1985 Polaris Indy Trail Fuel Tank fuel problem diagnosis and tank removal

[@BruceBoschek]

Well, I've never even seen a snowmobile, much less ridden or repaired one, but the details here are the same for all small engines. Fuel lines and tanks are a major cause of grief on these machines. Thanks much for the useful video.

[@snowking55]

+Bruce Boschek Yea you're right Bruce, the ethanol gas tends to deteriorate the fuel lines. They do have some better fuel line available today, so when my part comes in I'll show what line I'm going to use. Thanks for watching.

[@laurijorgenson6683]

This was amazingly helpful. I could not figure out why I wasn't getting fuel directly from the tank int the fuel line. I even took a vacuum pump which didn't work. Thank you so much for making this and helping me and many others I'm sure. You were very thorough in your explanations too. Great job!

[@sweet65mustang]

thanks for making this video. like most things, i would have gotten through it but you made it easier. i dug my 89 400 indy out of the weeds where it has been since 01 and, after using the funnel after the fuel valve like you did, it started and idled on the first pull. i cleaned out the tank and now I'm going through the clutch. i can't believe it turned over much less started. i have been meaning to haul this to the scrap yard for 5 years and now my son will probably be driving it.

[@snowking55]

Well I'm glad I could help. Replace all your fuel lines if they are the clear or blue plastic, because they get brittle over time. Start from the fuel tank and check your fuel pump to make sure it is pumping. Winters coming quickly.

[@steve734]

Glad I'm able to still buy non-ethanol gas where I live. I'm thankful for the video though, I'll put replacing the fuel line that goes into the tanks on my sleds on my list of things to do.

[@davidbowser2395]

This is perfect. I got 89 Indy 400 runs off the fuel dumped in tried two different fuel pumps I do see fuel some what going through but barely and was told it's the line in the tank. Much appreciated!

[@MBTUE]

I've been replacing all my fuel line with the black automotive fuel lines. I put the clear plastic vinyl lines on the MX in the summer and by fall they were hard as a rock so I replaced them again. And I bought the clear lines at the dealer ! Mark

[@snowking55]

+Mark Bow Hi Mark, yea you're on the right track with the black automotive fuel lines. I've found that the yellow tygon fuel line that is used on weed wackers and mowers is pretty good too. It doesn't get hard and brittle like the blue and clear line does, and it's more flexible like the blue line.

[@contact4mwy7]

Hello, good video! I have a 1988 Indy Trail 488 that I have had many issues with due to its age. Now I know to look out for this problem too. I also have a 1969 Moto Ski, and on the end of the fuel line inside the tank there is a similar fitting that you refer to as a filter. It is actually a check valve to keep the gas from back-draining into the tank, thus giving you fuel lines to the carbs that are full of just air (fumes). This makes it easier to start not having to draw the fuel through the lines all over again. I recently bought a replacement for the Moto Ski (but I believe it will fit any sled) for $5.00. Cheap money, really. Happy sledding!

[@snowking55]

Thanks, I'm glad the video was helpful. Yes the check valve on the fuel line in the tank is needed. I recently restored a 1974 Polaris Custom ll and had a problem with the fuel feeding back into the tank, (faulty check valve) I solved the problem with buying two in-line check valves and installed them between the fuel pump and carbs, it seems to fix the problem. Thanks for watching.

[@Ben-hk5op]

Thank you so much, with your video, i manage to figure out my lines broken inside and at half a tank it wouldnt start unless i lifted the back end .... I was stuck on the trail till i git fuel to bring it back up to full

[@snowking55]

Glad I could help. Thanks for watching.

[@brockvanheck1679]

Thank you for this video, also in Northwest ohio. Very helpful and informative. Exactly what i needed to know

[@snowking55]

You're welcome Brock. A lot of people don't know about the fuel pickup line rotting off, just thought the video would help. Thanks for watching.

[@brockvanheck1679]

Unfortunately it sat a little to long. Runs fine but the shaft must have seized and snapped... Lot of nasty grinding no track movement. Thanks again for the video

[@snowking55]

@@brockvanheck1679 Check your track drivers, they get brittle with age and break off.

[@welby191]

Hey Bud.... if it wasn't for this video i think i would have lit my 88 indy trail on fire....i had the same exact problem that your video showed.. I'm good with cars and bikes, but sleds ..not so much. PRICELESS INFO. I never would have found that hose I the tank... she runs great now..Thanks again

[@snowking55]

Thanks for the compliment, and I'm glad I could help.

[@MBTUE]

Well,my tank has to come off on the touring.The new gas filter is clogged. Looks like the tank has all kinds of crud in the bottom. I took the carbs off and they have very tiny bits of dirt in them. I should have done this in the summer . I'm going to leave the jetting stock for now and see how it does on the next trip.I'll put a new Polaris filter on as well as a new in tank filter and a hose like you did. Mark

[@foxman3910]

Great job on description I have the same sled.

[@snowking55]

Thanks for watching, that is a common problem with the fuel these days. Get the proper fuel line to replace it and you'll be good to go.

[@dwjohnson728]

Great presentation! Thanks!

[@clem95627]

Thanks for the video.

[@joelcooper2433]

Thank you young man ;)

[@SkyHigh_177]

I have the same skidoo .. I’m in the garage cleaning the gas tank and carburetors because somebody put lots of sand in the gas tank… some people are just jealous of you when u have stuff iguess

[@snowking55]

That's too bad that people have to be that way. But on the positive, your carbs and tank will be clean. Make sure you wash out the tank good, sand is small and can cause a lot of problems.

[@tomascharles5080]

Good vid, i have the same looking Polaris 440.

[@snowking55]

Yeah, it was a great machine. I owned it for about 30 years and just sold it about a month ago, hated to see it go, but it just never was ridden anymore.

[@brennensolie1989]

Thanks for the video helped a lot

[@snowking55]

I'm glad I could help. I've learned things through the years from other fellows and thought I'd pass it on to those that might be able to use the information.

[@otahu26]

The 1990 to 2000 tanks i think all took the new Brass fitting.

[@pdrcanada4005]

I have a question. I am experiencing the same problem. Would the problem not exist if fuel level is above the fitting?

[@snowking55]

You are correct. If the fuel level is above the fitting it will run, but you have to keep the tank almost full to have that work. It's really a simple fix, just fish out the old line with a bent wire and remove the plastic fitting. Then cut a piece of fuel line about 1 1/2', put on the weighted end and attach to the fitting and slide it back in the tank. Thread it in and hook up your outside fuel line and you're ready to go! Thanks for watching.

[@joeneault785]

good video ,i just subscribed.just a heads up ,i bet that fitting broke because its a pipe thread and you over tightened it right?

[@snowking55]

Well I tried to thread it in as far as I had it before and because of the age and the fuel it just twisted off. So I replaced it with a bronze fitting which eliminates any future problems. Thanks for watching, subbing, and commenting.

[@MBTUE]

hi Ken, Have you ever welded a crack in a snowmobile muffler ? My 94 Indy Lite has a crack about 4" long right at the big bend just after the Y pipe. I was thinking of putting a patch over it and brazing it . Will that be strong enough ? Or should I steel weld it ? Mig or torch weld ? Mark

[@snowking55]

+Mark Bow Well I think I would try to Mig weld it Mark. It will be stronger, just make sure your settings are right so you don't burn through it. If that doesn't work I would go with brazing. Hope this helps.

[@MBTUE]

+snowking55 Thanks Ken My friend has a small 120 Volt mig welder . That should work.

[@gmilli1635]

hi there, good video. Just wondering if there was a part two to the video to show the final install. Thanks

[@snowking55]

I was just going back and looking and I guess I didn't follow up with a final install video. I bought a new brass fitting, added my new fuel line and check valve that go into the tank and reassembled, that's about all there was to it. Sorry for not making the follow-up video. If you have any questions just let me know. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@gmilli1635]

snowking55 Thanks for returning my inquiry. I'm kinda in the same boat. The fuel line fell off the brass elbow and is now at the bottom of the tank. It's rubber and should come out easy enough. I was looking to see how you assembled the fuel line back through the hole into the tank. I have brass(I think) elbow and rubber grommet. Thanks just the same. May have to go ask the dealers guys. Cheers. Tried add a photo with no luck.

[@snowking55]

The trick to getting the fuel line in the tank is unscrewing the brass fitting from the tank, then put your new line on with the check valve and threading the line through the hole where the fitting goes and screwing the fitting back in. Your line will flop around in the tank until you get the fitting seated. Add enough line that it lies on the bottom of the tank, and your check valve will give it the weight it needs to lay on the bottom.

[@snakerstran9101]

Ah yes, one more issue due to the curse of Ethanol. One of my preseason checklist items, shine a flashlight into the tank filler and look for the internal line still attached. Because a hose clamp can't be used, the line will simply swell and fall off the nipple. If the line is off I fish it out through the filler.

[@snowking55]

Yes, I've done that many times and using good fuel line will help. I use tygon it seems to hold up longer.

[@jagerm6876]

thx great video

[@snowking55]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@jornelindberg5127]

if you filled tank to top would it get gas to carbs?

[@snowking55]

Yeah it probably would, but it would last too long since the outlet in pretty close to the top of the tank.

[@coreyrides9650]

I have the same sled how much fuel line did you have to put in the tank

[@snowking55]

Probably around 2'. Put your weighted pickup on the fuel line and run it in until it lays flat on the bottom of the tank, and then cut it there. Then fasten the end of your line to the fuel fitting on the tank and you're done.

[@coreyrides9650]

@@snowking55 thanks

[@tommygleason238]

Blowing in the tank would have did the same thing as what you did with the funnel

[@jacksonshellhaas5891]

Really late reply but if anyone could help I have an old Moto ski that has sat since I was 4 I’m 15 now but all the fuel lines are rotted away and I have no clue where any go or where to start! Anyone reply is helpful. Thanks!

[@harvey1016]

jackson shellhaas dump old fuel and oil. replace all fuel lines and tank filter to start with. Work your way from tank to engine. Fuel pump should be rebuilt. Easy to do. Check compression. Check spark- should be bright blue. Carbs will need cleaning. That’s a start

[@stevenbaker9327]

Ya.. NEVER run ethanol fuel in a sled!. .. Or any other small engine for that matter! Most stations have a non-ethanol 91 octane pump!....even here in corn country!

[@snowking55]

I agree. Here is Ohio you have to look around for non-ethanol fuel, but it can be found and I do use it in all my sleds and motorcycles, anything that sets for awhile.

[@adamskead8859]

I broke my fuel filter trying to drain the rest of the gas out

[@adamskead8859]

You dumb ass instead of using a wrench you could've used a 15M deep socket

[@alaxandersupertramp6955]

just keep your tank full, have fun not work

[@jordanlittle5391]

Its like right at the top on my 600 lol

[@jeyrome2438]

Geez dude, sweep your garage...were you wearing slippers & dragging your feet all over your gravelly floor? Sorry, but trying to watch a video with some guy that couldn't bother lifting his feet & is wheezing is tough to get thru.

[@snowking55]

Sorry DUDE, if feet dragging and wheezing bother you that much then tackle the job without my help. I didn't force you to watch, it is an instructional video. If you know how to do it why did you watch. Anyway like my dad always told me, if you don't have anything good to say, then don't say anything at all.

[@jeyrome2438]

It is a good instructional video...I was watching with good ear buds which really highlighted all the unnecessary noise...thx.

[@Joelost20]

Lol ethanol doesn't eat away at you lines, it actually cleans the sludge out of them, it's just a case of an old line that's time had come, that's all.

[@snowking55]

The newer gas that has ethanol in it does deteriorate the fuel lines. I know the plastic lines don't last long to begin with, but with the new fuel it eats them up much faster. This has been my experience with any engine. I work on mowers for a retirement job and see the same thing, especially in weed wackers. There is a good fuel line out there that seems to slow down the process, it's called Tygon. Thanks for the comment and watching.

[@Joelost20]

snowking55 ethanol doesn't affect any new lines since changes made years ago