ATV Sportsman won't fire

[redhat]

We've got a 2006 Polaris Sportsman 400. Been a decent ATV. Can't get the wheeler to start.

Last time it was running a month or so ago, it started, went to give it some gas and the thing backfired and quit. It wouldn't start back up. Changed the plug, nothing.

Not too sure where to start looking on these. Some friends have said CDI box?

Any suggestions or known common failures on these ATVs?

 

[mk378]

First test for spark: unplug the plug wire, hook up a spare plug and hold that plug on the engine while you crank.

Failure of the electrical system to deliver power to the CDI box is a lot more common than failure of the ignition system itself.

 

[Rand]

Yep, while troubleshooting those can be complicated by many issues..

start basic.

check for spark at the spark plug, if spark seems normal.
I'd start looking at the fuel system.

 

[Nick1994]

How old is the gas? Drain it all out and pour some new in.

My ATV wouldn’t run last year, it was running a little bit before and then quit, so the same thing. I couldn’t drain the fuel like normal out of the drain on the carburetor drain, turns out the float was stuck in the carb and was a little gummed up.

 

[kawie_guy]

Going to have to go with the obvious here.....has the battery [censored] out? Should be above 12 volts to fire up nice. If it's in the 11's or 10's, it's shot.

 

[redhat]

^Thank you, will check that soon!