Snowmobile carburetor explainer. Adjustments and cleaning. The most important parts!
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- čas přidán 19. 08. 2020
- Snowmobile carburetor got you stumped? Can't figure out why the old sled is running like garbage? Pilot jet plugged? Needle and seat? Carbs can be tricky because the slightest little thing can throw the whole sled out of whack. Ricki takes us through the essential parts of the carburetor, how to clean it, and which parts are responsible for each range of throttle. Most carburetors just need a good cleaning to get that old sled running like a top but knowing what to clean is half the battle. Whether it's at idling or wide open, Ricko explains.
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If you're new to our channel, we post videos about snowmobile tuning. Lots of tips and tricks for maintaining and modifying your sled and sled trailer. Mostly just DIY sled stuff for people who like to get their hands dirty or tinker in their garage.
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DISCLAIMER: We don't recommend trying anything you see on this channel without contacting your manufacturer or certified sled technician - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I have to agree. I have watched literally over 50 carb adjustment and cleaning videos -> This is one of the BEST. It is clear and perfectly shot.
Hey thanks for that Steene! It's hard to shoot all of those little parts so it's nice to hear that you appreciate that! 🤙
This is a Mr. Roger's level explanation...good job
Excellent explanation of the basics of carb operation. Good to see you still in the sled world Rick!
Nice job!!! First time am watching carb clean, hoping I can do it myself. Your explanation was so clear I not only know I can clean but have knowledge of why those areas are important. Thanks again
Honestly one of the best carb videos ever. Awesome job man! Big Thanks! I’m Resurrecting a 1995 Cougar
Chris Leighton COUGAR!!!!! Let us know how it goes!
Can you do a video on the throttle and choke cable adjustments? Thanks!
You make the BEST snowmachine content on youtube. Thanks for sharing all of this knowledge with us. Excellent production value as well.
Great video! I have always been afraid of carburetors. Your video breaks it down and makes it easy to understand how a carburetor works. Thanks!
i appreciate this more than i can say my man. Grabbing my first one tomorrow and have done a lot of lawncare and snowblower replairs but never a sled. This was a great intro to merge what i know to what i dont. Instant subscribe, thanks for the knowledge!
Beautiful... this was one of the best small engine carb videos!
Very informative. I just cleaned the carbs and replaced some of the parts over the weekend and this video helped me understand how the parts are all working together. My sled runs 10 times better now that it's been cleaned!
Thank you so much for the video! I bought the torch end cleaner as you used in your video and I cleaned the carbs on my Yamaha Venture today. Well the machine has never ran as good as it does now! Actually idles and my low end is back! ( I changed the fuel lines and plugs as well) Thanks again!
This is a fantastic overview of how a carb works. I have two I’m going to pull.
Truely a simple and excellent explanation, you are a great narrator. A video on tuning would be greatly appreciated. Thanks from Australia.
We have added that on our list of vids to do ! Thx for the support !
Thanks for videos and helps me my snowmobile cross country race 🏁 I just started last year
the best explanation I have seen thus far.
Great ,a no BS video ! Bless you Digit 9
We keep it real Trapper! Glad you liked.
Thanks for the help and describing the parts. I’m rebuilding a 2003 articat ZL 550
Thanks for watching and good luck with the Cat!
Always got top notch tips! Much appreciated sir!!
Thanks recently pulled out my 75 merc trail twister, its been sitting for about 5 years and I got it started in about 20 pulls and I had to keep choking it so I figured it was the carbs
Damn, that was AWESOME! Absolutely agree with others, best one ever!! Table saw on the index? I kept my thumb but looks like a dolphin now. Thank you for taking the time to show us!!!
Oh yeah: The big thing I got from your video is watching for Main metering rod wear over time.
Thanks: 2000 ZL550 & 1999 Jag 440 fan.
This is a great tutorial, thank you!
Thanks, brief and to the point.
Very good explanation tks
Thanks! 97 f3 body with a mach 1 in it help me understand my mutt a little better
Thanks for the good information.
Great video 👍
Pretty good!. But the idle speed screw, does raise and lower the slide with no effect on needle. Needle is straight in that area. Idle speed screw lets in more air past back of slide, then tune idle mixture with air screw. 👍
Great video thanks for the lesson !
Great explanation 👍
Thanks for watching George you Dirty Face!
Great explanation 😊👍
Thanks, I'm trying to tune my 98 panther 550
Great informative video! thanks
Thank you your video helped me alot.👍.
Thank you, great info.
Very good video!
Great,informative video.
Excellent video - very informative. You definitely know what you're talking about. I have this same carburetor on a 1985 Arctic Cat Cougar 500. I'm concerned for my choke mechanism. I'm not sure how it works and if it is working. A video on choke adjustment and how to tell if it's working would help me a lot. Thank you.
We will put it on the list of vids to do ! Thx
Informative and going to be useful. Cheers
Right on WTF Buddy
Nice job in the video.
Thanks
Well done sir! Braap!!!
Hey Kevin. Thanks for watching again. Braap back at ya.
Excellent
Nice ! I have a carb just like that on my walk behind tractor !
Very good video thanks.
The Dave Jones I know doesn't know how to pour piss out of a boot if the directions were on the heel!! Was in Vt. wife thru him out.
video was great and made breaking down 1980 skidoo citation 3500 carburetors less intimidating. I didn't listen, however, and busted a main jet by overtightening! Can you recommend sizes for main and pilot jet? There are so many sizes. Thanks!
This is great overview.
You should include discussion about e-clip on main jet needle relationship.
Some folks don't realize how it works, like my son, and idle is too high. lol
Anyway, I schooled him.
We are working on those vids as we speak !
You should do a carb rebuild series i think it would get some traction and I'd love to see it 🤘🤘
Austin hacked the email server! We literally just made a plan to shoot some carb videos early next week. Haven't seen you around here so welcome aboard if you're new to Digit9. Glad to have ya 🤙
Thanks for the videos! Just cleaned my carbs on my 99 Polaris Indy 500. Replacing pistons and gaskets this weekend, due to compression only at 60psi. Hoping this is the resolution. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again for all the videos and keep it up Digit9!
What kind of advice are you looking for ? Sounds like you are doing just fine ?
Great video! I think I will try a new needle on my 1982 Lynx 535 with a Rotax 503 after seeing this 👍🏻
Did it fix the lynx?
@@Ajaxaxxess I think it runs alot better but I still think that there are more issues. I will change the no name primer pump to see if the sometimes rich idle goes away.
@@erikskanal6506 Hej Erik. How did that go. Tomas Från Swe.
@@tomas7158 Hej Tomas kul med fler svenskar. It got better but it is not good. I plan on changing crank seals, cylinder foot gaskets and head gaskets during the off season.
@@erikskanal6506 👍 Indeed. I have a R447 and that idle change from cold to warm. Usaly it dies in a minute when cold. Now it gone warm and lost comp at the left. I'm not sure aboat the crank and seals. More likly do the cylinders and go to oversize piston. I havent had any issuis with crankseals and heat before. I have a Nordic 500psse, TC900mc, WC700T, LynxST600, Pantera 92 and a 97 storm. Its bogging me that the Skidoo wont run. Plz get back here how it went for you. 🇸🇪
For those who don't know what the heck of those small holes-openings on the air intake side, the one on the left side is air feed to pilot jet, the other one is air feed to main jet when your bike is idle, I don't know what does one which is top-right corner do, but I would like to know if someone knows and writes here :)
Would be interesting to see à video of what are the symptoms of bad crank seals and how to diagnose them .
I agree. I've been fighting with a zr 580, I'm wondering if my crank seal is bad. It pulls fuel up, just doesn't seem to be enough to keep the sled running.
Most excellent instruction dude! Rock on and thank you!! Did you do a tuning video too?
Not yet ! Its pretty hard to explain tuning tips but we will try !
Hey Digit9,
I recently cleaned my Mikuni VM26 carbs (for 1975 Polaris Colt) and followed your instructions carefully. After a multiple of adjustments including: new needle and seat; float arm adjustment; dedicated float testing; immaculate cleaning of floats and guide posts; and static fuel test, I still have fuel coming out of drain port IMMEDIATELY after introducing fuel to the carb? I am totally mystified? To be clear, I have fuel running out out drain port BEFORE float bowl even has a chance to fill. O-ring on needle jet setter looks perfect.
I would welcome your expertise!
Can you please do a 2009 Polaris IQ Shift 600 double carburetor (It's like 2 carburetor's that are attached to each other side by side, not sure what the actual name is) I'm havin trouble with idle since I rolled it. Maybe float bowl? I want to understand that carburetor like you showed this video's carb :)
Hey bud, just thought youd wanna know that youve played a HUGE part in my sons life. Ive been riding sleds for near 30 years now and naturally the boy took to em. He is 11 now but bought an '87 Jag 440 last year (works in my shop to earn coin) and watched this and your "carb basics" video to learn about them. Dude has since rebuilt the carb by himself. I got sidetracked on a customers car and he managed to pull the carb off by himself and rebuild it without me because of these vids. Good on ya pal. Happy ridin!!
Great to hear !! Thx for the support !!
Hey JJ this is rad! Can you message me on the Digit9 instagram so I can send your boy a couple Digit9 stickers? - Randy
@@DIGIT9 id love to, but i dont have instagram or facebook or anything of the sort. This is the closest Ive got to social media.
Hey Digit9,
Your videos are outstanding, clear and concise!
I recently cleaned my Mikuni VM26 carbs (for 1975 Polaris Colt) and followed your instructions carefully. After a multiple of adjustments including: new needle and seat; float arm adjustment; dedicated float testing; immaculate cleaning of floats and guide posts; and static fuel test, I still have fuel coming out of drain port IMMEDIATELY after introducing fuel to the carb? I am totally mystified? To be clear, I have fuel running out out drain port BEFORE float bowl even has a chance to fill. O-ring on needle jet setter looks perfect.
I would welcome your expertise!
Thank you.
Needle and seat is not sealing , not shutting off fuel , may also have a bad seal on float bowl ! Make sure that tube sticking out bottom of carb into float bowl is not loose !
Another thing , your needle in needle jet could be stuck wide open , when you put cutaway back in ! Make sure needle didnt get stuck !
Very critical to not file away on the pilot jet with the tip cleaner. Just use the un serrated smooth part of the tip cleaner
This!!!
Very good explanation. Im having trouble with my 86 250 citation. Had it oversize new piston, rings. My mechanical pump seems to work. Compression around 120. Many cranks but eventually starts and idles. Totally bogs and barely moves. Put new belt, new carb also but maybe wrong main jet size? Kept what carb came with. Plug is black, rich. Put 50:1 fuel in, removed oil injection. Choking on throttle.
Sounds like your needle may be too high , drop needle and try it ! Also turn air screw out 1 turn !
@@DIGIT9 thnaks for responding. New carb. Nothing to do with jet?. I see fuel flowing in so. Opened boot after carb and wet with fuel. Just choking, not "misting" properly
Nice
Great info. Been working on a 99 zr500. Had crap gas in it. Got it all back together and ran well for a week or so, and started having issues. #1.. going through a ton of gas, 3/4 tank in 62miles. #2.. running around 6000rpm sounds boggy (too much gas) but pin it, and it runs like a champ. #3.. been fouling plugs..
Advice?
low compression , clutching , or bad gas ?
Hey I have I question, would clogged pilot or main jets cause oil to spit out of the exhaust
A Tip from your uncle Larry for new people.
The torch tip cleaner is what I use, but go easy so as not to pull burs from what ever hole you are cleaning
AND.. if you are tuning the carb and want to go richer with the Jet (DO NOT use a number drill to open it up)
Just buy the next size up jets (Long story why)
I Think I know everything.. At least that is what my Girl friend says
Thanks: I picked up a couple of pointers from this video
Would these carbs be pretty much the same as a 96 mxz 583,im having problems with fouling plugs,guna check my compression first,but mite just clean my carbs anyways,,bought a sled,now it fouls brand new plugs very quick,,,any other reasons why its doing it,great video by the way
Too much oil ? Shitty fuel ?
So if I can ask, I'm working on a 1997 arctic cat cougar 550 with i believe 38 spigot style mikuni.do I adjust all.my screws.1.1/2 out? And do I sync both carbs the same? Thank you and love the channel
Air screws yes 1.5 turns out , idle screws will be different according to wear on the slides , sync both carbs the same , at wide open throttle the slides should have about 1/8-1/4” of upward movement !
Hey Digit9,
Your instruction is absolutely excellent. I will be cleaning my Mikuni 26mm carbs today with confidence.
I am rebuilding a 1974 Polaris Colt and need to replace the dual choke cable for Mikuni 26mm carbs. My question is whether the female coupling on the choke plunger is uniform for all Mikuni carbs? Will a choke cable for a 2004 Polaris Indy 340 fit the 26mm Mikuni carbs on my Polaris Colt. Any feedback would be appreciated. I have searched endlessly to find out the carb spec for a 2004 Polaris 340 Indy and CANNOT SPECIFICALLY IDENTIFY the carb type?
As far as I know , all of those choke cables are the same on a mikuni carb ! Just the length that differs and the number of carbs being used !
I love this video and so I'm curious as to why my snowmobile will go wide open for maybe an 1/8th mile then starts to fuel starve how do I fix that I also cleaned the carbs new fuel lines and new fuel pump. Thanks
Needle and seat may be too small or your float is not set right ? Plugged filter in fuel tank ?
how do you know its starving for fuel ?
Question: I have a '87 Polaris 400 dual carb. I have a fuel line hose that deteriorated. The house came straight off the bottom of the carbs. Where does it go to from the carb? What does that lower fuel line do? Great video thanks.
That lower hose is just a water catch , so your float bowls dont ice up ! Should have a plug in them ?
Theres a hose coming out the bottom of the bowl. How is it suppose to fill up and trigger the float valve if theres a open drain at the bottom of the bowl?
Mine keeps dumping all the fuel out the bottom
hose out the bottom is to catch water , should be blocked off with a bleeder valve or plug
Great explanation... tks dude
I have a doubt around air... I'm running a bearcat 2000 in Patagonia, the engine has good power where I live (around 1600 meters above sea level)... but when I ride up in the mountain (2500 mts to 3000) the engine doesn't respond....
Is it possible to open the air pilot screw to get more oxygen in the mix and improve the response?
Tks
Pablo
Gets too much fuel and no air when you go up in altitude ! Opening air screw will help a bit and dropping the needle ! Should change the pilot jet and the main jet two sizes smaller !
Jet tube
Any chance your going to be doing a video showing how to tune a carb?
We have one in the works !
My sled starts poring gas out of the overflow and makes my sled run off one cylinder and I clean the carbs a lot of times and it still does it would it help if I bought new carbs and Jets
Change your needle and seat ,adjust the float height..hope this helps
I just bought two 340 John deers snowmobile one is a 75 cyclone the other is a 340 liquid fire are the parts compatible
Some might be ? Check out Vintagesleds.com
My sled ran before I touched the carbs not well that's why I tried to clean them now my sled is a yard ornament... I'm super frustrated with it
98 skidoo formula z 583 - starts hard which I know they do. Primer was replaced. Plugs were replaced. Carbs were cleaned. Even hard to start after sitting in heated garage. Floods VERY easy with primer. Once started and warm, and then shutoff, it’s still hard to start even with the engine warm. Seems to take a second person to open the throttle half way and then it will start. Could the carbs need to be adjusted? Running to rich maybe?
Sounds like pilot is too big ? Maybe drop the needle , turn air screw out a bit !
@@DIGIT9 I’ll try that and report back!!
So the idle screw is 1.5 turns out from closed fairly standard. What is the main air mixture screw set out from closed?
I always set the idle screw so it just lifts the slide , as a STARTING POINT ! Air screw , I set at 1.5 turns out ! Slides should have about 1/8” of play at WOT !
Nice video ricko yeah everyone always over titens the f@#%ing pilot jets 👍 😁
Besides the obvious like where fuel comes in and such. My single carb sled has two ports that I don't know what they do? One is on the back and one on left side. What are they for?
Air ports for the pilot jet and air screw !
Hey man. We just got a 2020 sidewinder stx gt. What do you think of them.
Im not a big 4 stroke guy ! Nough said !
I was just curious I was breaking down my sled carbs on my 88 yamaha exciter and the small clear line with a retainer spring has a ball bearing in the line on each carb is that normal and what reason if so?
Yes its normal , acts as a one way valve !
OK I have a 2000 arctic cat zl 580. Was gonna replace the throttle tapered needle but my carb is different in the sleeve . So how would I get it out?
What is a " throttle tapered needle " ? And what is a "sleeve"?
Hey I got a question I’m having a hard time tuning my 1997 skidoo formula z 583 rotex the carburetors are called Mikuni Kogyo do you know how many turns for both my fual and air screws thanks
Theres just an idle screw and a air screw ! Air screw out 1.5 turns , idle screws just in enough to move slide ! Needles clip at middle , slides should have 1/8-3/16 of play at WOT !
I have a 96 670 summit twin. Its piped, looking to remove the high altitude compensator box and install air pods. Any tips or tricks with how this will change the air mixture for carbs?
If its for mountains , it will work , just need to jet up a bit ! If its for trails or lakes , your gonna have a problem with under hood pressure and floatbowls on carbs !
It's just for trails and lakes, so do you recommend leaving it. Is there any way to avoid float problems?
If you can leave airbox on ? That would work best !
This is good stuff, working on a 90 Jag and I can't get the choke plunger out. Seems to be stuck, any tips? Is that the proper name?
Yes proper name , soak it with a really good penetrant , take your time , it’ll come out !!
@@DIGIT9 Yes, got it out with PB blaster but messed up the spring thou.
Thats Awesome , not sure where your from but those parts are still available !
Are all three carburetor slides adjusted to the same height on a ski doo Mach 1
To start with , yes , got to have a starting point , then slightly adjust each one till sync'd !
Great video. I have an 02 z370. Hard starting and choke does not help. Have to hold throttle full and crank for a while. Runs great while riding, but occasionally will bog down and stall when you come to a stop. when it restarts occasionally you can hold throttle open or pump for several MINUTES and it will only barely run almost like 1 cyl. ANy suggestions would be appreciated.
Have you ever cleaned carb ?
@@DIGIT9 I have not. Just picked it up in April. Ran/started great last spring. Had my mechanic do a once over on it pre season and he said it looked and checked out great. Was gonna pull carb rebuild with rebuild kit.
Start there !!
@@DIGIT9 never got back to you last year. Cleaned carb as you recommended and sled ran great. Thank you. What do the numbers on the Carb adjustment chart on top of air box refer to?
Jetting for altitude !
Question- I have a 76 tnt 340 fc that I picked up. I just want to make sure the fuel lines are hooked up correctly. Is the primer to be hooked onto the return fuel line from the carb?
The current set up is
Fuel from tank to fuel pump
Fuel from pump to carb imput
Fuel return from carb to tank(spliced with a T to fuel primer.
For some reason in my mind I always thought the primer hooks up to the fuel line coming from tank to pump?
Thanks in advance.
Refresh my memory but does that sled only have one big carburetor ? I dont think it has mikuni's on it ?
@@DIGIT9 yes, just one carb.
I'm pretty sure it's a Tillotson
Je voudrais savoir où est le ground sur un formula mx 1994
Digit 9 , do you still offer content? Love you're channel
Not as much anymore , taking the winter off , going to Mexico
I was wondering if a worn out needle will cause high idle?
Not really , kind of opposite ! More fuel , should idle down ! Turn air screw in 1/2 turn
So question how many turns out for the throttle screw on a 79 articat jag 3000 carb
You mean the air screw ?
Regularly, the air/fuel starts at 1 turn from lightly seated. The Idle screw is usually 3.5 turns from lightly seated. This is just a starting point to get the machine to a running state. Then fine tune from there. There really i no magic number to be spot on. Hope this helps. Awesome video Digit9!!! Thumbs up.
Hi good day sir? I have a 1998 formula z 583 Rotax I've been experiencing starting problem after I run it for a few hours or even half hour....after it sits for half hour after ridding it takes about 20 mins to start or half hour to start it back up I cleaned the carbs and it runs at 1500 rpm and idles nice after it starts I have air screw at 1 1/6 turn out
Open air screw bit more and turn idle up ! Float bowls may be set a bit high too !
@@DIGIT9 I always watch your videos over and over your very knowledgeable in this and smart man thank you for the knowledge once again sir I will keep you updated once I start doing the adjustments
Hey I have a 1996 580ext arctic cat I can’t find anywhere where I can see how to hook up the fuel lines and air lines and all that and how they go into the fuel pump and out of the fuel pump I took it apart months ago and can’t remember where all the hoses go lol is there any way you could send me some photos of how to hook all that up please and thank you very much
The bigger brass outlet on carb is fuel in , 2 small lines from side of carb are overflow for float bowl , those 2 lines just run down along side of carb ! Thats it ! Easy Peasy
Why does it take starting fluid to start a cold sled ? It's a 2002 Ski Doo. Thanks !
Carbs need a cleaning ! Pilot jet is prob plugged !
Then take in Bernoulli's principle as to how fuel siphons through the circuits and storica fuel mixture is optimized.
i have 2001 zr 800 i took carbs out totaly cleane all jets the float is cleaned all is done i have sparks ,,,, for it still leaks fuel doesnt start ,,,please help
Where is it leaking fuel ?
@@DIGIT9 from the the carbs
Like into the engine ? Or outside of carbs ?
@@DIGIT9 outside of carbs, the plugs are bone dry, so I'm thinking that the cylinders are not getting any fuel
Any secret to getting the pilot jet out of a VM 34 that has been sitting for 25+ years to see if those smaller holes need cleaning? I would assume they do if the jet is seized in there. I have the opening filled with penetrating oil but opened to suggestions while she's soaking.
Soaking it is prob the best , small torch with a bit of heat might help ?
@@DIGIT9 Got her out. Shaved a medium flat screwdriver down to fit in the bore for extra torque. Last thing I need is for it to have gotten stripped. Thanx!
Awesome !
It took me a minute and forty two seconds to realize this gent doesn’t a full pointer finger
Can I ask you one more? On my brothers Artic cat bearcat 2000, it's only ~0.45 turn on the air screw carburetor.
Change to 1.5?
Is it right about air and fuel: more air, less fuel?
Thanks!
From a very snowy, north of Sweden 🙂
Well , you can turn it out 1 full turn and see if it runs better , may have to experiment a bit , older carbs tend to get a bit of blockage in the passage ways , changes things ! Need to get the air/fuel mixture just right , too much fuel it bogs , runs fat , too much air and it high idles !
@@DIGIT9 Ok thanks a lot! For both explanations.
Where should the idle be at for a 92 ski doo formula 470 be at its 3k
1800-2500