1994 VMAX running issue

Z

Zack1978

New member
Joined
Dec 12, 2005
Messages
142
Hi everyone,
I pulled my 1994 VMAX out yesterday for the first time this season. In the spring, I drained all the gas out so I filed it up with 10 fresh gallons of 93 octane gas with some Star-Tron mixed in. The sled started rather quickly, and I let it idle to warm up. When I went to move the sled, I gave it some gas, and it just died. It would idle fine, but as soon as you gave it gas it would die out. I needed to get the sled moved from where it was under it's own power as I could not get my trailer to the location where it was. I put the choke on and I was able to give it some gas without it stalling and I moved it to the trailer. While I was hooking the trailer to my truck, I left it idling with the choke off. When I returned to the sled I gave it gas and it was totally fine, and seemingly ran great. I putzed around the yard and woods a bit and it is fine. Any ideas as to what is going on, or what may have happened? I will see how it starts and runs today.



Thanks,
Zack
 

In another post, you mention this sled it new to you...

Sounds like it wasn't warmed enough. Moving it around before it's warmed up will require some choke to get it rolling.

I got in the habit starting my sled as the first order of business and letting it idle while tending to other business (gearing up, setting up for loading/unloading). I'm also the first out starting my sled, gearing up outside before leaving a lunch/dinner stop.
 
It was a long warm up, at least 10 minutes. I would think that's enough?
 
DO NOT just blow the cobwebs out!!!! Take the carbs off, and clean them properly. NEVER entrust your motor to a $10 bottle of snake oil either. Clean carbs, and fresh gas at the beginning of your sledding season is the way to go
 
I usually consider myself pretty handy, but I truly have no clue as to how to clean/service the carbs. Is there a simple online tutorial to teach me?
 
Well I went on a sledding trip this weekend, and before I hit the trails I had the sled checked by a local sled repair shop who said it was running fine. They advised that based upon the way it was running, to hit the trails. They would look over the sled deeper during the week when they had more time.
Well something is clearly amiss, because the sled achieved a whopping 5-6 MPG. Yesterday afternoon we actually ran out of gas on the trail, after only riding 55 miles from a full tank. The shop is going to do a compression check, and then based on those numbers, they will work on the carbs. I can't afford to keep the VMAX if the MPG's are going to be so low. The sled also seemed to use an inordinate amount of oil as well. Not a happy weekend with the VMAX!


Zack


Zack
 
And my back is still sore after the punishing ride the VMAX delivered. It seems VERY hard to ride this machine at any sort of speed down the trail, because it seems to dart often. I was not impressed at all. I knew that the ride would not be great, after all it is 21 year old technology....but the ride on my 1991 Phazer is better!
 
Well another weekend of truly awful gas and oil consumption.......
The shop did a compression test which revealed the following, "Port side:135-starboard side:140" They said the compression numbers are great. The shop also cleaned the carbs, which they said were not that dirty. Well we went out and burned an inordinate amount of gas and oil once again. What else are we missing? I know this sled will never get great mileage, but this is simply ridiculous.


Thank you,
Zack
 
that is bad.My SRX averaged 14 mpg last weekend,as long as I am not on the throttle heavy all the time.My oil consumption is also on par. I feel for you..that mileage would kill me..
 
Check the choke cable. I had to replace mine. They can get stiff and not let the choke close completely. Or it could just need adjusted. Also check the fuel lines. They can get hard over time and not seal. I have had both these problems on my 96.
 
drew24 said:
Check the choke cable. I had to replace mine. They can get stiff and not let the choke close completely. Or it could just need adjusted. Also check the fuel lines. They can get hard over time and not seal. I have had both these problems on my 96.
Click to expand...

I am willing to try anything, I am at my wits end!! I found that the OEM Yamaha choke cable is NLA, so aftermarket is the only option. I ordered the following cable from Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/NACHMAN-CHOKE-CABLE-YAMAHA-SM-05089/dp/B008D8Y93A), hopefully it fits well and is of good quality. Do you have any tips or tricks to help with the install process?

Thanks,
Zack
 
A COUPLE THINGS ON THE 94 MAX You need to lower the needles a full notch and put a smaller main jet in her, also check the rollers they don't last long and can create a terrible stress on that motor. the slide pucks also wear weird and put futher stress on it . If u can put a newr clutch on it!
 
Its pretty straight forward to change the cable. Just be careful not to get it too tight. I went a little on the loose side with mine but it starts so good I never have to give it full choke anyway. Did you check the fuel lines. I was losing a lot of fuel when I noticed mine were bad.
 
yammy said:
A COUPLE THINGS ON THE 94 MAX You need to lower the needles a full notch and put a smaller main jet in her, also check the rollers they don't last long and can create a terrible stress on that motor. the slide pucks also wear weird and put futher stress on it . If u can put a newr clutch on it!
Click to expand...
Are you thinking just one size down? I know on my 96 XT6, it is stock w/ 152.5s & a 94/5 gasket. I was able to raise the needle(lower clip) to get good wash.
 
I guess it would depend on your ele. but yes one size is the norm for those sleds .the come way too fat outta the factory and have terrible gas mileage with that and the way the clutches are! Just remember to always check the plugs whenever you make a jetting change! I put psi pipes on my 94 and never changed the jetting! just dropped, ( that's right,dropped) the needles.... I got close to 10 mpg then, and I rode very Hard! never blew her up !
 
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