So we finally got a dump of snow so I could take the sleds out. I just tried starting my Viper and I might be having problems. I ran sea foam through it at the end of the year last year.... First time doing it.... And i'm not sure if all three cylinders are firing. I didn't clean the carbs this year, I did last year though. I know everyone cleans them every year but if i don't have to clean em, I didn't want to waste the time. It pops right off but is pretty quiet and wont stay idling. Would my next step be to put brand new plugs in and run it and take em out to see which ones are really running?
It also backfires while it is idling before it dies.
sxr700m
New member
You could do that. Put new plugs in it and go ride around for a bit. You could ride it and clean them out and then you might not even have to pull the carbs. If not, then you will need to clean the carbs most likely.
I'm not sure if i can even get it going enough to ride it. Will that damage the cylinder that is not running if I run it for a few minutes with it not firing?
I would say you have a plugged pilot jet...
SRX RIDER
New member
You're waisting time until you pull the carbs. You'll find dirty pilots. Ethanol fuel has been a curse to everyone this year.
staggs65
Moderator
x3. clean them carbs
Got the carbs in the house. I'll see if the pilots are plugged. I hope they are!
And adding seafoam which contains isopropyl alcohol doesn't helpSRX RIDER said:
Runs like a champ now. Not wasting my time with seafoam next year. Looks like i'm going to get in the habit of doing what you guys do. Pull the carbs in spring or fall when its warm out and leave em clean until i start it up for the season.
SRX RIDER
New member
There you go! I never used to have to pull my carbs and the sleds always ran great (flame away guys, lol), but neither sled would run worth a damn this fall until I pulled the carbs and cleaned the pilots. No jelly gunk in the bowls, but clogged pilots. I've decided to pull the fuel line at the tank and run them dry if they have to sit more than a few weeks. Stabil doesn't help...Seafoam doesn't help.....just get in there and give em a little loving!
Actual Sta-bil does work. The green marine formula is the best. Wynns stabilizer works too.
I have been using the Seafoam for years, and my carbs are always clean. The trick to this stuff is I think you really have to run it every few tank fulls
(which is what I do) I always keep a few cans of this stuff in the garage and run it all winter long every few rides, even when I do clean the carbs they always look in really good shape. I don't think you can just add it to your last tank of the year and use it like Stabil, I really think you need to run it every few tanks and then just put a heavy dose in the first tank of the year with new plugs and should be good to go. This what I have been doing and it seems to work.
(which is what I do) I always keep a few cans of this stuff in the garage and run it all winter long every few rides, even when I do clean the carbs they always look in really good shape. I don't think you can just add it to your last tank of the year and use it like Stabil, I really think you need to run it every few tanks and then just put a heavy dose in the first tank of the year with new plugs and should be good to go. This what I have been doing and it seems to work.