1990 Cat Eltigre

[Big Fish Hunter247]

My dad has a 1990 arctic cat that it is very hard to start when its cold and once you get it running you go to ride it its really sluggish when you go to start out, than once you take the weight off the rear end it's runs just fine. any idea of what it could be??

Big Fish Hunter247

[Big Fish Hunter247]

[Surface Tension]

Could be a few things. "Hard to start and sluggish" plugs, not enough gas, to much gas, bad crank seal, weak pump, low compression, fuel line, fuel pickup tube inside the tank. When you lift up the track dose is it blow a lot of smoke and is there a smell of raw gas or gas dripping out the exhast? Need more imfo.

[Big Fish Hunter247]

When its on the ground it hardly has the power to move itself but when I lift the track off the ground it runs great it does smoke alot for about the first five mins when its cold but thats it. I dont see or smell gas from around it none comming out of the exaust. It does have very high miles on it like 12,000+ it was a demonstrator model before my dad bought it and that was 2 years ago if that helps any?

Thanks
Big Fish Hunter247

[Surface Tension]

After it warms up turn it off and feel the plugs. I think your running on one lung.
Check for spark with new plugs. If you have spark check the compression then go on the fuel system.

[Diezel350]

If its getting fuel and spark. Check the primary clutch. A lot of times a clutch problem acts like a motor problem.

[Surface Tension]

Diezel350, seen that happen a few times, good call.

[Steve Bakken]

With the sled on the ground, watch the tach when you give it gas. It should go up to a minimum of 3000 before you even feel the track begin to move and it should go up to between 7 and 8 under full throttle load. If that seems ok, check your compression. 12k is alot of miles on a sled motor. Either have your dealer do it, it only takes a couple minutes, or else borrow or invest in a compression tester. Your local auto parts store should carry them fairly cheap and you'll probably get many used out of it through the years.

------------------
Steve @ Bakken's Boat Shop www.bakkensboatshop.com

[Big Fish Hunter247]

thanks for the info guys I think I will give it a try this weekend.

BFH247