will take care of this?
Regarding the primer: do you mean a spray primer or something else?
Thanks again for the help everyone!
-jason_srx

I am going to clean the carbs as directed by the documentation on the forum, including the power valves. I did notice a leak on the center cylinder power valve. I'm guessing a gasket kit will take care of this?
Regarding the primer: do you mean a spray primer or something else?
Thanks again for the help everyone!
-jason_srx

I'm not sure, but I think new reed plates help. My 2002 started a lot easier after the pistons were replaced (worn out) and the reed plates were replaced as well. I only had 5,5 reedplates left.
As for bad power, check the powervalves.
As for bad power, check the powervalves.