Snowmobile not performing to your expectations? This guide from Lighthouse Motorsports and Marine is designed to help you diagnose and solve some of the most common snowmobile maintenance issues. If you need more expert advice, please feel free to contact us! Lighthouse Motorsports and Marine is your local snowmobile dealer in Rosemount, MN, near St. Paul. We serve customers from all over the Minneapolis metropolitan area.
Quick Fixes
Some common snowmobile issues can be solved with a quick fix. For instance, if you have starting issues, check to see if you might have activated the emergency off switch by accident. Starting issues can also be linked to old, expired gasoline. If your snowmobile has been sitting around for a while, try draining the tank and adding fresh fuel.
If you still have starting issues after taking those steps, check the coolant levels, tighten the nuts and bolts on the head gasket, and check the electrical connections.
Common Problems and Solutions
When just one component of your snowmobile is malfunctioning, it can cause the whole vehicle to break down. Read on for some quick tips on troubleshooting common problems.
Degraded Spark Plugs
If your snowmobile seems to be lagging behind its usual performance standard, check the spark plugs. Disconnect the spark plugs, ground them to a head bolt, then try turning on the engine. If there is no spark, or only a weak one, your spark plugs probably need to be replaced.
If the spark plugs are working, but the engine won’t turn over, this probably indicates a problem with the electrical system. Inspect the plug caps, regulator, and charging discharge ignition box. If you find any issues with these components, consult a snowmobile technician.
Flooded Engine
Over-priming or over-choking your snowmobile can easily result in a flooded engine. When the engine is flooded, you’ll smell gas or see gas leaking from the exhaust pipe. To clear the line, first hit the kill switch and disconnect the spark plugs, then hold the throttle open and pull the start cord. Once the line is clear, go ahead and clean and reinstall the spark plugs.
Dried-Out Fuel Lines and Carburetor
Long periods of disuse can cause your snowmobile’s carburetor and fuel lines to dry out. In many cases, you can solve this problem by using starter fluid or a carburetor cleaner. If the issue persists, you may need to have the carburetor professionally cleaned or rebuilt. Consult a snowmobile technician if you have any concerns about your carburetor.
We hope you found this troubleshooting guide helpful! For professional assistance with snowmobile maintenance and repairs, contact Lighthouse Motorsports and Marine. We proudly serve Rosemount, MN, and our neighbors in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
