Snowmobiling is an exciting sport.
There is no better feeling than cruising down the snowy landscapes, rugged terrains, deep cuts, caves, and forests while comfortably riding on your snowmobile.
However, when preparing your snowmobile for the season, your snowmobile can not start because of various reasons.
Therefore, it is also crucial for you to understand what needs to be done when your snowmobile is facing starting issues.
This article will cover everything you can do to get your snowmobile back on trails when it is not starting.
Possible Reasons Why Your Snowmobile Won’t Start
There can be many reasons why your snowmobile isn’t ready to move yet.
Most snowmobiles face starting issues after sitting idle for an entire season.
It can also be worrying if this suddenly happens when your sled is stuck in the snow.
The most common problems that cause starting problems are fuel, overheating, spark, air, or any combination of these elements.
In any case, given below are the possible reasons why your snowmobile may not be starting.
Fuel Issues
If your snowmobile won’t start, the fuel tank is the first thing you should check.
If the fuel hasn’t been changed for a season, then the fuel sitting there might lose its effectiveness and needs to be changed.
It is also possible that the fuel lines may have a blockage that is preventing the fuel from reaching the engine.
Sometimes, it can also happen that the gas lines and carbs dry out, making it difficult for the engine to start.
Spark Plug
When it comes to the starting mechanism of a snowmobile, the spark plug is an essential element.
This little device is responsible for internal combustion in your snowmobile, which means it is required to ignite the fuel to run the engine.
If there are no fuel-related issues in your snowmobile, then there is a good chance that the spark plug may not be working.
Cylinder and Gasket
Another possible reason your snowmobile is not starting is maybe because of the problems in your snowmobile cylinder or gasket.
The most troublesome case would be if there is low or no pressure left in your cylinders, but If just the gasket is damaged, then replacing it might solve the issue.
However, the problems, in this case, can be anything. It could be worn-out piston rings, scored cylinder or piston, bad crank seal, reed valve, or damaged head gasket.
What To Do If Your Snowmobile Won’t Start
Well, the first thing you should do is check the obvious. Make sure that the off-switch isn’t engaged, and if there is still fuel left from the last season, replace it.
If your snowmobile still doesn’t budge, then follow the solutions below.
Fixing Fuel-Related Issues
If there is a blockage in the fuel lines, then fixing it is easy. All you have to do is remove the shroud covering the engine so that you can inspect the lines.
If something is blocking the way, it will surely be noticeable.
However, if your snowmobile’s gas lines and carbs have dried out, you should try using a starting fluid or snowmobile carburetor cleaner.
This should provide enough lubricant for the fuel to reach the ignition system and start the engine.
Change the Oil
Just like changing the oil in a car is essential, changing the oil in your snowmobile is also very important.
If the oil hasn’t been changed for a long time, it may cause starting issues. Therefore, change the oil in your snowmobile and see if the problem solves.
If you have a two-stroke engine, use two-stroke oil.
Fix the Spark Plug
Most of the time, the spark plug damage is responsible for not starting your snowmobile.
Fortunately, replacing the spark plug is not difficult, and the device is readily available and affordable.
To replace the spark plug, you will need a proper tool kit which includes a socket wrench, extension, and drive head.
First, you will need to expose the engine by removing the hood and then use a 3/8 inch drive on a 5/8 inch swivel plug socket using a 3-inch extension.
Finally, remove the damaged device and replace it with an active one.
If all this sounds difficult or something that you cannot do, then it is best to call someone who can.
Tweaking around without knowing what to do will only lead to new problems.
Fix the Cylinders and Gasket
If there is a problem with your snowmobile cylinder, then the first thing you should try is tightening the cylinder head nuts.
After that, examine the gasket to check whether it is damaged or not. If the gasket is damaged, simply replacing it with a new one should solve the problem.
The best way to determine if something is wrong with your snowmobile cylinder is to check using a compression tester.
If there is a simple problem, then you will be able to fix it. However, it is best to call a service agent if the problem seems severe.
Conclusion
Storing away your snowmobile for an entire season can cause some starting issues.
However, most of the time, these problems are simple and can be fixed by anyone with little experience.
Also, taking a few precautions before storing away your snowmobile may keep these starting issues away.
In any case, if the issue seems to be more severe than just a starting problem, then it is best to visit a service center.
Moreover, if your snowmobile is still in the warranty period, then get it fixed by the company.
Have any more questions for us? Comment below, and we will revert asap.
