Hard to Pull Start 2012 ProRMK 800

[GoBigParts]

Lately I've noticed how hard it is to pull over when cold. Yesterday after sitting for several days in my trailer and a few days hovered around 0 degree F I couldn't pull the rope fast enough to turn the sled over. Once it sounded like it turned over and almost started then it free'ed up. Almost like it has some kind of vacuum lock until it almost fires and something frees up.

Then I noticed there is about a 30 second to 1 min delay before the display comes on. Probably needs to go back to dealer.

 

[Lind]

took me 12 pulls out at tog last year when it was -20, first couple could hardly pull it...

was below zero both days up in the UP last weekend, took about 5-6 on both sleds (800s)

sounds normal

 

[turbolover]

When it is really cold I don't try to start it immediately.
I will deliberately pull it over slow a couple of pulls to get the oil around the bearings loosened up.
Usually after pulling it over 4-5 times slowly it will fire right up after 2-3 good hard pulls.

 

[Reg2view]

Pull over slowly before attempting to start, switch off, or, pull plugs, warm them up in your pocket, while you pull over motor and loosen it up. Some oils also don't like to flow below -25F temps. Often pull belt, too, if the sled has been out in -40 to -50, warm it up before trying to start.

 

[Bigrock33]

When it is really cold I don't try to start it immediately.
I will deliberately pull it over slow a couple of pulls to get the oil around the bearings loosened up.
Usually after pulling it over 4-5 times slowly it will fire right up after 2-3 good hard pulls.

X2 - never had a sled that pulled over easy when it has sat in really, really cold temps

 

[GoBigParts]

I said it sat in the trailer for a couple of days at zero or above not -25. As a matter of when trying to start it last night it was in the mid to upper teens. My collar bone feels like it separated after trying to pull start that thing.

 

[Leaf27]

Check your power valves.

 

[trestlecreek]

I have a pair of Polaris 550 fans, when very cold they too pull over hard, one in fact I could barely turn over. Check belt tension, if too tight it adds to the effort to pull over. Just a thought...

 

[Reg2view]

I said it sat in the trailer for a couple of days at zero or above not -25. As a matter of when trying to start it last night it was in the mid to upper teens. My collar bone feels like it separated after trying to pull start that thing.

Can you tell if you're low on coolant? White smoke when/if it started? If it's leaking from the pump or jackets into the case, it can hydro lock, full or partial. Obviously, there are other possibilities. You should be able to turn the motor over by hand, both directions, grabbing the primary - make sure your kill switch is down before you try. At zero, it shouldn't be that tight.

 

[GoBigParts]

Can you tell if you're low on coolant? White smoke when/if it started? If it's leaking from the pump or jackets into the case, it can hydro lock, full or partial. Obviously, there are other possibilities. You should be able to turn the motor over by hand, both directions, grabbing the primary - make sure your kill switch is down before you try. At zero, it shouldn't be that tight.

Coolant bottle looks a couple inches lower than the cold line. Haven't really noticed more white smoke or anything more than the other sleds in our group. I will start paying attention to that.

My buddy that I ride with often has the same identical sled as mine. There has been mornings I have started both to load them and his pulls easier.

 

[snowman80]

I noticed mine pulls over really hard if I immediately put it in an enclosed trailer after a day of riding and it sits over night. If I leave it sit outside it pulls over easier. Don't ask me why but it does. Maybe the humidity?

 

[TRS]

Time for a leak down test.

 

[GoBigParts]

Looks like a trip to the dealer monday morning is in order. Still under warranty I am not messing with it.

 

[seth25]

Sounds like its time to hit the gym

 

[rmscustom]

You and your buddy using the same oil? Are you revving it up a bit when it first starts to power the gauge?

 

[GoBigParts]

You and your buddy using the same oil? Are you revving it up a bit when it first starts to power the gauge?

typically do not rev it up when first starting.

 

[rmscustom]

Typically mine starts and idles slow until I rev it up just a hair then it powers up the gauge stays at 1850 rpm or so and runs smoother. Maybe yours is different.

 

[GoBigParts]

Typically mine starts and idles slow until I rev it up just a hair then it powers up the gauge stays at 1850 rpm or so and runs smoother. Maybe yours is different.

As of late it seems to idle lower and take longer for the gauge to come on. Before never a problem.

a. Gym, well who couldn't benefit from going to the gym? I'm around 200lb should be fine and never had a problem the first 2 years pull starting the sled at all so we can probalby elminate that as a cause.

b. different oils. He uses Ves, I use Citgo Sea&Snow synthetic blend.

c. Engine rebuilt at the end of the season last year aroudn 2500. Now has 3400 miles

 

[Setsaa]

i have noticed a difference between how hard it is to pull with different oil on the same sled. Worth trying.

 

[Leaf27]

My buddy's 2010 Dragon was hard to pull over too, then it started running poorly, cuts out after 6000 rpm. Found out that the power valve spring in the bellow was broke.