Polaris Predator - no crank no start after storage

Another kids quad that won't start after a long period of been parked up. This video covers the basic checks to get the engine to run again. Includes fitting a new battery, draining the carb & fuel tank of old, stale fuel & checking the spark plug condition & to see if there is a spark.
There's a second video on this bike covering a problem with the carb as it was found to be leaking fuel constantly...
It's a very common problem with petrol engine vehicles, especially those with carbs, that if they are not used on a regular basis then they can suffer the same symptoms. So, this video shows you what you need to do to get your quad bike, or motorbike running again...
Any questions please add them to the comments section and I'll get back to you as soon as I can...
Andy Mechanic

[@st235671]

Absolutely great video. The way you explained things as you went along was just great for a guy like me. I was able to get my son's Polaris Outlaw 50 running just by watching this video and doing what you did. You have no idea how happy you made a little kid yesterday.

[@HorsepowerHouse]

(For other people viewing this) I have another story that might help some people --- I also had a different and very strange issue with my 2005 Predator 50 - ran perfect on Tuesday. No one touched it overnight (I live alone.) But only a few hours later, it would crank, run for 3 seconds and die. Crank, run for 3 seconds and die. Had fresh fuel, new carburetor, petcock is fine, new spark plug, even new exhaust crush gasket, everything perfect (because it ran perfectly just 10 hours prior with same setup). Well, strangely enough - and I found this from another Predator 50 owner online - the issue was in the spark plug wire and boot at the spark plug itself. Even though all of this wiring "looked" fine, with the engine running, if you touched the plug wire at that rubber boot area - it would zap the crap out of you. I know I know, you think the wire is frayed or damaged. Nope - it looked perfectly fine. Well, I screwed the wire into the plug socket a little better, also applied electrical tape around the plug boot and socket area, even TRIMMED the flange of the rubber boot - problem solved. You want to talk STRANGE!?!?!?!?!? And I have been working on my own vehicles of all shapes and sizes for 30 years - never have I seen something like this. Proper float height also makes these things crank and idle even better. Check your service manual for the setting. Made a HUGE difference in mine - especially if you install one of those "imported" aftermarket carbs - which works perfectly fine - but the float height was incorrect.

[@cykerriacrane30]

Thanks man you just don't know how helpful you were and very instructional about how to go about repairing and cleaning and after maintaining the vehicle this video is very helpful 🙌

[@AndyMechanic]

+Cykerria Crane Thanks. Pleased you found the video helpful. Cheers Andy

[@pauljukes]

Good vid. Exact same process i had to run through to get mine running.

[@Storm32171]

Excellent video, Andy! Thank you so much for the help. I just subscribed! Cheers

[@jennyduke9022]

Hey andy love the accent and your videos are great too, Could you please do some videos on the can am 90 bikes the older ones please . Thanks and keep up the good job. A new subscriber JD and fellow mechanic

[@Trap..house.]

Helped me so much!

[@kidstar64]

Hi Andy, loved the video. Regarding the AGM batteries, my father has a 06 Goldwing and the battery was swollen and failed. So he bought a replacement Yuasa battery. The bike was stored for the winter which was about 6 months. Came to start it in the spring and the battery was dead. No amount of charging brought it back. The Yuasa battery was also a AGM battery. Lesson here is AGM batteries do not like to be stored with a low charge. The old traditional lead acid batteries would put up with some abuse but something about the AGM batteries does not like it. A float charger seems to be mandatory for these new batteries. Just thought I would share that even the mighty Yuasa battrey is not indestructable...

[@AndyMechanic]

+Mitch Thanks for the feedback Mitch, and the info on the Yuasa 'AGM' issues too. I ended up buying a Jap made Yuasa for my KTM - same one as fitted to the Yamaha R1. It has to be AGM as the battery sits on its side and was crazy expensive too. I keep the bike plugged in to a Smart charger now....hoping it lasts at least a couple of years. Given all the advancements in battery technology it staggers me why we seem to be going backwards.... Cheers Andy

[@familiaarana]

Great video.

[@fieldsofomagh]

Great fix !

[@normwilson3862]

well i am going to give it a try Thanks

[@shrop]

Fantastic video....

[@mahfuzahmed4511]

Good, helpful. Thanks

[@geniferhoffman7966]

Did all of these steps on my Polaris Scrambler 90 and we still aren't getting any spark, even after replacing the ignition coil. We got a brand new carburetor, and replaced the battery. It started one time, but in order to accelerate you had to hold the brake down. It never started again but it tries to. We think the kill switch is preventing power from other wires but we don't know how to fix it

[@casycasy5199]

nice job

[@ethanculver3873]

So I have a 2002 alpha sport 90 cc and it’ll start but is soon as you get on the gas it dies out and that’s with a brand new carburetor do you think it’s the stater

[@sparklescorp1]

love the video, thank you.

[@tamkplays3732]

I have a 03 predator 90 and I have no fuel from the carb. How would I fix the float in it? Can I spray carb cleaner into it from the air filter slot on the carb? Also I have a new battery for the bike. But with the battery I have no power at all. New ignition switch did nothing, have power to the kill switch on the handle bar and the tether is in. Is it my break solinoid or is my kill switch bad. Bike hasn’t ran since 2015. An advice?

[@syracuseboss9574]

I have everything but I need a wiring diagram video because I dont understand the picture. So if you can help me show the wiring and what you have in place for the electric start

[@benstalder5707]

Hi Andy. Thanks for this video! This is great for part-time garage warriors like myself. I have a 2005 P50 that starts right up and runs OK on smooth ground but when it hits any bumps the motor dies and it seems like the cylinder floods. My guess is the intake/reeds. Does that sound right?

[@jboogie5261]

Hello there mate . I have a 2006 Polaris predator 90 for my son ran fine one day and than all of a sudden it stopped while we went riding . Has spark cranks but still won’t start any suggestions?

[@trademe4it676]

kewl video. i am concerned that the shroud is missing around the cylinder. it wont take long without it to 0verheat.

[@donnygreen007]

it will be fine its a 5-cc

[@AndyMechanic]

I took it off before filming :-)

[@BlaineWood-qv2lk]

Thanks this helps a lot 🎉🎉😂

[@noelitopr]

My atv has the same problem but no spark new stator and coil

[@LaurelWeekley-kv7ii]

What is the right spark plugs for qaudmaster 50

[@turbotaco1351]

Just got a Polaris outlaw 90 runs good but on idle it idles low and out of nowhere it idles high sometimes it turn on with switch and sometimes it doesn’t same with kick start.

[@turbotaco1351]

Any help

[@anthonyvictorino]

What is the sensor under the front spricket

[@joshuamckie6049]

I have a 2008 polaris outlaw 450 mxr that wont crank after storage and a spark plug and wire change...

[@JorgeHernandez-mw3bl]

Hi Andy, hey I have a 90 predator polaris 2003 and when I'm riding it I push the gas , the acceleration goes from zero to full velocity , I can't regulated the velocity, please help me with this issue 🙏

[@kohenhaddad3999]

2005 90 polaris predator.got it wet and wouldn't start after that. and the kick start wouldn't work either it was seized. Bought new starter and battery and starter solenoid and still nothing.

[@AndyMechanic]

Remove the spark plug, there may be water in the cylinder. Also check the air filter too for water. Cheers Andy

[@EmanuelCruz7]

Do you need to mix oil with gasoline?

[@alexfoulks7509]

I have a 2003 polaris predator 500 and we just put a new battery in. When we go to start it, it runs for but doesn't stay running. Do you recommend cleaning the carburetor. It has been sitting for 2 or 3 years.

[@love_gang-ytgang]

Definitely

[@cjakabigbank2932]

Could you by chance tell me why my polaris predator 90 it won't run unless I mix the gas in the tank and even then it's dying out fast and the only way I can get it to crank and stay running is the kick but the the push start y is that like does a wire that controls the eletricity between the button and plug weak or something or is it the little box on the bike idk what it does it in front of the gas tank under the plastic coverage

[@anontheblackhat3097]

Cornelius Lewis yo I'm not that good but most what check I'd say is look coil pack and wires round that if lose lording spark. Check battery cause push start should work all time if that's full charge all in all Chaco air box carb tubes go carb and look spark plug if it's all black shit it's fouled and u need new one that be problem I had that with my yz85 till change spark plug two strokes need maintained like every two 3 days on change spark plug to get the right power or off it and keep cool so don't blow up

[@royaloutdoors2696]

Followed every step and it fired right up. BUT after taking it for a quick spin, it died with throttle and now won’t start again. Any suggestions?

[@AndyMechanic]

Hmmm...1. check fuel is in float bowl. If not check fuel supply at fuel tap. 2. Check floats aren't stuck in up position. 3. Check no back flow of induction through carb (if so reed valve isn't sealing. 4. Could be seals on crank are leaking. 1b. Check for spark.... Hope this helps Andy

[@noechavez2132]

I need a couple of tips

[@tommitchell1639]

have you replaced the crank case seals on these? I'm looking for a video on how to do it. Thanks

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi Tom, no, sorry. These bikes didn't need this doing....

[@tommitchell1639]

@@AndyMechanic On mine, the bike will start and idle, but dies when the throttle is pressed. If we jumper out the micro switch in the throttle, it will not idle, but runs at any throttle position. Any thoughts.

[@AndyMechanic]

I'd have to see a wiring diagram to get some idea of what's controlled by the CDI unit - I wasn't aware these had a throttle switch. Sorry, was a long time since I worked on this bike. Let me know how you get on. Cheers Andy

[@tommitchell1639]

@@AndyMechanic I have a copy of it. It feeds the ignition module

[@reesesijer4739]

I have a 2007 Polaris predator 500, it has a brand new carb and idles great, but at full throttle in any gear it bogs a cuts out bad, I'm leaning towards a bad pickup coil, but haven't tested it yet. Suggestions?

[@AndyMechanic]

I'd be checking the float height with it been a new carb. Plus just make sure the fuel tank breathes - it may be getting a vacuum if breather blocked. Cheers Andy

[@reesesijer4739]

@@AndyMechanic I had the same issue before I took old carb of, I was going to clean the old one but screws were too rusty and seized, so with the new one on it's the same issue. I've check all fuel lines

[@PsychoticEntertain]

Hey! So I have the same atv got it from an uncle, didnt run for a bit, but I put a new battery in, the plug is new and gets spark, loosened the screw to see if fuel comes out of the small tube and it does, fuel also comes out in the on position, just cranks and cranks no start any ideas?

[@AndyMechanic]

Is the spark plug getting wet with fuel?

[@PsychoticEntertain]

@@AndyMechanic so after installing a new plug today, trying to start it for 5 minutes, I removed the new spark plug and I did notice touching the plug it was a bit wet, what does that mean and what can I do? It still sparks

[@kevin_6219]

How do you clean the PVT filter? Owners manual says to do it but can’t find any info on how?

[@AndyMechanic]

Petrol is what I use :-)

[@kevin_6219]

@@AndyMechanic thanks. Do you know were it’s located and how to access it?

[@kasigangovender8672]

Hi, I have a Honda trx 450r which does not have spark, is it the stator or the cdi?

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks for your feedback. Firstly the stator has nothing to do with the ignition system, it's job is to generate a 3 phase AC output which is then converted to a DC voltage to charge the battery & run the electrical system on the bike when the engine is running. The pickup coil is usually mounted close to the stator & uses the flywheel to send an intermittent voltage to the CDI in order to trigger the spark. There is only one pulse per crank revolution. You can test the pickup coil - it has 2 wires, unplug it from the loom & test it's resistance - spec in the service manual. Also check there is open circuit to ground on both wires too - if either wire is damaged it could be grounding to the frame or engine casing - this will prevent a spark. Also check the condition/resistance of the two wires that run from the pickup coil to the CDI - again if one is broken then no spark as the CDI won't receive the pulse to trigger the spark. If pickup coil and wiring check out fine then check kill switch circuit and switch as this is often a problem too. If all this checks out good check power & ground to CDI & also that ignition coil has power on primary winding when ignition is turned on. Check wires between ignition coil and CDI if all this checks out fine then you likely have a faulty CDI. However, 95% of the time a no spark situation is not due to a faulty CDI. Hope this helps Cheers Andy

[@BuffaloSouthernrailfan]

I have a predator 50 here at my house and it got put into a pond a cranks doesn't start up

[@AndyMechanic]

Oh dear

[@jay-c747]

Hey question. Why I get to much oil mix by the spark plug? It’s that normal?

[@AndyMechanic]

You could change 2 stroke oil brand, maybe try running a synthetic based oil, it should run a bit cleaner. Is the plug fouling due to the residue build up? Cheers Andy

[@jay-c747]

When I take of the spark plug and kick it, it spits a lot of oil mix. Not the motor oil. Is that normal? Should I cancel the mix oil container and just put gas with oil all together?

[@hammie3455]

Just put a transmission in a 3001 Polaris 325 trail boss and now my quad don’t start any tips

[@AndyMechanic]

Hmm mm. ....is check wiring connectors are all correct especially the gear selection switch.

[@SM-cq1mb]

What happens if you have no turn over at all?

[@AndyMechanic]

If there is no crank then check: Battery charged, main cables to battery connected correctly, clean & tight. Ignition is on, brake is pulled in (usually these have a small switch) - sometimes it has to be both brake levers. If still no crank then check wiring (trigger circuit & cable to starter motor from relay & also heavy cable between battery negative & engine casing. Cheers Andy Starter

[@tahoeboy5299]

cant get my polaris predator to start has spark starts n turns off carb jets where cleaned aswell as carb i ran out of hope

[@AndyMechanic]

+95 2DR check crank seals and Reed valve for operation. If crank seals leaking then induction vacuum will be too low to draw fuel up through jets

[@tahoeboy5299]

Andy Mechanic where would the crank seals be located sorry never worked on a model like dis just hondas and aswell thanx for ur reply

[@AndyMechanic]

+95 2DR either end of the crank shaft

[@kaiealden6332]

My predator 500 is getting no spark, can you help?

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi, Sorry for the delay. Okay so check output signal from the crank sensor. If ECU/CDI can't see a signal that's within a set voltage range it won't think the crank is turning & won't therefore provide a spark. If your coil primary is been switched during cranking then it's likely you just have a bad coil or spark plug cap/HT lead or just a bad spark plug? It's highly unlikely it's a fault with the ECU or CDI (depending on carb or injection fuel system) Lady check your cutouts - engine kill switch, tip over sensor etc - if fuel injection system then this may be a commanded no start. Cheers Andy

[@mervinfrank283]

Hi did you get it fixed lam having the same problem and can find the problem out

[@LaurelWeekley-kv7ii]

What is the right

[@anontheblackhat3097]

Hey would you no anything about Yamaha yz 85 iv got one but Donno year and I blow it up and I need full rebuild cause crack is froze is well and what I Donno is what year off bike it is and if I'm able just bye any yz 85 rebuild from like 02 09 something cause think it's in that year guy sed was iver 04 or 06 but I think it's older and to me if you no if someone change year code or not cause looks like is but I Donno and iv got lexmoto adrenaline and iv been working on it just came cold winter and I Donno but it's like my carb gets fuel but won't take it to the piston and it back fires and that when I put we bit fuel in to carbs intake bit or down spark hole but I think could be timing but I Donno cause it spit fire back up to carb then some times come out the exhaust but just won't start got spark all that but it just won't take fuel to night just took off again clean it proper and tomorrow im try it but I still don't think it's going work cause it just like won't take fuel and my carb when took off wasn't block or that unless it is inside it but clean jets all that before and still wouldn't and this like 3 or 4 time trying iv look all over KZbin but nothing explains it or shows you please reply back when you can it kinda driven me crazy lols thanks

[@briandennison8587]

AnonThe BlackHat Hey,replace your reeds or Reed valve as its referred to,when they go bad..lose tension and don't stay down it will backfire & blow fuel out the carburetor,they're not expensive,put fresh fuel/oil mix,spark plug & reeds & as long as it has spark & good compression it should fire up.

[@anontheblackhat3097]

Brian Dennison I got my 4 stroke working I took exhaust pipe off and it started don't ask me 3 days then take that off try start it god right up found out it was vavle clearance for exhaust port and two stroke that still not been touch but some one says 10 numbers the year and sed mine is 09 or round that year and any rebuild kit work from 02 012 or something he sed

[@noechavez2132]

Hi can't You help mi whit mi polaris

[@bnellynel]

New spark plug is about $1 so it’s usually not worth it to spend 10 minutes cleaning it.

[@AndyMechanic]

That may well be the case. Here in NZ a regular spark plug with Resistor is around $9. You may also not live close to a spark plug store, there are a lot of rural ATVs here in NZ so it's often a real mission if you need parts too. I wish our spark plugs were so cheap! Cheers Andy

[@jamestrimm4741]

My I